Emergency Medical Minute

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• Podcast 1008: Acupuncture for Low Back Pain in Older Adults 01.06.2026 2Min.

  Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls:  Back pain is a common presenting complaint in the emergency department. Challenges arise when tailoring care to elderly populations using standard medical therapy: Muscle relaxants carry the risk of CNS depression or anticholinergic effects such as urinary retention and confusion. Pain medications such as opiates have side effects including constipation, respiratory depression, and hypotension. NSAIDs carry a risk of GI bleeding and worsening kidney function with chronic use. A randomized clinical trial assessing the effects of acupuncture on low back pain took 800 adults aged 65 and older with chronic low back pain and placed them into one of three treatment arms: Usual medical care Standard acupuncture consisting of 8–15 treatment sessions over 12 weeks, plus usual medical care Standard acupuncture consisting of 8–15 treatment sessions over 12 weeks, plus 4-6 maintenance sessions during the next 12 weeks, plus usual medical care Using the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) score, they assessed disability at 6 months and 12 months. The study found that those who had undergone treatment with acupuncture had significantly greater improvements in disability related to low back pain compared to the group that was only treated with usual medical care. Acupuncture is not used in the ER, but could represent a relatively safe adjunctive therapy for patients who are not responding to standard medical therapy alone.   References:  American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma. Best practices guidelines: geriatric trauma management. American College of Surgeons; 2023. Accessed May 27, 2026. https://www.facs.org/media/ubyj2ubl/best-practices-guidelines-geriatric-trauma.pdf DeBar LL, Wellman RD, Justice M, et al. Acupuncture for chronic low back pain in older adults: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(9):e2531348. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.31348 Summarized by Ashley Lyons, OMS3 | Edited by Ashley Lyons & Ahmed Abdel-Hafiz, NREMT-P
• Podcast 1007: Caffeine Pharmacology 25.05.2026 4Min.

  Contributor: Travis Barlock, MD Educational Pearls:   Caffeine Geography and Types: Caffeine is found throughout the world and has evolved independently in various plants that are not evolutionarily related through direct lineage, but rather demonstrate convergent evolution (i.e. different species evolve the same traits).  These plants use caffeine as an insecticide.  Examples of caffeine sources include coffee, tea, yerba-mate, guaraná, cacao, and yaupon holly. Roughly 85% of Americans are estimated to consume caffeine daily.   Caffeine Pharmacology in Humans:  In humans, caffeine is a nonselective competitive antagonist (blocker) of adenosine receptors (A1 and A2A).  During waking hours, neuronal metabolic activity consumes ATP, and a byproduct of ATP hydrolysis is created: adenosine.  Adenosine proceeds to build a "sleep pressure".  Acting on A1 and A2A adenosine receptors to induce sleep (on A1, it suppresses neuronal "wakefulness" and on A2A it is believed to be an inducer of sleep).  Caffeine, by blocking those receptors, blunts sleep induction and feelings of being tired.  Caffeine has a half-life of around 6 hours, and a quarter life of approximately 12 hours, which is when the caffeine will off-load and adenosine can once again occupy those receptors, potentially causing a "crash".  Thus, for shift-workers, it is important to time caffeine intake roughly 10 hours before target bed time.  Caffeine exerts other effects on the body.  It is methylxanthine similar to theophylline, which works as a bronchodilator (via phosphodiesterase and adenosine pathways). Caffeine has clinical use to promote bronchodilation in pre-term infants.  Caffeine exerts diuretic effects as well (blocking proximal renal tubule reabsorption).  Recent ingestion of caffeine may blunt therapeutic use of adenosine in patients with SVT.  Key Takeaway? Caffeine exerts a wide variety of effects beyond making us feel more awake. It has cardiovascular, pulmonary, and renal implications in its pharmacodynamics.   References    Benarroch EE. Adenosine and its receptors: multiple modulatory functions and potential therapeutic targets for neurologic disease. Neurology. 2008;70(3):231-236. doi:10.1212/01.wnl.0000297939.18236.ec Mitchell DC, Knight CA, Hockenberry J, Teplansky R, Hartman TJ. Beverage caffeine intakes in the U.S. Food Chem Toxicol. 2014;63:136-142. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2013.10.042 Bruschettini M, Brattström P, Russo C, Onland W, Davis PG, Soll R. Caffeine dosing regimens in preterm infants with or at risk for apnea of prematurity - Bruschettini, M - 2023 | Cochrane Library. Accessed May 23, 2026. https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD013873.pub2/full?cookiesEnabled Huang R, O'Donnell AJ, Barboline JJ, Barkman TJ. Convergent evolution of caffeine in plants by co-option of exapted ancestral enzymes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2016;113(38):10613-10618. doi:10.1073/pnas.1602575113 Cabalag MS, Taylor DM, Knott JC, Buntine P, Smit D, Meyer A. Recent caffeine ingestion reduces adenosine efficacy in the treatment of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. Acad Emerg Med. 2010;17(1):44-49. doi:10.1111/j.1553-2712.2009.00616.x  Summarized by Dan Orbidan, OMS2 | Edited by Dan Orbidan & Ahmed Abdel-Hafiz, NREMT-P   Donate: https://emergencymedicalminute.org/donate/   Join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/c9ouHf  
• Podcast 1006: Cannabinoid Pharmacology 18.05.2026 5Min.

  Contributor: Travis Barlock, MD Educational Pearls:   Endocannabinoid System: THC binds CB1 and CB2 receptors in neurons and immune cells Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis CB1 and CB2 receptors typically bind endogenously-produced 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and anandamide (AEA) to regulate pain, stress, and inflammation THC similarly binds CB1 and CB2, leading to the cannabinoid high: euphoria, paranoia, anxiety, analgesia, anti-inflammation, and appetite, among a variety of others Ingestion via edibles, vice inhalation via smoking, leads to chemical modification of Δ9-THC to 11-hydroxy-Δ9-THC, which more easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and binds CB1 with higher affinity, leading to increased psychoactivity   Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS): Chronic THC use leading to the classic presentation of persistent nausea and intense, frequent vomiting Chronic activation of CB1 receptors in brain builds a tolerance and dependence on THC, in addition to chronic activation of the capsaicin and vanilloid receptor TRPV1, which binds capsaicin or is activated by heat Treatment by warm showers works due to TRPV1 activation by heat Treated with benzodiazepines, fluids, and gastro-intestinal or central nervous system agents according to patient presentation   Over 200 synthetic cannabinoids have been created (K2, spice, black mamba, mojo, etc), which are more dangerous and can lead to a variety of etiologies   Acetaminophen binds CB1 receptors to reduce inflammatory pain   References Loganathan P, Gajendran M, Goyal H. A Comprehensive Review and Update on Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2024;17(11):1549. Published 2024 Nov 18. doi:10.3390/ph17111549  Wall ME, Sadler BM, Brine D, Taylor H, Perez-Reyes M. Metabolism, disposition, and kinetics of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in men and women. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1983 Sep;34(3):352-63. doi: 10.1038/clpt.1983.179. PMID: 6309462.  Mills B, Yepes A, Nugent K. Synthetic Cannabinoids. Am J Med Sci. 2015 Jul;350(1):59-62. doi: 10.1097/MAJ.0000000000000466. PMID: 26132518. Klinger-Gratz PP, Ralvenius WT, Neumann E, et al. Acetaminophen Relieves Inflammatory Pain through CB1 Cannabinoid Receptors in the Rostral Ventromedial Medulla. J Neurosci. 2018;38(2):322-334. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1945-17.2017   Summarized by Sam Pahl | Edited by Sam Pahl & Ahmed Abdel-Hafiz, NREMT-P   Donate: https://emergencymedicalminute.org/donate/ Join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/c9ouHf
• Podcast 1005: Balanced Fluid vs Normal Saline in Pediatric Patients 11.05.2026 2Min.

  Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: There has long been many questions about which IV fluid is best for ED resuscitation Multiple adult studies have shown no clear benefit of balanced fluid vs normal saline A large pediatric randomized clinical trial published in April compared balanced fluid vs normal saline in children with septic shock  The study included about 9,000 patients from 47 emergency departments in five countries Patients with septic shock were randomized to receive either balanced fluid or normal saline The primary outcome was adverse kidney event (death, dialysis, or persistent kidney dysfunction) at 30 days or hospital discharge Results showed no difference in any safety outcomes and no adverse events occurred The key takeaway is that early fluid resuscitation matters more than which crystalloid you choose   References Balamuth F, Weiss SL, Long E, et al. Balanced Fluid or 0.9% Saline in Children Treated for Septic Shock. New England Journal of Medicine. Published online April 23, 2026. doi:https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2601969   Summarized by Meg Joyce, MS3 | Edited by Meg Joyce & Ahmed Abdel-Hafiz, NREMT-P Donate: https://emergencymedicalminute.org/donate/  
• Carepoint Journal Club: Occlusion Myocardial Infarction 07.05.2026 25Min.

  Carepoint Journal Club is a quarterly series with discussions about a medical topic, brought to you by Carepoint's Emergency Physicians.
• Podcast 1004: Sinus Arrest Post TAVR 04.05.2026 4Min.

  Contributor: Taylor Lynch, MD Educational Pearls:    Conduction abnormalities are a common and clinically significant complication in patients who undergo transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)   Clinical Features The most common abnormalities include high grade AV block and new onset LBBB  Due to the close proximity of the aortic annulus to the AV node and His-Purkinje system More common in males, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conduction disease (RBBB or LBBB) Sinus pauses and sinus arrest are a rare post-TAVR rhythm disturbances Temporary failure of sinus node firing with absent P waves, followed by return of sinus rhythm Sinus Pauses: Typically last < 3 seconds Sinus Arrest: Typically last > 3 seconds Not due to direct mechanical injury from the valve, but may occur in patients as a result of pre-existing disease or other external factors: Medications Beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, digoxin Pre-existing damage to the SA node Fibrosis from a previous MI   Treatment If the patient is asymptomatic, provide ongoing surveillance If the patient is symptomatic, treatment should be aimed at the underlying cause: For medication-induced abnormalities, stop the offending medication For acute, unstable bradycardia: Medications: Atropine, Dopamine Infusion, Epinephrine Infusion If cardiology is not immediately available, initiate transcutaneous pacing or insert a temporary transvenous pacemaker Definitive treatment: Pacemaker ~10–15% of patients may develop a bradyarrhythmia post TAVR, with ~8-15% later requiring a pacemaker   Due to the risk of conduction abnormalities post TAVR, many patients are discharged with ambulatory rhythm monitoring such as a ZioPatch or Holter monitor, and may present to the emergency department for evaluation of rhythm disturbances.   References: Kusumoto FM, Schoenfeld MH, Barrett C, et al. 2018 ACC/AHA/HRS guideline on the evaluation and management of patients with bradycardia and cardiac conduction delay. Heart Rhythm. 2019;16(9):e128-e226. Lilly, S, Deshmukh, A, Epstein, A. et al. 2020 ACC Expert Consensus Decision Pathway on Management of Conduction Disturbances in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Report of the American College of Cardiology Solution Set Oversight Committee. JACC. 2020 Nov, 76 (20) 2391–2411. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2020.08.050 Sammour, Y, Krishnaswamy, A, Kumar, A. et al. Incidence, Predictors, and Implications of Permanent Pacemaker Requirement After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement. J Am Coll Cardiol Intv. 2021 Jan, 14 (2) 115–134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcin.2020.09.063 Tarakji KG, Patel D, Krishnaswamy A, et al. Bradyarrhythmias detected by extended rhythm recording in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (Brady-TAVR Study). Heart Rhythm. 2022;19(3):381-388.   Summarized by Ashley Lyons, OMS3 | Edited by Ashley Lyons & Ahmed Abdel-Hafiz, NREMT-P   Donate: https://emergencymedicalminute.org/donate/   Join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/c9ouHf
• Podcast 1003: Nasal Intubation 27.04.2026 9Min.

  Contributor: Alec Coston, MD Educational Pearls: What are nasal intubations and when do we use them? Nasal intubations function similarly to oral intubations with the end goal of passing an endotracheal tube (ETT) through vocal cords and into the trachea to allow for a patent and secure airway, but differ in the main access point for the ETT (nare v.s. mouth). Nasal Intubations are seldom preferred to oral intubations as they carry risk for inducing bleeding from trauma to the nasal passages.  Indications for nasal intubations include: Anatomical abnormalities that may make access through the mouth difficult (i.e. tumors, macroglossia, or rare dental hardware that clenches the jaw shut). Physiological states such as severe angioedema.  Nasal intubations are often done with the patient awake and could be advantageous if the patient is presenting in a severely hypoxic state such that prolonged hypoxia in a traditional RSI protocol may be detrimental. A 2023 retrospective analysis in Germany found that nasal intubations were associated with requiring less sedation than oral intubations and had more spontaneous breathing during hospitalization than oral intubations. How is a nasal intubation performed? Consider the use of an anxiolytic medication such as versed to calm the patient down but not fully sedate them. If there is adequate time without immediate patient compromise, consider glycopyrrolate to reduce airway secretions and dry up the mucous membranes. Consider the use of Afrin or other local vasoconstrictor in target nare to minimize epistaxis.    Use 5% lidocaine ointment and lubricate an NPA and place it into the target nare. This will allow for local anesthesia as well as help to open up the nare slightly more.  Take 5% lidocaine ointment and place it on a tongue depressor and move it around the back of the tongue, allowing it to further anesthetize the oropharynx.  Remove the NPA and atomize/nebulize 4% lidocaine liquid into the nare and into the oropharynx for further anesthesia.  Insert the ETT without the bronchoscope through the nare and allow it to pass about 10 cm until visible in the oropharynx. This allows for a "clean" plastic tunnel to pass the bronchoscope through. Advance both the ETT and bronchoscope, spraying lidocaine through the bronchoscope while advancing to allow for continued numbing.  Pass the ETT through the cords and inflate.  At this point, stronger sedation medications such as ketamine and propofol may be considered but the use of a paralytic like succinylcholine and rocuronium may not be needed to allow the patient to maintain their own negative pressure ventilation.  Which nare is the best to go through? Most patients will have their right nare be the best (away from the septal deviation) according to a meta-analysis by Tan et al.  The right nare was generally associated with less epistaxis and lower intubation times.  However, do not always default to the right nare, and test which nare is more patent by occluding one nare at a time and assessing which one is less resonant  (less resonant = more patent).  Key Takeaway? Nasal intubations are rarer than oral intubations and can be more technically difficult, but may offer advantages in patients with difficult oral airways, but should never be first line.    References: Grensemann J, Gilmour S, Tariparast PA, Petzoldt M, Kluge S. Comparison of nasotracheal versus orotracheal intubation for sedation, assisted spontaneous breathing, mobilization, and outcome in critically ill patients: an exploratory retrospective analysis. Sci Rep. 2023;13:12616. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-39768-1 Tan YL, Wu ZH, Zhao BJ, Ni YH, Dong YC. For nasotracheal intubation, which nostril results in less epistaxis: right or left?: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Anaesthesiol. 2021;38(11):1180-1186. doi:10.1097/EJA.0000000000001462 Holzapfel L. Nasal vs oral intubation. Minerva Anestesiol. 2003;69(5):348-352.   Summarized by Dan Orbidan, OMS2 | Edited by Dan Orbidan & Ahmed Abdel-Hafiz, NREMT-P   Donate: https://emergencymedicalminute.org/donate/ Join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/c9ouHf
• Podcast 1002: Elder Agitation 20.04.2026 3Min.

  Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: What are the common causes of agitation in the elderly? Baseline dementia causing a behavioral disturbance Delirium precipitated by an acute medical problem such as a UTI, pneumonia, overdose/side effect of home medications, urinary retention, constipation, pain, hypoxia, electrolyte abnormality, etc. Exacerbation of a primary psychotic condition such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. What environmental changes can help reduce agitation? Maintain a quiet, calm, uncluttered environment Dim the lights Ensure the patient has their glasses, hearing aids, and dentures Avoid excessive lines such as foleys Minimize restraints and other forms of immobilization Reassure the patient frequently and have the family check in with the patient What are the best options if medications are required? If the patient is unsafe or non-pharmacologic measures fail, consider a second-generation ("atypical") antipsychotic using the lowest effective dose: Olanzapine Risperidone Quetiapine One special consideration is Dementia with Lewy Bodies, which can be very sensitive to antipsychotics. In this case, Quetiapine is the preferred agent. Avoid when possible: Diphenhydramine and other anticholinergics, which can worsen delirium (including urinary retention and sedation) Benzodiazepines, which may worsen confusion, falls, and respiratory depression Haloperidol, which has a higher risk of extrapyramidal symptoms and QT prolongation than many atypicals References Badwal K, Kiliaki SA, Dugani SB, Pagali SR. Psychosis Management in Lewy Body Dementia: A Comprehensive Clinical Approach. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol. 2022 May;35(3):255-261. doi: 10.1177/0891988720988916. Epub 2021 Jan 19. PMID: 33461372. Kurlan R, Cummings J, Raman R, Thal L; Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study Group. Quetiapine for agitation or psychosis in patients with dementia and parkinsonism. Neurology. 2007 Apr 24;68(17):1356-63. doi: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000260060.60870.89. PMID: 17452579. Shenvi C, Kennedy M, Austin CA, Wilson MP, Gerardi M, Schneider S. Managing Delirium and Agitation in the Older Emergency Department Patient: The ADEPT Tool. Ann Emerg Med. 2020 Feb;75(2):136-145. doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2019.07.023. Epub 2019 Sep 26. PMID: 31563402; PMCID: PMC7945005. Summarized and edited by Jeffrey Olson, MS4 Donate: https://emergencymedicalminute.org/donate/ Join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/c9ouHf
• Podcast 1001: Acute Intermediate Risk Pulmonary Embolism 13.04.2026 3Min.

  Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: Patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) are divided into three risk categories Low risk (non-massive PE): patients are stable Treatment: prescribe anticoagulants and discharge home Intermediate risk (submassive PE): patients are stable but display evidence of clot burden such as elevated troponin, elevated BNP, and/or right heart strain Treatment is controversial High risk (massive PE): patients are unstable with hypotension, hypoxia, and/or respiratory distress Treatment: IV thrombolysis to prevent decompensation A recent randomized controlled trial evaluated treatment of intermediate risk PE patients Patients were randomized to receive either thrombectomy with anticoagulation or anticoagulation alone The primary outcome evaluated changes in right ventricular enlargement at 48 hours A controversial primary outcome because it does not speak to mortality or incidence of other necessary aggressive interventions Low clinical significance The study found that thrombectomy significantly reduced right ventricular enlargement faster than anticoagulation alone. However, there was no statistical difference in mortality or need for other treatments Treatment for intermediate risk PE patient remains controversial The same study will have second follow-up at 90 days to see if there are other benefits References Lookstein RA, Konstantinides SV, Weinberg I, Dohad SY, Rosol Z, Kopeć G, Moriarty JM, Parikh SA, Holden A, Channick RN, McDonald B, Nagarsheth KH, Yamada K, Rosovsky RP; STORM-PE Trial Investigators. Randomized Controlled Trial of Mechanical Thrombectomy With Anticoagulation Versus Anticoagulation Alone for Acute Intermediate-High Risk Pulmonary Embolism: Primary Outcomes From the STORM-PE Trial. Circulation. 2026 Jan 6;153(1):21-34. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.125.077232. Epub 2025 Nov 3. PMID: 41183181. Summarized by Meg Joyce, MS2 | Edited by Meg Joyce & Jorge Chalit, OMS4 Donate: https://emergencymedicalminute.org/donate/
• Celebrating 1000 Medical Minutes 03.04.2026 1Std. 29Min.

  Hosts: Don Stader, Nate Novotny, Travis Barlock, and Jeffrey Olson In this episode, we reminice about the first 1000 medical minutes presented by EMM and what the next 1000 might hold. Below are all of the episodes referenced in this episode. Please go back and give them all a listen. Segment 1- Recap and Facts 1st medical minute o   April 29, 2016. Almost exactly 10 years ago. o   Diverticulitis and Antibiotics by Dr. Chris Holmes 1000th Medical Minute o   March 30, 2026 o   Treatment of burns by Aaron Lessen o   Edited by Ashley Lyons and published by Jorge Chalit Favorite sub-topics have included: o   Cardiovascular topics- 150 episodes o   Pharmacology- 97 episodes o   Toxicology- 85 episodes o   Neurology- 75 episodes The "Hunting for…" cinematic universe. -Michael Hunt o   399: Hunting for Pancreatitis o   424: Hunting for Measles o   432: Hunting for UTIs o   445: Hunting for the Endotracheal Tube o   455: Hunting for PeeCP o   460: Hunting for PE in Syncope o   487: Hunting for Epiglottitis Obsession with 1966- Chris Holmes o   120: The State of Sepsis in 1966 o   125: Old School CPR - 1966 o   138: Bromide Toxicity - 1966 o   147: GI Bleed - 1966 o   675: CHF like it's 1966 Favorite drug: naloxone/narcan (9) o   7: Heroin Overdose and OTC Narcan o   464: Narcan't? o   516: Narcan and Pulmonary Edema o   931: Naloxone in Cardiac Arrest Favorite disease state: Sepsis (13) o   22: Sepsis Sofa o   219: History of Sepsis o   244: Fever in Sepsis o   263: Early Antibiotics in Sepsis o   272: More on Temperature in Sepsis o   287: Sepsis Bundles o   544: C is for Sepsis Unhinged title combinations o   84: Hypothermia and Lightning Strike: Code Blue o   203: Wine, Milk and… Vaccines!? o   216: Roller Coasters and Kidney Stones o   299: Black Death, Lice, Math, and Pottery o   427: Cookie Dough is Delicious o   670: Operation Tat-Type o   695: Einstein and Cellophane o   777: Grass, weed and ancient Rome o   781: Foxglove, dropsy, and Salvador Dali o   959: The KLM Flight Disaster and Lessons in Healthcare Communication Most frequent contributors -          Aaron Lessen- 192 -          Don Stader- 84 -          Jarod Scott- 83 -          Peter Bakes- 53 -          Samuel Killian- 45 -          Dylan Luyten- 41 -          Erik Verzemnieks- Dozens -          Michael Hunt- 34 -          Travis Barlock- 30 -          Ricky Dhaliwal- 25 Top female voices o   Rachael Duncan, PharmD o   Rachel Beham, PharmD o   Meghan Hurley o   Gretchen Hinson o   Suzanne Chilton o   Katie Sprinkle Most listened to -          8. Podcast 835: Syncope Review -          7. Podcast 766: Truth about Tramadol -          6. Podcast 839: Causes of Pancreatitis -          5. Podcast 760: Why Fentanyl is the Worst -          4. Podcast 844: Dental Infections -          3. Podcast 846: Early Repolarization vs. Anterior STEMI -          2. Podcast 845: Hyperkalemic Cardiac Arrest -          1. Podcast 847: ECMO CPR Mini-game: who has actually seen our most rare diagnoses? o   18: Lemierre's Syndrome – Septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein after oropharyngeal infection leading to septic emboli. o   139: Locked-in Syndrome – Ventral pontine lesion causing quadriplegia and inability to speak with preserved consciousness and eye movements. o   144: Moyamoya Disease – Progressive stenosis of intracranial carotids with development of fragile collateral vessels causing strokes. o   221: Cotard Delusion (Walking Corpse Syndrome) – Psychiatric disorder where patients believe they are dead or do not exist. o   240: Pott's Puffy Tumor – Frontal bone osteomyelitis with subperiosteal abscess from sinusitis causing forehead swelling. o   277: Mucormycosis (Rhizopus) – Angioinvasive fungal infection in immunocompromised patients causing rapid tissue necrosis. o   293: Transient Global Amnesia – Sudden, transient loss of ability to form new memories that resolves within 24 hours. o   329: Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis – Episodic muscle weakness due to intracellular potassium shifts. o   374: Iliac Artery Endofibrosis – Exercise-induced fibrosis of the iliac artery causing claudication in athletes. o   466: Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) – Progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disease from persistent measles infection. o   477: Postpolypectomy Electrocoagulation Syndrome – Transmural burn of the colon after polypectomy causing localized peritonitis without perforation. o   578: Brown-Séquard Syndrome – Hemisection of the spinal cord causing ipsilateral motor/proprioception loss and contralateral pain/temperature loss. o   697: Kounis Syndrome – Acute coronary syndrome triggered by allergic reaction causing coronary vasospasm or plaque rupture. o   973: Meningitis Retention Syndrome – Acute urinary retention due to sacral nerve dysfunction during meningitis. Segment 2- Individual Interviews Segment 3- Looking forward Segment 4- Trivia Podcast 38, what is significant about diphtheria and March 18th? o   On March 18th, the Iditarod is run in Alaska to commemorate a sled dog team, led by Balto, that ran from Nome to Anchorage and back to provide children in Nome with the diphtheria anti-toxin serum. Podcast 52: Syphilis the Great Imitator. The study of Syphilis or "Syphilology" evolved into the field of what? o   Dermatology Podcast 121:  The Poor Man's Methadone. What is the poor man's methadone? o   Imodium Podcast 136:  James Lind, conducted the first clinical trial in 1747 and proved that what cure what? Hint: think vitamins. o   Citrus fruits cure scurvy. Podcast #213: --- and Potatoes. What food has been shown to lower LDL? o   Oats Podcast #216: Roller Coasters and Kidney Stones. A study used a model of a kidney and ureter with different sized stones and put it on ------ roller coaster in Disney World. o   Thunder Mountain Podcast #261. ---- was introduced to treat ACE-inhibitor induced angioendema. but later, better-powered studies showed that it had no benefit compared to standard treatment. o   Icatibant Podcast #304: ---. ---- was a formal medical diagnosis, and one that dates back to 17th century when soldiers had longing for home and melancholy with a constellation of symptoms including lethargy, sadness, disturbed sleep, heart palpitations, GI complaints, and/or skin findings for which the only cure was to return home. o   Nostalgia Podcast # 351: Steakhouse Syndrome. What is steakhouse syndrome? o   Impacted food bolus 2/2 esophageal stricture Podcast # 362: Giant Hogweed. What can Giant Hogweed cause. o   Photosensitivity, severe blisters, and burns Podcast #398:  Who is gonna fail your antibiotic plan? What vital sign abnormality at triage had the highest odds ratio for treatment failure for the treatment of cellulitis with antibiotics. o   Tachypnea Podcast # 458: A Tylenol a Day Keeps the ---- Away? A recent study investigated the effect of scheduled IV acetaminophen on the incidence of ---- in post-CABG patients in the ICU o   Delerium Podcast 554: Sleeping Away Alzheimer's. What is the difference between white noise and pink noise? o   White noise is all the surrounding sound frequencies mixed together that your brain tunes down so you don't get distracted while you're sleeping o   Pink noise, or deep soothing noises, is the accentuated bass sounds like falling rain or waves crashing your brain keys into while sleeping. o   Pink noise during sleep has been shown to increase stage 4, creating more CSF washout of beta amyloid. Podcast 580:  Origin of PPE. Why were rubber gloves invented? o   The invention of surgical gloves are credited to surgeon William Halsted. He developed gloves because one of his assistants (and later wife), Carol Hampton, was having severe irritation due to a caustic pre-op disinfecting process. They developed the rubber glove for Hampton which garnered popularity, and by the early 20th century, half of surgeons were using rubber gloves. Podcast 587:  Puppies Preventing Burnout? Puppies lower stress, what activity in that study increased stress? o   Coloring, because they were denied a chance to play with a puppy Podcast 596: Weather Can be a Headache. What are the three weather events that can increase the frequency of headaches? o   High temp o   Low humidity o   High air pollution Podcast 612: Origin of Vaccines. Guess both diseases. The potential of vaccinations was first observed in the late 1600s when Jenner observed people who had cowpox never contracted ----. Years later, Louis Pasteur inoculated chickens with ---- after his assistant accidently created the first live attenuated vaccine by creating a weakened bacteria when he left the bacteria out while he went on vacation o   Smallpox, cholera Podcast 670: Operation Tat-Type. In 1951, Operation Tat-Type began tattooing adults with their ---- in an effort to prepare for ---- in the time of the Cold War and the Korean War o   Blood type, rapid transfusions Podcast 695: Einstein and Cellophane. Albert Einstein had ----- as a middle-aged man. Dr. Rudolph Nissen, founder of the Nissen fundoplication, performed exploratory surgery for this pain and found a ---- -          The only treatment for an AAA at that time was to----, causing a fibrotic response to prevent rupture -          Einstein died 7 years after this surgery, likely from his leaking abdominal aortic aneurysm o   chronic abdominal pain o   AAA o   wrap the vessel in cellophane Podcast 748: -----. Whale blubber, honey, home fermented foods, homemade wine (especially the wine made in prison), and improperly stored canned food can all contain the toxin o   Botulism Podcast 777: Grass, Weed, and Ancient Rome. Wine and wormwood and white hellborn were used in ancient rome to treat ----. o   Nausea, sea sickness Podcast 821: EKGs in Syncope. Travis suggests a mnemonic for remembering additional EKG findings to look for in syncope o   WOBBLER §  Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) §  Obstructed AV node §  Brugada syndrome §  Bifascicular block §  Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH) §  Epsilon waves §  Repolarization abnormalities Podcast 890: Outdoor Cold Air for Croup A 2023 study, published in the Journal of Pediatrics, investigated whether a 30-minute exposure to outdoor cold air could improve mild to moderate croup symptoms before the onset of steroid effects. In what country was this study conducted. o   Switzerland Podcast 925: Pediatric Tongue Entrapment. Case study of a peds patient with his/her tongue stuck in a drinking cap. What was the substance that finally set it free? o   Table sugar Podcast 960: Frank's Sign - A Marker for Coronary Artery Disease. What is Frank's Sign? o   Bilateral earlobe crease Thank you to all that make the EMM awesome! Hosted and editted by Jeffrey Olson MS4 | Additional editting by Jorge Chalit, OMS4 Donate: https://emergencymedicalminute.org/donate/ Join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/c9ouHf
• Podcast 1000: Cool Water 30.03.2026 2Min.

  Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: Burns range in complexity from minor first-degree burns to more severe full-thickness burns. Initial basic burn management: Run the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes. Do not scrub the skin. Do not use ice water. Ideally initiated as soon as possible, but no later than 3 hours after injury. Applicable to all burns ranging from superficial to full thickness. Then apply a non-adherent dressing or sterile gauze. Can be done at home or upon presentation to the emergency department. These steps decrease pain and minimize tissue damage. A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that, out of 371 EMS and emergency medicine providers, 90% had not heard of the recommendation to run burns under cool water for 20 minutes. The majority of providers interviewed expressed motivation to implement this burn cooling practice but cited barriers such as: Difficulty immersing certain body parts (e.g., chest). Critically ill patients requiring other urgent interventions. References: Holbert MD, Singer Y, Palmieri T, et al. Cool Running Water as a First Aid Treatment for Burn Injuries. Annals of Emergency Medicine. 2025;S0196-0644(25)01138-2. doi:10.1016/j.annemergmed.2025.08.003. Olawoye OA, Isamah CP, Ademola SA, et al. Effect of Prehospital Topical Application of Water and Other Agents on Outcome in Burn Injured Patients: A Prospective Study. Burns. 2025;51(2):107357. doi:10.1016/j.burns.2024.107357. Summarized by Ashley Lyons, OMS3 | Edited by Ashley Lyons & Jorge Chalit, OMS4 Donate: https://emergencymedicalminute.org/donate/ Join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/c9ouHf
• Podcast 999: Right vs Left Internal Jugular Access 23.03.2026 2Min.

  Contributor: Travis Barlock, MD Educational Pearls: What is an internal jugular catheter (IJ) and when do we use it? IJs are catheters that can be placed in either the left or the right internal jugular vein to provide central venous catheter (CVC) access. CVCs can be placed in other locations other than the internal jugular vein (i.e. subclavian vein or femoral veins). IJs are used when the patient may require long-term venous access or have to receive hyperosmolar solutions (such as solutions with high glucose content for parenteral nutrition); solutions with extreme pHs (9); or vesicant drugs (drugs that can cause tissue necrosis with extravasation). They are not to be confused with EJs (external jugular vein catheters) which can be placed in difficult to peripherally catheterize patients. EJs function similarly to a peripheral IV. The advantage of IJs is their location in larger veins brings them closer to direct access to the heart (i.e. the right internal jugular vein will provide immediate/quicker access to the right atrium to the heart.) What are concerns of using a right internal jugular catheter versus one in the left? The right internal jugular vein provides quick access to the heart via the right atrium, making it ideal in critically ill patients who may require vasopressor support. However it is also the site commonly used for additional cannulation procedures such as hemodialysis, pulmonary artery pressure measurements, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and transvenous pacemaker placement. These procedures are not uncommon in critically ill patients who also required a CVC for initial hemodynamic support via vasopressors. Gharaibeh et al. found that patients who received a right IJ and hemodialysis had a higher need for re-insertion of the hemodialysis catheter (40% compared to 2.6% in the left IJ group). Furthermore, it was found that with a right IJ, hemodialysis catheters had to be exchanged by a guidewire in 23% of those with a right IJ as opposed to 0.9% in the left IJ group (a guidewire exchange is often considered a salvage technique to try and maintain access). Big Takeaway? If you are able to obtain an IJ on the right, you can likely obtain one on the left, and if considering longitudinal care for your patient, consider obtaining an IJ on the left to allow for future critical access in the right IJ. References Gharaibeh KA, Abdelhafez MO, Guedze KEB, Siddiqi H, Hamadah AM, Verceles AC. Impact of initial jugular vein insertion site selection for central venous catheter placement on hemodialysis catheter complications. Journal of Critical Care. 2025;87:155011. doi:10.1016/j.jcrc.2024.155011 Gallieni M, Pittiruti M, Biffi R. Vascular access in oncology patients. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 2008;58(6):323-346. doi:10.3322/CA.2008.0015 Summarized by Dan Orbidan, OMS2 | Edited by Dan Orbidan & Jorge Chalit, OMS4 Donate: https://emergencymedicalminute.org/donate/ Join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/c9ouHf
• Podcast 998: Delayed Intubation After an Overdose 16.03.2026 3Min.

  Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: How long do we need to watch patients with a presumed overdose who were treated with naloxone in the field? A 2025 study in the Annals of Emergency Medicine took a look at this question Methods Prospective, multi-institutional cohort study Included ED patients with suspected acute opioid overdose with biologic testing to confirm substances. This paper performed a secondary analysis evaluating the risk of "delayed intubation," defined as intubation occurring >4 hours after ED arrival. Results 1,591 patients with presumed opioid overdose were included. Delayed intubation occurred in only 9 patients (0.6%). 8 of the 9 cases had non-respiratory causes contributing to intubation. Only 1 patient had respiratory-related deterioration, presenting with respiratory acidosis after receiving 6.4 mg naloxone prior to intubation. Key Takeaway Delayed respiratory deterioration requiring intubation after 4 hours of ED monitoring is extremely rare, suggesting prolonged monitoring may not be necessary for most stabilized overdose patients. How else can we mitigate risk? Give patients take-home naloxone at discharge and educate them on how to use it (See Episode 673: Leaving the ED with Naloxone). When are naloxone drips necessary? If a patient requires repeated naloxone boluses, consider a drip To get the dose, take the total naloxone dose that restored adequate breathing and give two-thirds of that dose per hour Typically these patients are admitted to the ICU References McCabe DJ, Gibbs H, Pratt AA, Culbreth R, Sutphin AM, Abston S, Li S, Wax P, Brent J, Campleman S, Aldy K, Falise A, Manini AF; ToxIC Fentalog Study Group. Risk of Delayed Intubation After Presumed Opioid Overdose in the Emergency Department. Ann Emerg Med. 2025 Jun;85(6):498-504. doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2025.01.022. Epub 2025 Mar 4. PMID: 40047773; PMCID: PMC12955731. Summarized and edited by Jeffrey Olson MS4 Donate: https://emergencymedicalminute.org/donate/ Join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/c9ouHf
• Podcast 997: D-Dimer 09.03.2026 2Min.

  Contributor: Travis Barlock, MD Educational Pearls: D-dimer: fibrin degradation product used to evaluate for clot formation and breakdown Threshold:
• Podcast 996: Melatonin 02.03.2026 4Min.

  Contributor: Taylor Lynch MD Educational Pearls: Melatonin is an endogenous hormone released primarily by the pineal gland Also released by extrapineal regions in the retina, the GI tract, and some immune cells Peak secretion occurs at night and is suppressed during the day Secretion and production decrease with age Older patients experience the greatest improvement in sleep latency and sleep quality Mechanism of action in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus MT1 receptor Reduces normal firing MT2 receptor Shifts the circadian rhythm FDA approved for insomnia Decreases sleep latency by 7 minutes Increases total sleep time by 8 minutes FDA approved for circadian sleep-wake disorders Jet lag Most effective in west-to-east travel Best if crossing at least 5 time zones Shift work A study examined ED physicians and nurses with rotating shifts Modest increase in deep sleep percentage No difference in cognition or reaction time the day after taking melatonin Nurses on rotating night shifts experienced increased total sleep time by 20 minutes Dosing 0.5 - 3 mg is the most evidence-based dosing Higher doses increase the risk of rebound grogginess but do not improve outcomes References Ahmad SB, Ali A, Bilal M, et al. Melatonin and Health: Insights of Melatonin Action, Biological Functions, and Associated Disorders. Cell Mol Neurobiol. 2023;43(6):2437-2458. doi:10.1007/s10571-023-01324-w Herxheimer A, Petrie KJ. Melatonin for the prevention and treatment of jet lag. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2002;(2):CD001520. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001520 Morgenthaler TI, Lee-Chiong T, Alessi C, Friedman L, Aurora RN, Boehlecke B, Brown T, Chesson AL Jr, Kapur V, Maganti R, Owens J, Pancer J, Swick TJ, Zak R; Standards of Practice Committee of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Practice parameters for the clinical evaluation and treatment of circadian rhythm sleep disorders. An American Academy of Sleep Medicine report. Sleep. 2007 Nov;30(11):1445-59. doi: 10.1093/sleep/30.11.1445. Erratum in: Sleep. 2008 Jul 1;31(7):table of contents. PMID: 18041479; PMCID: PMC2082098. Thottakam BMVJ, Webster NR, Allen L, Columb MO, Galley HF. Melatonin Is a Feasible, Safe, and Acceptable Intervention in Doctors and Nurses Working Nightshifts: The MIDNIGHT Trial. Front Psychiatry. 2020;11:872. Published 2020 Aug 27. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00872 Summarized and edited by Jorge Chalit, OMS4 Donate: https://emergencymedicalminute.org/donate/ Join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/c9ouHf
• Episode 995: UTI Diagnosis 24.02.2026 5Min.

  Contributor: Travis Barlock, MD Educational Pearls:  Foul-smelling urine and cloudy urine are commonly misinterpreted as indicators of a UTI. However, these findings alone are not diagnostic. Criteria for UTI: Presence of localized urinary symptoms: Suprapubic pain Dysuria Hesitancy Urgency Urinalysis with WBC > 10 Urine culture with > 100,000 CFU/mL Colonization differs from infection - many patients harbor asymptomatic bacteria but do not have a true infection. Consequences of overtreatment One review showed 45% of patients treated with antibiotics for a presumed UTI actually had asymptomatic bacteriuria and were incorrectly treated. Unnecessary antibiotic treatment can have deleterious effects on the gut microbiome, increasing the risk of multidrug-resistant infections. Another problem with overdiagnosing UTI is missing the real diagnosis by explaining symptoms away as "just a UTI." Be mindful of the risk of overtesting versus not testing at all. Clinicians must navigate a balance between moving patients efficiently through the ER and testing appropriately when a UTI is truly suspected. References: Baghdadi JD, Korenstein D, Pineles L, et al. Exploration of primary care clinician attitudes and cognitive characteristics associated with prescribing antibiotics for asymptomatic bacteriuria. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(5):e2214268. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.14268 Colgan R, Williams M. Acute uncomplicated urinary tract infections in adults. Am Fam Physician. 2024;109(2):167-174. Accessed February 21, 2026. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2024/0200/acute-uncomplicated-utis-adults.html#afp20240200p167-ta1 Summarized by Ashley Lyons OMS3 | Edited by Ashley Lyons & Jorge Chalit OMS4 Donate: https://emergencymedicalminute.org/donate/ Join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/c9ouHf
• Podcast 994: Biphasic Anaphylaxis 16.02.2026 3Min.

  Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: What is anaphylaxis and what are its treatments?  Anaphylaxis is a broad term for potentially life threatening allergic reactions that can progress to cardiovascular collapse (anaphylactic shock).  It is triggered by IgE and antigen cross-linking on mast cells to induce degranulation and the release of histamines, which can cause diffuse vasodilation and respiratory involvement with end-organ hypoperfusion. First line treatment is the immediate administration of epinephrine at 0.01 mg/kg (max dose for pediatrics is 0.3 mg and for adults is 0.5 mg) as well as removal of the offending agent causing the reaction. Additional pharmacologic treatments such as anti-histamines and steroids should be considered but not used instead of epinephrine when anaphylactic shock is evident as the sole therapy. What is biphasic anaphylaxis and what is its occurrence? Biphasic anaphylaxis is the return of anaphylactic symptoms after the initial anaphylactic event. Previous studies have reported an incidence ranging from 1-20% of patients having an initial anaphylactic reaction having biphasic anaphylaxis, at a range of time from 1-72 hours. The mechanism of biphasic anaphylaxis is not completely known, but can be contributed to by initial interventions wearing off (and why patients will be monitored for 2-4 hours after initial symptoms and treatment), or delayed immune mediators beginning to take effect. Recent studies show that the rate of biphasic anaphylaxis may be closer to 16% occurrence with a median time of occurrence being around 10 hours. What is the key take away and patient education on biphasic anaphylaxis? After patients have been observed for the initial 2-4 hours in the emergency room, they are generally safe to go home. Patients should be informed of the need to carry an Epi-Pen for similar anaphylactic reactions, and informed that there is a chance within the next day (10-20 hours) that they may have the symptoms occur once again. The biphasic reaction may be more mild, and patients should be educated on how to treat it and to seek immediate emergency care if the symptoms do not improve. References Golden DBK, Wang J, Waserman S, et al. Anaphylaxis: A 2023 practice parameter update. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. 2024;132(2):124-176. doi:10.1016/j.anai.2023.09.015 Rubin S, Drowos J, Hennekens CH. Anaphylaxis: Guidelines From the Joint Task Force on Allergy-Immunology Practice Parameters. afp. 2024;110(5):544-546. Weller KN, Hsieh FH. Anaphylaxis: Highlights from the practice parameter update. CCJM. 2022;89(2):106-111. doi:10.3949/ccjm.89a.21076 Gupta RS, Sehgal S, Brown DA, et al. Characterizing Biphasic Food-Related Allergic Reactions Through a US Food Allergy Patient Registry. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice. 2021;9(10):3717-3727. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2021.05.009 Summarized by Dan Orbidan OMS2 | Edited by Dan Orbidan & Jorge Chalit OMS4 Donate: https://emergencymedicalminute.org/donate/ Join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/c9ouHf
• Podcast 993: Personalized Gene Editing Therapy 09.02.2026 6Min.

  Contributor: Alec Coston, MD Educational Pearls: Disclaimer: this has nothing to do with the ER but is too cool to not talk about. Condition: Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) deficiency Rare inborn error of metabolism Inability to properly break down ammonia Leads to severe hyperammonemia and hepatic encephalopathy Natural history: Without treatment, typically fatal within the first few weeks of life Even with current standard treatments, life expectancy is often limited to ~5–6 years Breakthrough treatment: A team of researchers at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania developed the CRISPR-based targeted gene therapy for this patient. First-of-its-kind precision approach tailored to the patient's specific mutation Key components of the therapy: Whole-genome sequencing to identify the exact CPS1 mutation Creation of a custom base-editing enzyme designed to correct that specific mutation Design of a guide RNA to direct the base editor to the precise genomic location Delivery method: Lipid nanoparticles used to deliver the gene-editing machinery Nanoparticles can be targeted to specific tissues Why the liver works well: CPS1 is primarily expressed in hepatocytes The liver is relatively easy to target with lipid nanoparticles Hepatocytes divide frequently, allowing edited genes to be passed on as cells replicate Long-term impact: Once edited, cells continue producing functional CPS1 enzyme Potential for durable, possibly lifelong correction from a single treatment References https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/infant-rare-incurable-disease-first-successfully-receive-personalized-gene-therapy-treatment Choi Y, Oh A, Lee Y, Kim GH, Choi JH, Yoo HW, Lee BH. Unfavorable clinical outcomes in patients with carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 deficiency. Clin Chim Acta. 2022 Feb 1;526:55-61. doi: 10.1016/j.cca.2021.11.029. Epub 2021 Dec 29. PMID: 34973183. Bharti N, Modi U, Bhatia D, Solanki R. Engineering delivery platforms for CRISPR-Cas and their applications in healthcare, agriculture and beyond. Nanoscale Adv. 2026 Jan 5. doi: 10.1039/d5na00535c. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41640466; PMCID: PMC12865601. Summarized and edited by Jeffrey Olson MS4 Donate: https://emergencymedicalminute.org/donate/ Join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/c9ouHf
• Tox Talks 2025 Recap 2, Methemoglobinemia and Errors 04.02.2026 41Min.

  Contributors: Travis Barlock MD, Ian Gillman PA, Jacob Altholz MD, Jeffrey Olson MS4 In this episode, EM attending Travis Barlock and medical student Jeffrey Olson listen in to the two remaining cases presented from EMM's recent event, Tox Talk 2025.  Talk 1- Methemoglobinemia- Ian Gillman Cyanosis + chocolate-colored blood + normal PaO₂ + pulse ox stuck at ~85% = Methemoglobinemia → Treat with methylene blue The medications that can cause it can be remembered with… Watch out with methylene blue as it can cause serotonin syndrome While treating with methylene blue the pulse ox can drop dramatically but this is not a real drop in oxygenation but rather an effect of how the methylene blue affects the sensor BADNAPS: causes of methemoglobinemia Benzocaine Aniline Dyes Dapsone Nitrites/Nitrates (Found in meds, preservatives, and well water) Antimalarials Pyridium Sulfonamides Talk 2- Intratecal TXA and Hierarchy of Controls for Error Avoidance - Jacob Altholz Hierarchy of Controls in terms of error prevention includes all of the layers of protection which can be categorized as elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administration controls, and PPE References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, April 28). Hierarchy of controls. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/learning/safetyculturehc/module-3/2.html Pushparajah Mak RS, Liebelt EL. Methylene Blue: An Antidote for Methemoglobinemia and Beyond. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2021 Sep 1;37(9):474-477. doi: 10.1097/PEC.0000000000002526. PMID: 34463662. Produced by Jeffrey Olson, MS4 Donate: https://emergencymedicalminute.org/donate/ Join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/c9ouHf
• Podcast 992: Fentanyl for Asthma 02.02.2026 4Min.

  Contributor: Alec Coston, MD Educational Pearls: BiPAP is often effective in severe asthma, but many patients struggle with mask tolerance due to intense air hunger–driven anxiety, often compounded by hypoxia. Benzodiazepines are commonly used for anxiety, but they can depress respiratory drive, making clinical improvement difficult to interpret (a lower RR may reflect sedation rather than true physiologic improvement). Low-dose fentanyl is a useful alternative when patients cannot tolerate BiPAP despite coaching. Opioids blunt the perception of dyspnea and are well established for treating air hunger. When carefully titrated, fentanyl provides anxiolysis without significant respiratory suppression. It is rapidly titratable (e.g., 25 mcg IV every 5 minutes). Evidence primarily comes from palliative and oncology literature, but growing clinical experience supports its use in severe asthma to improve BiPAP tolerance. Failure of fentanyl should prompt escalation to ketamine, often signaling impending need for intubation. References Pang GS, Qu LM, Tan YY, Yee AC. Intravenous Fentanyl for Dyspnea at the End of Life: Lessons for Future Research in Dyspnea. Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 2016 Apr;33(3):222-7. doi: 10.1177/1049909114559769. Epub 2014 Nov 25. PMID: 25425740. Summarized and edited by Meg Joyce, MS2 Donate: https://emergencymedicalminute.org/donate/ Join our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/c9ouHf