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In just published issue of Lung India of Lung India, [14] Dr. Madan et al. have done well in adopting this method, having previously used it for the Indian Bronchoscopy survey. Pleural cryobiopsy versus flexible forceps biopsy in subjects with undiagnosed exudative pleural effusions undergoing semirigid thoracoscopy: A Crossover Randomized Trial (COFFEE Trial). Apex institutes in India published their successful experience with the procedure [7-10] and then went on to push the boundaries by removing foreign objects, [11] carrying out pleural cryobiopsies [12] and even performing lung biopsies through this route. MT has become a method of choice for investigating undiagnosed exudative pleural effusions, and its therapeutic application is seen, with a high success rate, in malignant pleural effusion and loculated empyema. [Extracted from the article]

Surgery is the preferred treatment modality for benign tracheal stenosis. Interventional bronchoscopy is used as a bridge to surgery or in instances when surgery is not feasible or has failed. Stenosis in the subglottic trachea is particularly a treatment challenge, in view of its proximity to the vocal cords. Herein, we describe a patient with complete tracheal stenosis in the subglottic region, which developed after prolonged intubation and mechanical ventilation. The patient developed recurrent stenosis despite multiple surgical and endoscopic procedures. We were able to manage the patient successfully with rigid bronchoscopy and Montgomery T‑tube placement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on the publication of the consensus guidelines to facilitate the practitioners in Indian for the management, diagnosis, and burden reduction of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The author mentions that the guidelines are aiming for the improvement of health care processes by minimizing the practice variation and optimizing the resources. The author adds that the guidelines are regarded as an important step for the reduction of the burden of disease.

The article discusses the risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) and its association with systemic inflammation in obese patients. It mentions studies that discuss high risk factors for COPD, which include exposure to biomass smoke and tobacco smoking. It refers to an ECLIPSE study that found higher levels of systemic inflammation in obese COPD patients.

The authors reflect on Indian guidelines for the management of asthma, a common, chronic inflammatory disease of the airway. Topics discussed include the "Indian Study on Epidemiology of Asthma, Respiratory Symptoms and Chronic Bronchitis" (INSEARCH) estimated the prevalence of asthma in India, the supplement to the guidelines is a joint initiative by National College of Chest Physicians (NCCP) and the Indian Chest Society (ICS), and evidence-based framework for diagnosis and management.

An obituary for Dheeraj Gupta, physician and professor who served the Department of Pulmonary Medicine at Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in India in 1991, is presented.