AN unusual case reported in the New England Journal of Medicine last week has created a confronting picture of the phrase "coughing up a lung".
Doctors at UC San Francisco Medical Centre reported the incident which occurred when a 36-year-old man with end-stage heart failure coughed up a massive blood clot (below) in the shape of his right bronchial tree.
Unfortunately the patient died a few days later despite the best efforts of the medical team.
Just in time for New Year's Eve fireworks, a new animal medication has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to help pets deal with loud noises.
Pexion is indicated for use in cases of animal anxiety, and is to be given to dogs twice daily starting a couple of days before an expected "noise event".
Side effects of the drug can include difficulty standing and walking, increased appetite and vomiting, and Pexion will only be available in the US with a prescription from a vet.
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