lungs

Viral pneumonia: Symptoms, Causes And Treatment

What is viral pneumonia? Viral pneumonia causes a dry cough, fever and other symptoms. Pneumonia is an infection in your lungs that is usually caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. About 30% of pneumonia  cases reported in the United States are viral. These viruses can transmit through the droplets of fluids in the air that …

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Pleurisy Symptoms and Treatments

What is pleurisy? Pleurisy is swelling and irritation of the tissues between the lungs and chest wall/rib cage Pleurisy is swelling and irritation of the tissues between the lungs and chest wall/rib cage. Pleurisy causes chest pain and shortness of breath in an individual.  Pleura a thin two-layer protective membrane that covers the lungs and lines the inside of the …

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How Long Is Pneumonia Contagious?

Pneumonia may be contagious for 2-14 days. Pneumonia may be contagious for 2-14 days. Usually, the goal of medications given for pneumonia is to limit the spread of the disease. A person with bacterial pneumonia will stop being contagious within two days of taking antibiotics. However, rarely, the treatment may have to be administered for at least two weeks or …

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What Is Endotracheal Intubation Used For?

What is endotracheal intubation? Endotracheal intubation is used for people who can't breathe on their own, whether because of an illness, accident or planned anesthesia for surgery. Endotracheal intubation is the procedure to insert a flexible tube into the airway (trachea) through the mouth or the nose. The endotracheal tube is most often placed through the mouth, especially in emergencies. …

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What Equipment and Medications Are Required for Endotracheal Intubation?

What is endotracheal intubation? Endotracheal intubation is a common procedure, but it can be traumatic and quite involved. Intubation requires 10 or more pieces of medical equipment, multiple medications and dozens of steps. Endotracheal intubation is the procedure to insert a flexible tube into the airway (trachea) through the mouth or the nose. Endotracheal intubation is performed during general anesthesia …

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Pulmonary Fibrosis: Symptoms, Stages, Causes & Life Expectancy

Pulmonary fibrosis definition and facts The prognosis of this disease is poor. The survival of patients with pulmonary fibrosis is less than 5 years. Pulmonary fibrosis refers to scarring of the lung tissue (fibrosis of the lungs). Symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis include: Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Decreased exercise tolerance The most common type of pulmonary fibrosis is …

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What Is a Tracheostomy and Why Is It Done?

A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure performed for restricted airways A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that involves creating an opening in the front part of the neck to place a tube into a person’s windpipe. The tube is inserted through a cut in the neck in the space between the thyroid gland and breastbone. This allows air to enter …

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What Is a Tracheostomy?

A tracheostomy is performed for restricted airways A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that involves creating an opening in the front part of the neck to place a tube into a person’s windpipe. The tube is inserted through a cut in the neck in the space between the thyroid gland and breastbone. This allows air to enter the lungs. Breathing …

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What Is a Diaphragm Pacing System?

DPS can provide part-time or full-time respiratory support Diaphragm pacing system (DPS) is a treatment option for patients who cannot breathe on their own and mostly are dependent on a ventilator. The DPS can provide part-time or full-time respiratory support to persons who normally need a mechanical ventilator for breathing. A surgeon implants a device into the nerve that assists …

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Side Effects of Orkambi (lumacaftor and ivacaftor): Interactions & Warnings

Does Orkambi (lumacaftor and ivacaftor) cause side effects? Orkambi (lumacaftor and ivacaftor) is a combination of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) potentiators used to treat cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease that affects the secretory glands, including the mucus and sweat glands. Cystic fibrosis mostly affects the lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines, sinuses, and sex organs. Cystic …

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