lungs

What is secondhand smoke? Secondhand smoke can cause illness and disease in nonsmokers. Some of these conditions include lung cancer, heart disease, respiratory illnesses such as asthma, SIDS, bronchitis, and pneumonia. The best way to protect yourself and your family from secondhand smoke exposure is to not allow anyone to smoke in the home and …

COPD exacerbations may last for two days or even two weeks Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations may last for two days or even two weeks, depending on the severity of the symptoms. Sometimes, COPD exacerbations may require antibiotics, oral corticosteroids and hospitalization. As your lung function deteriorates in the advanced stages of COPD, exacerbations can increase in frequency and …

Mostly, atelectasis (collapsed lung) improves without any treatment. Atelectasis occurs when parts of the lung tissue do not fill up with air. It may involve small parts of the lung or a larger surface depending on the cause. Mostly, atelectasis (collapsed lung) improves without any treatment. Your doctor will monitor you carefully and suggest rest or certain procedures until the …

Generic drug: tezacaftor/ivacaftor Brand name: Symdeko What is Symdeko (tezacaftor/ivacaftor), and how does it work? Symdeko (tezacaftor/ivacaftor) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) in patients age 6 years and older who have two copies of the F508del mutation, or who have at least one mutation in the CF gene that is responsive to treatment …

Orthopnea is different from sleep apnea. When you find it difficult to breathe while lying down because of the accumulation of fluids in your lungs, it is known as orthopnea. Usually, it takes time to have a sudden onset. You may wake up from sleep because of lack of oxygen. Orthopnea is different from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea occurs when …

Tachypnea is rapid, fast, and shallow breathing Tachypnea is rapid, fast, and shallow breathing. In this condition, a person’s respiratory rate is higher than the normal range (12-20 breaths per minute). It is caused by an imbalance between the respiratory gases leading to a decreased supply of oxygen and increased carbon dioxide in the blood. The buildup of carbon dioxide …

3D illustration of the lungs.Source: iStock Facts you should know about pleurisy Pleurisy involves inflammation of the tissue layers (pleura) lining the lungs and inner chest wall. Pleurisy is often associated with the accumulation of fluid between the two layers of pleura, known as pleural effusion. Pleurisy is caused by a variety of conditions, such as infections, tuberculosis (TB), congestive …

What is bronchiectasis? Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition in which the bronchi (tube-like passageways that transfer air within the lungs) get permanently damaged and widened. The most common causes of bronchiectasis are pneumonia, pertussis, tuberculosis and non-tuberculosis mycobacterium. Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition in which the bronchi (tube-like passageways that transfer air within the lungs) get permanently damaged …

Generic drug: ivacaftor Brand name: Kalydeco What is Kalydeco (ivacaftor), and how does it work? Kalydeco (ivacaftor) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) in patients age 6 months and older who have at least one mutation in their CF gene that is responsive to Kalydeco. Talk to your doctor to learn if you have …

What is mucus in the lungs? Mucus buildup in the lungs can be cased by infection, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), smoking, cystic fibrosis, allergies, bronchiectasis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Mucus is a protective substance that’s created by many body parts such as the mouth, sinuses, throat, lungs, stomach, and intestines. About a liter of mucus is produced by …