Lungs Health Center

Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways in the lung. Acute bronchitis is short (10-20 days) in comparison with chronic bronchitis, which lasts for months to years. Causes of acute bronchitis include viruses and bacteria, which means it can be contagious. Acute bronchitis caused by environmental factors such as pollution or cigarette smoke is not contagious. Common symptoms of acute bronchitis include nasal congestion, cough, headache, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue. Acute bronchitis in children also may include runny nose, fever, and chest pain. Treatment for acute bronchitis includes OTC pain relievers, cough suppressants (although not recommended in children), and rest. Infrequently antibiotics may be prescribed to treat acute bronchitis.

Ground-glass opacities (GGO) are seen mostly in patients with moderate to severe respiratory conditions and those infected with COVID-19.

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that is found in soil and rock. Asbestos exposure occurs when asbestos fibers are disturbed and released into the air then and inhaled. Inhaling asbestos fibers causes three lung diseases; asbestosis, lung cancer, and noncancerous lung disease. In asbestosis, the asbestos fibers scar the lungs. Asbestosis and lung cancer have the same symptoms of cough and shortness of breath. Asbestosis progresses slowly, frequently even 20 to 40 years after asbestos exposure. Asbestos exposure includes can come from a variety of products, for example, drinking water due to the decay of asbestos cement in water mains and erosion of natural deposits (which increases your risk of developing benign intestinal polyps), insulation, vinyl floor tiles, some paints and patching compounds, oil and coal furnaces and doors, heat-resistant fabrics, and automobiles brakes and clutches. Some uses of asbestos are banned; however, most are not. Examples of products banned from using asbestos are commercial, corrugated, and specialty paper, flooring felt, and artificial fireplace embers that contain asbestos. Examples of products not banned from using asbestos include vinyl flooring, clothing, roof and non-roof coatings, friction materials, and some car components. Cancers of the larynx, throat, kidney, esophagus, and gallbladder have been linked to asbestos exposure. Treatment is dependent upon the type of condition related to asbestos exposure.

Bronchiectasis has three types: cylindrical bronchiectasis, saccular or varicose bronchiectasis, and cystic bronchiectasis. Causes of bronchiectasis include infection, environmental exposure, drug or alcohol abuse, and alpha-1 antitrypsin (congenital). Symptoms of bronchiectasis include shortness of breath, fatigue, chronic cough, bloody sputum, and wheezing. Treatment for bronchiectasis includes antibiotics and possibly surgery.

Pancoast tumors are a rare type of lung cancer that forms at the extreme top of either of the lungs. Due to their location at the top of the lung, there's a high chance that cancer might attack the adjacent tissue and produce typical symptoms.

Your lungs start to heal immediately after you quit smoking, which is why quitting as soon as possible is best for your health.

Tuberculosis (TB) infection is caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mostly affects your lungs but it can also affect other parts of the body including the lymph glands, brain, kidneys, bowels or bones. Tuberculosis (TB) is 100% curable if treated with the approved four drug combination for a minimum of six months.

Chronic bronchitis is a cough that occurs daily with the production of sputum that lasts for at least 3 months, 2 years in a row. Causes of chronic bronchitis include cigarette smoking, inhaled irritants, and underlying disease processes (such as asthma, or congestive heart failure). Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Treatments include bronchodilators and steroids. Complications of chronic bronchitis include COPD and emphysema.

<p>Doctors, pharmacists, and other health-care professionals use abbreviations, acronyms, and other terminology for instructions and information in regard to a patient's health condition, prescription drugs they are to take, or medical procedures that have been ordered. There is no approved this list of common medical abbreviations, acronyms, and terminology used by doctors and other health- care professionals. You can use this list of medical abbreviations and acronyms written by our doctors the next time you can't understand what is on your prescription package, blood test results, or medical procedure orders. Examples include:</p> <ul> <li>ANED: Alive no evidence of disease. The patient arrived in the ER alive with no evidence of disease. </li> <li>ARF: Acute renal (kidney) failure</li> <li>cap: Capsule.</li> <li>CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure. A treatment for sleep apnea.</li> <li>DJD: Degenerative joint disease. Another term for osteoarthritis.</li> <li>DM: Diabetes mellitus. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes</li> <li>HA: Headache</li> <li>IBD: Inflammatory bowel disease. A name for two disorders of the gastrointestinal (BI) tract, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis</li> <li>JT: Joint</li> <li>N/V: Nausea or vomiting.</li> <li>p.o.: By mouth. From the Latin terminology per os.</li> <li>q.i.d.: Four times daily. As in taking a medicine four times daily.</li> <li>RA: Rheumatoid arthritis</li> <li>SOB: Shortness of breath.</li> <li>T: Temperature. Temperature is recorded as part of the physical examination. It is one of the "vital signs."</li> </ul>

COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a lung condition caused by smoking tobacco, exposure to secondhand smoke, and/or air pollutants. Conditions that accompany COPD include chronic bronchitis, chronic cough, and emphysema. Symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, wheezing, and chronic cough. Treatment of COPD includes GOLD guidelines, smoking cessation, medications, and surgery. The life expectancy of a person with COPD depends on the stage of the disease.

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and asthma both have common symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and a tight feeling in the chest. COPD is caused by tobacco smoking, while asthma is caused by your inherited genetic makeup and its interactions with the environment. Risk factors for asthma are obesity, exposure to cigarette smoke (even secondhand smoke), and personal history of hay fever. There is no cure for either disease, but symptoms can be managed with medication. A person with asthma has a better prognosis and life expectancy than someone with COPD.

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is the term doctors and other healthcare professionals use to describe a group of serious, progressive (worsens over time), chronic lung diseases that include emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and sometimes asthma. The number one cause of COPD or emphysema, is smoking, and smoking is the third leading cause of death in the US.

Studies report that the use of cannabidiol (CBD) can reduce the symptoms of COPD and improve breathing, such as shortness of breath.

Emphysema is a condition that is considered a type of COPD. Emphysema usually occurs with chronic bronchitis. The most common cause of emphysema is long-term cigarette smoking. Learn about treatment, 4 stages, causes, symptoms, life expectancy, and prevention.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of diseases causing an inflammatory reaction and irreversible damage to the lungs. They cause obstruction of airflow and difficulty breathing.

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.

Learn how the signs and symptoms of a sinus infection are different from those caused by COVID-19.

What is the difference between bronchitis and COVID-19 (Coronavirus)? Learn how to recognize the symptoms of bronchitis and COVID-19 to help you treat either illness. Bronchitis or “chest cold” refers to the inflammation of the airways (bronchial tubes) in the lungs. Air passes through the lungs within a network of tubules called bronchial tubes. Bronchitis is often associated with persistent, nagging coughs with mucus. Learn more about when a cold becomes bronchitis.

Patients with dyspnea often describe tightness of the chest and a smothering sensation. These feelings can cause anxiety and psychological distress that makes symptoms worse, creating a vicious cycle. If you notice labored breathing in your child, you're right to be worried. Learn the signs to look for in your child’s breathing and when to call a doctor.

Most people who lived in an iron lung did so for a few weeks to months; however, some people lived in them for a lifetime. Check out the center below for more medical references on lung conditions, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations may last for two days or even two weeks, depending on the severity of the symptoms.

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 blood clot is a solid or semisolid clump of blood. When the tissues of our body are injured, excessive blood loss is prevented by the clotting of blood. When a blood clot occurs inside the blood vessels it may lead to serious medical conditions. When a blood clot occurs inside the arteries to the lungs, the condition is called pulmonary embolism (PE).

Improving the air quality at home can help you avoid allergies and asthma flare-ups. Plus, it lets you breathe easily. There are 12 ways to improve indoor air quality.

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis is an inflammation of the lung caused by small airborne particles such as bacteria, mold, fungi, or inorganic matter. There are two types of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, acute and chronic. Symptoms include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, body aches. Examples of hypersensitivity pneumonitis include bagassosis, mushroom worker's disease, sauna taker's disease, pigeon breeder's disease, and farmer's lung disease. Most commonly, it results from exposure to pet birds.

Hypoxia is a condition in which the normal concentration of oxygen in the blood is not enough for normal life functions. Symptoms of hypoxia and/or hypoxemia may be acute such as fast heart rate, rapid breathing, and shortness of breath; or severe symptoms include confusion, the inability to communicate, coma, and sometimes death. Treatment of hypoxia and/or hypoxemia is to provide supplemental oxygen to the body as soon as possible.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or IPF is a progressive lung disease. There is no known cause of IPF. Symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, fatigue, mild fevers, muscle pain, clubbing fingers, and ankle swelling. Treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is directed at managing symptoms. The life expectancy is about 2 to 5 years.

Interstitial lung disease refers to a variety of diseased that thicken the tissue between the lungs' air sacks. Symptoms of interstitial lung disease include shortness of breath, cough, and vascular problems, and their treatment depends on the underlying cause of the tissue thickening. Causes include viruses, bacteria, tobacco smoke, environmental factors, cancer, and heart or kidney failure.

Bronchitis is a common issue that affects many people. Learn the signs of bronchitis, what causes it, how doctors diagnose it, and what you can do to treat it.

Pleurisy is a painful lung condition that makes it hard to breathe. Learn what causes it, how it's diagnosed, what you can do to treat it, and if COVID-19 causes it.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory lung condition that worsens as it progresses. People with COPD who drink alcohol can increase the frequency and severity of COPD symptoms.

LAM is a rare lung disease that has a 10-year survival rate of 80 to 90 percent. Check out the center below for more medical references on lung diseases, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.

Despite their similar names, parainfluenza and influenza (flu) are not the same infections. They both can cause respiratory infections, which can trigger identical symptoms and spread in the same way. Parainfluenza is caused by the Paramyxoviridae virus, whereas influenza is caused by the Orthomyxoviridae virus family.

Pleurisy or pleuritis is an inflammation of the lining around the lungs. Some of the causes of pleurisy include TB, the flu, heart attack, some forms of arthritis, and lupus. The treatment for pleurisy is generally aimed at the underlying cause of pleurisy.

Pneumonia is inflammation of the lung usually caused by bacterial or viral infection (rarely, also by fungi) that causes the air sacs to fill with pus. If inflammation affects both lungs, the infection is termed double pneumonia. If it affects one lung, it is termed single pneumonia. If it affects only a certain lobe of a lung it's termed lobar pneumonia. Most pneumonias are caused by bacteria and viruses, but some pneumonias are caused by inhaling toxic chemicals that damage lung tissue.

The lungs are primarily responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air we breathe and the blood. Eliminating carbon dioxide from the blood is important, because as it builds up in the blood, headaches, drowsiness, coma, and eventually death may occur. The air we breathe in (inhalation) is warmed, humidified, and cleaned by the nose and the lungs.

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), most commonly, M. avium complex or MAC, is a mycobacteria that causes lung infections and disease. Nontuberculous mycobacteria are commonly found in soil, air, and water. Examples of how NTM lung infections are transmitted include swimming, using a hot tub (NTM bacteria are aerosolized), or playing with or handling soil. The most common symptoms of NTM lung infection are chronic, dry cough, and shortness of breath. Sometimes the cough may have mucous or blood. Other symptoms of NTM lung disease include fatigue, chest pain, malaise, and weakness. As NTM lung disease progresses, fevers, night sweats, and appetite loss may occur. Treatment guidelines for NTM lung disease depend upon the type and extent of the infection, and the person's health.

Pleural effusion is a buildup of fluid in the chest or the lungs. There are two types of pleural effusion, transudate, and exudate. Causes of transudate pleural effusion include congestive heart failure, kidney failure, and cirrhosis. Exudate pleural effusion can be caused by malignancy (cancer) or a lung infection. Typically, transudate pleural effusion is more easily treatable. Symptoms of pleural effusion include chest pain, pain when breathing, difficulty breathing, and cough. Treatment depends on the source or cause of the pleural effusion.

Pleurisy, an inflammation of the lining around the lungs, is associated with sharp chest pain upon breathing in. Cough, chest tenderness, and shortness of breath are other symptoms associated with pleurisy. Pleurisy pain can be managed with pain medication and by external splinting of the chest wall.

Pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs caused by fungi, bacteria, or viruses. Symptoms and signs include cough, fever, shortness of breath, and chills. Antibiotics treat pneumonia, and the choice of the antibiotic depends upon the cause of the infection.

A pneumothorax is air in the chest outside the lung that causes the lung to collapse (collapsed lung). There are two types of pneumothorax, spontaneous or primary pneumothorax and secondary pneumothorax. Symptoms include sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, cough, and fatigue.

Popcorn lung is a term for the lung disease bronchiolitis obliterans. Popcorn lung is caused by diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione, chemicals used when manufacturing flavorings for food and certain products like popcorn, and coffee.

Pulmonary edema, or fluid in the lungs, can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath. Learn about causes, diagnosis complications, treatment, and prevention.

A pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a piece of a blood clot from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) breaks off and travels to an artery in the lung where it blocks the artery and damages the lung. The most common symptoms of a pulmonary embolism are shortness of breath, chest pain, and a rapid heart rate. Causes of pulmonary embolism include prolonged immobilization, certain medications, smoking, cancer, pregnancy, and surgery. Pulmonary embolism can cause death if not treated promptly.

Pulmonary fibrosis is scarring throughout the lungs. Pulmonary fibrosis can be caused by chronic inflammatory processes, infections, environmental agents, exposure to ionizing radiation, chronic conditions, and certain medications. Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, and diminished exercise tolerance. Treatment options depend on the type of pulmonary fibrosis; however, lung transplants or medications are viable options.

Pulmonary hypertension is elevated pressure in the pulmonary arteries that carry blood from the lungs to the heart. The most common symptoms are fatigue and difficulty breathing. If the condition goes undiagnosed, more severe symptoms may occur. As pulmonary hypertension worsens, some people with the condition have difficulty performing any activities that require physical exertion. While there is no cure for pulmonary hypertension, it can be managed and treated with medications and supplemental oxygen to increase blood oxygen levels.

Sarcoidosis, a disease resulting from chronic inflammation, causes small lumps (granulomas) to develop in a wide range of body tissues and can appear in almost any body organ. However, sarcoidosis most often starts in the lungs or lymph nodes.

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 to avoid being around smoke when outside the home.

Smoker's lung photo essay is a collection of pictures and microscopic slides of lung disease caused by cigarette smoking. Smoker's lung refers to the diseases and structural abnormalities in the lung caused by cigarette smoking.

Smoking increases the risk of heart disease in women and men. Nicotine in cigarettes decrease oxygen to the heart, increases blood pressure, blood clots, and damages coronary arteries. Learn how to quit smoking today, to prolong your life.

Thallium is a metal that can be found in small amounts in the soil. When thallium enters the environment through coal-burning or smelting, it stays in the air, soil, and water for a long time and doesn't break down. Thallium exposure may come from eating contaminated foods, smoking cigarettes, touching or eating contaminated soil, living near a hazardous-waste site, or breathing workplace air in industries that use thallium.

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is when both isoniazid and rifampicin fail to work against TB infection. Extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) is a form of TB that is resistant to at least four of the core anti-TB drugs. XDR-TB involves resistance to the two most powerful anti-TB drugs, namely isoniazid and rifampicin.

Both bradypnea and tachypnea are signs that point towards breathing problems, such as either a slow or elevated breathing rate.

Sarcoidosis is a rare condition that causes small patches of red and swollen tissue (granulomas) in the organs of the body. It usually affects the lungs and skin. This condition may change the normal structure and possibly the function of an affected organ.

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs. Learn the signs of bronchitis, what causes bronchitis, how doctors diagnose bronchitis, and what you can do to treat bronchitis.

Any problem with the lungs or pulmonary system that affects the proper functioning of the lungs is referred to as lung disease. Learn the 14 most serious lung diseases.

The pneumonia vaccine can help protect against pneumococcal infections. Learn what the pneumonia vaccine is all about, and what to do if you experience side effects. Pneumonia is an infection in your lungs that is usually caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi.

What causes mucus in the lungs? Learn the signs and symptoms of accumulation of mucus in your lungs and what to do if you have too much mucus in the lungs. Since not all cough medicines are the same, choosing the best treatment for you depends on your type of cough and symptoms.

Subcutaneous emphysema is often brought on by injuries, infections, treatments, and surgery. Check out the center below for more medical references on emphysema, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.

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.

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that primarily affects the respiratory system and includes symptoms of sickness or weakness, fever, and more.

With proper planning and the right type of support, you can succeed in quitting smoking. Here are 14 tips that can help you kick the habit.

Learn what medical treatments can ease your bronchitis symptoms and help you manage this condition.

Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) is the most commonly used mode of noninvasive ventilation (NIV).

Researchers are exploring new treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Learn about 8 of the latest options.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (A1AD or AATD) is an inherited genetic disorder that occurs due to the mutation of the gene, Serpina1. This results in insufficient levels of alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT or AA), which is a protein that protects the lungs. With appropriate treatment, most patients would be able to live a good life with normal life expectancy, work, play sports and exercise.

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.

Multiple nodules in the lungs or multiple pulmonary nodules (MPN) refer to two or more lesions in the lungs. The most common cause of MPN is metastatic cancer or cancer spread from other parts to the lungs.

A carcinoid tumor is a rare cancer of the neuroendocrine system (a system of the nerve cells that also produces hormones in the body). It is usually a slow-growing tumor.

Tests that may be done for shortness of breath include a chest X-ray, blood oxygen level test, electrocardiography, lung function test, and blood tests.

Coughing up blood may be caused by benign conditions such as a throat infection or very serious conditions such as lung cancer. Learn when to go to the ER.