Lung Disease and Respiratory System
Diseases, pollutants and genetics can affect your respiratory health. The simple cold - which is caused by more than 200 different viruses - inflames the upper respiratory tract, resulting in a cough, runny nose and sneezing. A more severe cough combined with mucus is a sign of bronchitis, where the membranes lining the bronchial tubes become inflamed. The inflammatory lung disease asthma affects more than 20 million people, making airways constrict when exposed to irritants like dust, pet dander and cigarette smoke. Pneumonia, another inflammation of the lungs, can occur because of a bacterial or viral infection. People suffering from cystic fibrosis, an inherited lung disease, frequently battle bacterial infections and airways clogged with thick and sticky mucus.
Recently Answered
- Q What sort of diet can help protect against lung disease?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyA diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole-grain foods offers protection against chronic lung disease, as well as a lot of other aging-related diseases. But unlike lots of other examples, we're not exactly sure why. Nevertheless, the difference... Full Answer
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- Q What's an easy, do-it-yourself test to measure your lung health?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineI know performing self-medical tests can be about as appealing as catheter insertion, but this one's easy. You can do it in just a minute, you can grade yourself, and you'll get the results immediately. The test? Briskly run up two flights of stairs or... Full Answer
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- Q What is altitude sickness?
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Altitude sickness occurs when people go to a higher altitude too quickly and do not get enough oxygen in the air they breathe. Common symptoms include having a headache and not feeling like eating. Altitude sickness most often occurs at altitudes above... Full Answer
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- Q What is pulmonary hypertension?
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Pulmonary hypertension is a rare disorder in which the pressure in the pulmonary circulation is above normal levels can cause permanent damage to the lungs and become life-threatening. When there is no known cause, it is called primary pulmonary... Full Answer
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- Q Does homeopathy help treat respiratory ailments?
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Early studies show that the use of homeopathy may reduce the symptoms and duration of breathing problems. These conditions include runny nose, sinus swelling, or infections such as the flu. Homeopathy may help treat symptoms of upper respiratory tract... Full Answer
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- Q What is pulmonary hypertension in a newborn?
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Pulmonary hypertension in a newborn is when the blood vessels in the lungs don’t open up normally after birth. It causes poor circulation in the lungs and limits the oxygen entering the baby’s bloodstream. Full Answer
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- Q What is bronchiolitis?
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Bronchiolitis is a lung infection caused by a virus. The average age of children who get it is about 6 months upper age limit is 2 years old.Symptoms include wheezing which is a high pitched whistling sound, fast breathing that may involve... Full Answer
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- Q What causes acute bronchitis?
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Acute bronchitis, or chest cold, is a condition that occurs when the bronchial tubes in the lungs become inflamed. Causes of bronchitis include several types of viruses, most often: respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) adenovirus influenza... Full Answer
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- Q What is acute bronchitis?
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Acute bronchitis, or chest cold, is a condition that occurs when the bronchial tubes in the lungs become inflamed. The bronchial tubes swell and produce mucus, which causes a person to cough. This often occurs after an upper respiratory infection... Full Answer
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- Q What are the symptoms of epiglottitis in children?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineEpiglottitis is a whopping bacterial infection that comes out firing all guns. You'll have a very sick-looking kid with a high fever sitting forward in what we call tripod position -- leaning forward with his body, both hands leaning on a table or bed in... Full Answer
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