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 causes a chronic cough?
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Dr. Leigh Vinocur, Emergency MedicineFirst check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if any of your prescribed medications can cause a chronic cough. The biggest offender is blood pressure medication called Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Often allergies are year... Full Answer
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- Q What are the symptoms of hyperventilation?
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Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, Integrative MedicinePanic attacks and hyperventilation are two common medical problems. Although you may have an idea of what a panic attack feels like, hyperventilation can include many other feelings. These include lightheadedness, a spacey and disembodied feeling, chest... Full Answer
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- Q What is bronchiectasis?
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Bronchiectasis results from the destruction of small airways in the lungs. The airways dilate and do not function properly leading to recurrent infections. Several pulmonary diseases and infections can cause bronchiectasis. Damage caused by this disease... Full Answer
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- Q What are the symptoms of acute bronchitis?
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Symptoms of acute bronchitis usually begin 3 to 4 days after an upper respiratory infection, such as a cold or influenza (flu). Symptoms usually include: A cough, which is the main symptom of acute bronchitis. It may be dry at first (does not... Full Answer
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- Q What is bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)?
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BPD is the form of chronic lung disease that develops in premature infants. The damage that immature lungs sustain when they are mechanically ventilated can lead to this form of severe lung disease. Transplantation may be necessary to treat BPD. Full Answer
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- Q When should I call my doctor if I have acute bronchitis?
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Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if: You have chest pain that is crushing or squeezing, is increasing in intensity or occurs with any other symptoms of a heart attack. You have severe difficulty breathing. You are coughing up large... Full Answer
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- Q How do medications treat bronchitis?
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If you have acute bronchitis, cough medicine might help ease your symptoms. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, might also help if you have a fever or discomfort in your chest. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a virus, and in... Full Answer
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- Q How should I treat a wet cough?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyIf your cough is accompanied by mucus, it’s classified as a wet cough. Look for a syrup or pill with an expectorant, which thins the mucus, clears your airways, and quiets the cough. Choose a product containing the ingredient guaifenesin. Take the... Full Answer
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- Q How should I treat a dry cough?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyA dry cough occurs when your vocal cords slam together explosively, causing irritation and more coughing. This reflex can actually damage the throat, so you want to use a cough suppressant to stop the symptom entirely. Look for a bottle that says... Full Answer
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- Q How should I treat a cough?
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Here are some things to know and try to help treat a cough: Stay away from smoke. Smoke irritates your lungs and airways. If you smoke, stop. If someone in your family smokes, make them go outside to smoke. Drink enough liquid. Water can help... Full Answer
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