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 How does pneumoconiosis cause lung cancer?
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As various dust particles are inhaled, inflammation in the lung occurs. As the body heals this inflammation, scar develops. This scar or fibrosis increases over time causing other lung disease such as emphysema. Patients with pneumoconiosis have a... Full Answer
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- Q How do I know if I am at risk of having obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?
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If you answer yes to 1 or 2 of these questions, you may be at risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). If you answer yes to 3 questions, your risk is high. Snoring? Do you snore louder than talking or loud enough to be heard through closed doors?... Full Answer
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- Q How do people with lung disease know they need oxygen?
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Your doctor will assess your need for supplemental oxygen using two methods: Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs): This test is considered the "gold standard". A sample of arterial blood is taken usually from your... Full Answer
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- Q How can lower extremity endurance training help people with lung diseases?
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Lower extremity endurance training for people with lung diseases makes your muscles (including your heart) more efficient and better able to work. You will be able to do more activity for longer periods of time with greater ease. Endurance... Full Answer
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- Q What is obiliterative bronchiolitis?
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Obiliterative bronchiolitis (OB) is caused by chronic or recurrent episodes of rejection. OB results from destruction of the small airways. OB is difficult to treat, however, it sometimes responds to an increase or change in immunosuppressant... Full Answer
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- Q What is bronchiolitis obliterans?
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Bronchiolitis obliterans is a condition in which the bronchioles (tiny branches of air tubes in the lungs) become inflamed and blocked. It may be caused by breathing in gases or particles that irritate the bronchioles. This irritation causes scar tissue... Full Answer
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- Q Why does it feel harder to breathe at a high altitude?
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Atmospheric pressure - measured with a barometer and also known as barometric pressure - measures the air's force against a surface. At low elevations, the pressure is greater because the molecules of air are compressed from the weight of the air above... Full Answer
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- Q How can arm endurance training help people with lung diseases?
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Arm endurance training in people with lung diseases may be done supported using an arm ergometer, (UBE), or with an arm crank. Either supported or unsupported arm calisthenics or (arm-r-cise). It should also be continuous for at least 15 minutes,... Full Answer
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- Q How can strength training exercises help people with lung diseases?
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Strength exercises for people with lung diseases are designed specifically to strengthen certain muscle groups. Always do exercises slowly and use the appropriate amount of weight. Weight should be increased only when you can easily do 3 sets of... Full Answer
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- Q How can stretching exercises help people with lung diseases?
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Stretching exercises for people with lung diseases are designed to gently lengthen large muscle groups to improve overall flexibility and muscle efficiency. Stretching on a daily basis will make you feel more agile and will improve your ability... Full Answer
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