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 can a rehabilitation program help people with pulmonary disease?
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Rehabilitation programs for lung diseases help you achieve optimal physical functioning and improved quality of life, with an emphasis on collaborative self management of your disease. Education programs provide you with information on:... Full Answer
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- Q What is the anaerobic threshold?
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Anearobic means "without oxygen." The anaerobic threshold is the intensity at which your body is no longer able to supply oxygen fast enough to meet the demands. This occurs at approximately 85-95% of your heart rate max. At this point, you are... Full Answer
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- Q What are some serious complications of respiratory problems?
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Serious complications arising from respiratory problems are many and cause difficulty breathing, which will inhibit the body's ability to utilize oxygen and get rid of carbon dioxide. "Respiratory problems" is a broad term that covers an... Full Answer
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- Q Why is lung resection surgery performed?
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A lung resection is a surgical procedure to remove a damaged or diseased portion of a lung, or a whole lung. Common reasons for undergoing a lung resection include cancer of the lung, metastatic cancer from other areas, emphysema, and some forms... Full Answer
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- Q What respiratory ailments can I suffer due to occupation?
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Chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and adult asthma may result from air pollution, smoking, and on-the-job exposure to substances that can damage the airways. Closed buildings and air-conditioning systems that recirculation air, as well as chemicals used in... Full Answer
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- Q What happens when I don’t take in enough oxygen?
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Pam Grout, Alternative & Complementary MedicineIf you only breathe about half of what's possible, you're probably settling for about half of what life has to offer. If you breathe with gusto and take in every last ounce of oxygen that's available to you, you undoubtedly approach life the same way.... Full Answer
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- Q What is intercostal breathing?
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Master Stephen Co, Alternative & Complementary MedicineIntercostal breathing is breathing into and filling the top third of the lungs, as in clavicular breathing, and then continuing to breathe into the middle part of the lungs. Intercostal (“between the ribs”) breathing is accomplished by... Full Answer
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- Q What is interstitial lung disease?
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There are several forms of interstitial lung disease. These diseases cause damage and scarring within the alveoli and supporting tissues of the lung, eventually interfering with oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange. A lung transplant may be recommended in... Full Answer
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- Q What will happen if my child has RSV and is admitted to the hospital?
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If your baby is admitted to the hospital: • Your baby’s temperature, heart rate, and breathing will be monitored. Your child’s breathing will be checked to help decide whether he needs oxygen. A machine called a pulse oximeter may... Full Answer
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- Q What are some tips for taking care of a baby with RSV at home?
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For your baby’s care at home: - Give your baby plenty of rest. Most do not feel well enough to be very active. - Give your baby plenty to drink. - Avoid cigarette smoke and odor around your baby. - Give acetaminophen (Tylenol® or other less... Full Answer
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