Jennifer Dekoschak, RN from Parkland Medical Center, says that people should listen to their bodies and if a cough is worrying them, they should go to the emergency room. Watch this video to learn more.
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.
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Dr. Peter S. Mikhail, MD , Thoracic Surgery (Cardiothoracic Vascular), answered on behalf of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point
Smoking may be one cause of a pulmonary nodule. Peter Mikhail, MD, from Medical Center of Trinity describes pulmonary nodules on the lung, what they mean and how they are treated in this video.
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Scripps Health answeredAltitude sickness is caused by lack of oxygen at higher altitudes. Symptoms include headache, nausea and dizziness. Medication can help prevent altitude sickness by making it easier for the body to adjust to rapidly increasing elevation. -
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National Academy of Sports Medicine answeredParalysis of the diaphragm is not common and symptoms can vary. Diaphragmatic paralysis can affect one or both sides of the diaphragm. Paralysis of only one side of the diaphragm results in the decreased ability to expand the lungs during breathing. Each side works independently from the other, and most individuals have very little respiratory symptoms at rest. With exertion however, some individuals do experience shortness of breath, cough, and even chest pain.
Exercise tolerance will highly depend on the individual and any disorders that may be associated. Those individuals with mild or no symptoms should begin with physical therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and seek counseling for weight loss if overweight. Individuals with significant symptoms such as poor exercise tolerance, chest pain, chronic bronchitis, and recurring pneumonia, should seek the advice of a specialized physician.
In general, exercise should be alright to perform, but you may need to progress into it and consult your physician on the best strategy. Some tips to consider: Try to avoid exercising in seated positions as well as while lying on your back. Total lung capacity is slightly decreased in these positions. Also, practice deep breathing exercises to help improve your body’s response to the demands associated with breathing.
Here is an exercise to try: While standing, place one of your hands on your stomach and the other hand on your chest. Next, inhale by taking a slow, long, deep breath for a count of 4 seconds. Make sure your stomach rises out farther than your chest. Hold your breath in for up to 10 seconds or as can be tolerated (be sure you are counting while you are holding your breath). Then, slowly exhale for a count of up to 8 seconds, or as can be tolerated. Repeat this for a total of 5 times. Stop the exercise if you begin to feel light-headed or dizzy.
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Dr. Stefano Sdringola-Maranga, MD , Interventional Cardiology, answered on behalf of Pearland Medical CenterLung disorders that can cause chest pain include:- Pulmonary embolism. This cause of chest pain occurs when a blood clot becomes lodged in a lung (pulmonary) artery, blocking blood flow to lung tissue.
- Pleurisy. This is when the membrane that covers the lungs becomes inflamed. Pleurisy can cause chest pain that's made worse with inhaling or coughing.
- Collapsed lung. A collapsed lung occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and the ribs. The chest pain associated with a collapsed lung typically begins suddenly and can last for hours.
- Pulmonary hypertension. High blood pressure in the arteries carrying blood to the lungs (pulmonary hypertension) also can produce chest pain.
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Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein, MD , Thoracic Surgery (Cardiothoracic Vascular), answered on behalf of Columbia University Department of SurgeryStretching 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 to exercise. It is often uncomfortable but becomes easier with time. Stretching should always be done slowly and gently. A sustained prolonged stretch will provide the best benefit. Do not use bouncing or jerking motions when stretching. Stretching may be done daily without harm, however it is important to consult a health professional about a stretching program if you have any health problems or if you experience any persistent discomfort or joint pain with these activities. -
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Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein, MD , Thoracic Surgery (Cardiothoracic Vascular), answered on behalf of Columbia University Department of SurgerySee All 4 AnswersPulmonary 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 hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension that occurs as a result of other disorders is called secondary pulmonary hypertension, the most common being caused by congenital heart disorders in which there is abnormal shunting between the right and left heart resulting in increased blood flow to the lungs and ultimately pulmonary hypertension
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See All 2 AnswersRest, over-the-counter medicines and other self-care methods may help you or your child feel better when you have bronchitis. For more information about symptomatic relief, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Remember, always use over-the-counter products as directed. Many over-the-counter products are not recommended for children younger than certain ages.
The presence of the CDC logo and CDC content on this page should not be construed to imply endorsement by the US Government of any commercial products or services, or to replace the advice of a medical professional. The mark “CDC” is licensed under authority of the PHS. -
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Penn Medicine answeredSee All 2 AnswersA hemothorax is a collection of blood in the space between the chest wall. In order to treat a hemothorax, a chest tube, inserted through the chest wall, is used to remove the blood and air in the pleural space. It remains in place for several days to re-expand the lung. When a hemothorax is severe, a thoracotomy may be needed to stop the bleeding. -
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Intermountain Registered Dietitians , Nutrition & Dietetics, answered on behalf of Intermountain HealthcarePulmonary 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.