Lung Health

Sarcoidosis is a disease that causes inflammation of the body tissues. This leads to small lumps called granulomas.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease that causes inflammation and scarring in the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs. This makes it harder to breathe.

Pulmonary hypertension is high pressure in the blood vessels that carry blood into the lungs. This strains the lungs and heart and can lead to serious problems.

Pneumonia is an infection of one or both of the lungs. It's often caused by a virus or bacteria. Walking pneumonia is a mild form. Read on to learn more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Bronchiectasis is a condition in which the lungs' airways (the bronchi and bronchioles) become wider than normal. Over time, the walls of the airways become thick and scarred. Mucus then builds up in the airways, raising the risk for lung infections. Here's what you should know about this condition.

ARDS is a severe lung condition. It most often happens a few days after a serious illness or injury.

This is an inflammation of your airways. It can involve your windpipe and your bronchi. These are the passageways that carry air into and out of your lungs. For some people, bronchitis can become a chronic problem.

This is a chronic and progressive disease of your lungs. It involves the tiny air sacs, called "alveoli", at the ends of the air passages in your lungs. In healthy lungs, these sacs inflate and deflate as you breathe. But with emphysema, the walls of these sacs break down. The sacs begin to rupture. This interferes with your lungs' ability to cycle air properly.

Learn about the common types of chest and lung problems, such as masses, infections, airway diseases, and other diseases.

Pulmonary edema occurs when the air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs fill with fluid. The fluid buildup makes it hard for the lungs to do their job.

Follow up with your doctor as you are told. You will likely feel better in a week or two. But a dry cough can linger beyond that time. Let your doctor know if you still have symptoms (other than a dry cough) after 2 weeks.

Atelectasis is the collapse of 1 or more sections (lobes) of the lungs. Here's what you need to know about this condition.

Atelectasis is partial or full collapse of a lung. This has a variety of causes.

A risk factor is anything that increases your chance of getting a disease. When it comes to cancer, risk factors can be what you eat, where you work, and who your parents are.

This sheet can help you take care of yourself when you have bronchospasm.

Bronchitis is an infection of the air passages. It often occurs during a cold and is usually caused by a virus.

Inhalation of chemical fumes may cause a cough, shortness of breath, throat irritation, and upper chest pain. Sometimes, a pneumonia-like illness can develop within 24 hours after chemical inhalation.

A cough from an infection usually gets better in 2 to 3 weeks, but a cough that lasts longer than 8 weeks may be due to other causes. Your health care provider may refer to this as a chronic cough.

The cause of shortness of breath is not always obvious, even after an exam. Watch out for new symptoms or changes in your current symptoms.

The flu (influenza) is a viral illness that affects the air passages of your lungs. It's different from the common cold. Learn how to care for yourself when you have this condition.

Hemoptysis means coughing up blood. There are many causes for this, including minor illnesses like bronchitis. Hemoptysis can also be an early sign of a more serious illness. Here's how to take care of yourself at home.

This sheet can help you take care of yourself when you have hyperventilation syndrome.

Whooping cough is a bacterial infection in the respiratory tract. It can be a very serious infection in infants and older adults. In healthy older children and adults, it is generally mild.

A pleural effusion is when too much fluid collects in the space between the pleural membranes. As the amount of fluid increases, it begins to press on the lung. This makes it harder to take a full breath.

Pleurisy is inflammation of the lining around the lungs. This is most often caused by a viral or bacterial infection, such as tuberculosis or pneumonia.

Spontaneous pneumothorax occurs when a weakened spot on the surface of the lung ruptures. This allows air to leak out and get trapped between the lung and the chest wall.

Pneumothorax is when air leaks out and gets trapped in the space between the lung and the chest wall. It can cause complete or partial collapse of a lung. Learn how to care for yourself while you're healing.

A pulmonary nodule is a small area of lung tissue that's not normal. When a nodule is found on a chest X-ray, you will need more testing to find out if it's benign or if it's cancer.

Smoke contains carbon monoxide and chemicals that irritate the nose, throat and lungs. Carbon monoxide poisoning keeps oxygen from getting to the vital organs of the body.

If a viral upper respiratory illness causes a lot of irritation, the air passages can go into spasm. This causes wheezing and shortness of breath.

If an upper respiratory illness causes a lot of irritation, the air passages can go into spasm and cause wheezing even in children who don't have asthma.

A viral upper respiratory illness is contagious during the first few days. It is spread through the air by coughing and sneezing. It is not treated with antibiotics.

A viral upper respiratory illness is contagious during the first few days. It is spread through the air by coughing, sneezing, or by direct contact. It is not treated with antibiotics.