An allergy is when the immune system mistakes a harmless substance, such as pollen, as dangerous. The body releases chemicals to attack the substance. An allergy affecting the lungs can lead to asthma symptoms such as wheezing and difficulty breathing. Medication helps to control the condition.
Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and may produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, a whistling sound (wheezing) when you breathe out and shortness of breath. For some people, asthma is a minor nuisance
Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs. The bacteria that cause tuberculosis are spread from person to person through tiny droplets released into the air via coughs and sneezes.
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is an umbrella term used for a large group of diseases that cause scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs. The scarring causes stiffness in the lungs which makes it difficult to breathe and get oxygen to the bloodstream. Lung damage from ILDs is often irreversible and gets worse over time.
The chest (thoracic or pleural) cavity is a space that is enclosed by the spine, ribs, and sternum (breast bone) and is separated from the abdomen by the diaphragm. The chest cavity contains the heart, the thoracic aorta, lungs and esophagus (swallowing passage) among other important organs. The wall of the chest cavity is made up of the rib cage and diaphragm. The chest cavity is lined by a thin shiny membrane called the pleura, which covers the inside surface of the rib cage and spreads over the lungs as well. Normally, the pleura produces a small amount of fluid which serves as a lubricant to the lungs as they move back and forth against the chest wall during respiration.
Bronchiectasis is a condition where damage causes the tubes in your lungs (airways) to widen or develop pouches. It makes it hard to clear mucus out of your lungs and can cause frequent infections. Coughing a lot with pus and mucus is the main symptom of bronchiectasis. Bronchiectasis can’t be cured but can be managed with treatment.
Respiratory failure is a serious condition that makes it difficult to breathe on your own. Respiratory failure develops when the lungs can't get enough oxygen into the blood. We breathe oxygen from the air into our lungs, and we breathe out carbon dioxide, which is a waste gas made in the body's cells.
Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The infection leads to inflammation in the air sacs of the lungs, which are called alveoli. The alveoli fill with fluid or pus, making it difficult to breathe.
Bronchitis is when the airways leading to your lungs (trachea and bronchi) get inflamed and fill with mucus. You get a nagging cough as your body tries to get rid of the mucus. Your cough can last two or more weeks. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a virus and goes away on its own. Chronic bronchitis never really goes away but can be managed.
Common signs and symptoms that linger over time include:
Fatigue.
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
Cough.
Joint pain.
Chest pain.
Memory, concentration or sleep problems.
Muscle pain or headache.
Fast or pounding heartbeat.
and more...
Any illness associated with a specific occupation or industry is referred to as an occupational disease. Such diseases are caused by a variety of biological, chemical, physical, and psychological factors that exist in the workplace or are encountered in the course of employment. Occupational medicine is concerned with the impact of all types of work on health, as well as the impact of health on a worker's ability and efficiency.
Chantix (Varenicline): Chantix (Varenicline) is a prescription medication taken as a pill, twice a day. It's the most effective single product to help you quit smoking. And it doesn't contain nicotine. It cuts cravings by acting like nicotine on the brain.
The Department of Pulmonology, Critical Care Medicine and Sleep Medicine specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with illnesses that affect the lungs, breathing and sleep. Our specialists diagnose and treat diseases such as asthma allergy, bronchitis, acute and chronic respiratory failure, pulmonary hypertension, sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and narcolepsy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung infections and interstitial lung diseases.
A Pulmonologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in pulmonary care or lung care. Pulmonologists diagnose, treat, and research pulmonary diseases and problems. They may have special knowledge of other types of internal medicine and specialties, as well, and they work closely with other doctors to help make patients comfortable and improve their health.