Lung Condition: Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) is a protein created in the liver which travels to your bloodstream. This protein protects your lungs and other organs from harmful irritants and infections. AAT deficiency, also referred to as Alpha-1, is a rare genetic condition that causes people to have low levels of AAT in their bloodstream. This disorder can […]
Lung Condition: Asthma Causes & Treatment
The Causes And Treatment Of Asthma Asthma is a medical condition where your airways narrow, swell, or produce extra mucus which causes difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and wheezing and coughing. Asthma ranges from mild to severe, with some people regarding it as a minor inconvenience while for others, it can be life threatening. Types […]
Lung Condition: Asthma Attack
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that can cause difficulty breathing. This can be very concerning for those who suffer from this condition because episodes of asthma, known as “asthma attacks,” can range from mild to severe and can even be life-threatening. But how do you answer the question “am I having an asthma attack?” […]
Acute Chest Syndrome
Causes And Treatment Of Acute Chest Syndrome Acute chest syndrome (ACS) is a complication of sickle cell disease (SCD). Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder that affects a protein found in red blood cells, known as hemoglobin. With sickle cell disease, your red blood cells are shaped like crescents instead of their typical round […]
Lung Condition: Sarcoidosis
What is sarcoidosis? Sarcoidosis is a disease that commonly occurs in the lungs, in which case it’s often referred to as pulmonary sarcoidosis. It’s caused by small areas of inflamed cells on parts of the lungs, causing them to become stiff and in some cases, not hold as much air as they should. How does […]
Lung Condition: Lung Spots
Finding a spot on your lung during a chest x-ray can be alarming and leave you feeling confused about what to do next. But it’s important to understand that while this finding is concerning, it doesn’t necessarily mean that something serious is wrong. A lung spot could indicate an infection, inflammation, or even cancer. The […]
Lung Condition: Acute Respiratory Distress
Causes And Treatment Of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a condition that causes fluid to buildup in the air sacs of your lungs, known as the alveoli. The fluid prevents your lungs from receiving enough air, which means that less oxygen reaches your bloodstream. This condition is considered a life […]
Lung Condition: Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
What is pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)? Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare cause of high blood pressure in the lungs. Blood, after giving up its oxygen to the body tissues, is returned through the veins to the right lower heart chamber (right ventricle). The right ventricle then pumps the blood through the lungs to […]
Lung Condition: Pulmonary Hypertension
Causes And Treatment Of Pulmonary Hypertension Pulmonary hypertension is a specific type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in your lungs and the right side of your heart, also known as your pulmonary arteries. This forces the ventricles of the heart to work harder in order to pump blood into your lungs, which […]
Lung Condition: Pulmonary Embolism
What is a pulmonary embolism? A blood clot that travels through the blood vessels is called an embolus. A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that blocks an artery in your lungs. It can be a life-threatening problem. How does it occur? Inside the body, blood is normally a fluid. Occasionally, something goes wrong with […]