How does an allergy cause asthma symptoms? An allergic response occurs when the body’s immune system proteins also called antibodies mistakenly identify a harmless substance, such as tree pollen or animal dander, and considers it as an invader (allergen). This misrecognition causes an allergic reaction to result. Antibodies formed by the body bind to the…
Read MoreCOVID, Influenza (Flu) and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) cause a host of respiratory illnesses ranging from mild symptoms to life threatening pneumonia. Their overlapping symptoms, and similarity with common cold cause delay in the diagnosis and hence timely and proper management. RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS (RSV) It is a virus affecting air passages and lungs.…
Read MoreThe breathing channels start from the nose and end inside the lung. The breathing channels or “airways” are lined with cells that produce mucous in certain amount required to keep them lubricated. But when there is excess production of mucous, it drips at the back of the throat causing coughing and throat irritation, it…
Read MoreOmicron has mutated again giving rise to a new sub variant XBB.1.5, which has raised concerns, as its rapidly spreading in many countries across the world. WHAT DO WE KNOW? The family of XBB is found to be more immune-evasive than any other variants. The mutations has made the virus bind better to the…
Read MoreYour doctor might arrange for Pulmonary Function tests( PFT) to evaluate how well your lungs are functioning. These are not blood tests but rather tests that are done by a trained technician in the clinic. You will be explained and demonstrated on how to perform the test. If you already have a lung-related underlying medical…
Read MoreWhat is a face mask? Mask is customized to act as a barrier for transmission of infective agents and pollutants in the atmosphere. It is designed to cover the nose, mouth and chin tightly. There are different types of masks designed to serve different medical situations. The purpose of the masks is to filter…
Read MoreAll you need to know There is 21% percentage of oxygen in the air we breathe. There are certain lung diseases in which the lungs fail to deliver oxygen into the blood. This leads to low oxygen supply to the tissues of the body and causes complications. Depending on the condition and Pulmonologist advice, the…
Read MoreDyspnea is a medical term for shortness of breath. You may have a feeling of “not enough air” (air hunger), gasping, chest tightness, or working hard to breath. What’s the difference between dyspnea, shortness of breath and breathlessness? Both the terms, shortness of breath and breathlessness are used to describe dyspnea. One breathes fast…
Read MoreDyspnea is a medical term for shortness of breath. Shortness of breath is often explained as feeling of inadequate or not enough breathing of air (air hunger), gasping for air, chest tightness, feeling of suffocation and working hard (struggling) to breath. Dyspnea is a very uncomfortable feeling, causing distress and affecting quality of life. Dyspnea…
Read MoreI have a cough, is this something serious? There are many causes that lead to cough ranging from a simple allergy to serious conditions like pneumonia, lung cancer, fibrosis, pulmonary embolism etc. If you experience a cough that stays for longer than 2 weeks, visit a Chest Specialist/ Pulmonologist. How do I know my…
Read More