Bronchiectasis is a disorder of the bronchi, which are the major air passages of the lungs. The condition is characterized by the abnormal and irreversible widening of the bronchi. This dilation impairs the airways ability to clear mucus, leading to persistent and repeated respiratory infections leading to a gradual decline in lung function over time.…
Read MoreAcute bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a hypersensitivity reaction caused by the inhalation of Aspergillus fumigatus spores, a prevalent mould in the environment. This condition primarily affects those with asthma or cystic fibrosis. In ABPA, the immune system overreacts to the presence of Aspergillus, causing pulmonary inflammation and allergic responses. Aspergillus is a fungal genus that…
Read MoreHeat has a profound influence on individuals with lung problems, worsening symptoms and jeopardising their overall health. High heat and humidity can make it harder to breathe, especially for people who have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other respiratory disorders. There are various ways that heat can aggravate lung disorders. The following are…
Read MoreSince its establishment in 2012 as a campaign by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies, August 1 has been marked as World Lung Cancer Day. Members of the international lung health community, notably the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) in the United States, utilise the day to raise awareness of the disease’s risk factors…
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 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 MoreHow does smoking affect the lungs? Around 500 million microscopic air sacs called alveoli are found in your lungs. These alveoli are reservoirs of the air you breathe and draw oxygen from the air you breathe and expel carbon dioxide. Smoking kills the cells that line these air sacs, which causes them to collapse.…
Read MoreIf you have a first- degree family member with asthma, it is more likely that you might develop asthma than someone who has no family history of this beathing disorder. A child is twice as likely to get asthma as someone who does not have a history of the condition in the family. A child’s…
Read MoreWhy are Pulmonary Function Tests Performed Your 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…
Read MoreHow Do Allergies Cause Asthma? 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 allergen in…
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