September 2026 is Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month, an opportunity to increase awareness about pulmonary fibrosis and help patients and families better understand this group of lung diseases. Pulmonary fibrosis causes scarring of the lung tissue, making the lungs stiffer and making it more difficult for oxygen to pass into the bloodstream. One of the best-known…
Read MoreCompleting treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a major step toward recovery. Most people who receive an appropriate treatment regimen and complete it as prescribed are successfully cured. However, TB can occur again in some people after treatment. If you previously completed TB treatment and later develop symptoms such as a persistent cough, fever, night…
Read MoreIf you have a lung condition such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, or another chronic respiratory disease, you may already be careful about avoiding infections. One infection that deserves particular attention is influenza, commonly called the flu. For someone with healthy lungs, influenza may cause fever, cough, body aches and tiredness. But in a…
Read MoreWhen a doctor tells someone, “You have COPD,” one of the first questions is often: “But I have never smoked. How can I have COPD?” It is a reasonable question. Smoking is the most important individual risk factor for COPD in many populations, but smoking is not the only way COPD can develop. The 2026…
Read MoreKyphoscoliosis is a condition in which the spine develops both a sideways curvature (scoliosis) and an increased forward curvature (kyphosis). While kyphoscoliosis primarily affects the spine and posture, more severe deformity can also affect the chest and the mechanics of breathing. Not everyone with kyphoscoliosis develops significant breathing problems. However, when the chest becomes restricted,…
Read MoreEvery year on 1st August, World Lung Cancer Day brings together healthcare professionals, patients, caregivers, and organizations worldwide to raise awareness about lung cancer. The day serves as a reminder that early detection, timely treatment, and better awareness can save lives. World Lung Cancer Day 2026 Theme The World Lung Cancer Day 2026 theme focuses…
Read MoreSleep Apnea and Air Travel: What You Need to Know Before You Fly Travelling by air is an exciting experience, whether you are flying for business, a holiday, or to visit family. If you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you may wonder whether flying is safe, whether you should carry your CPAP or BiPAP machine,…
Read MoreChest Heaviness: What Does It Mean? A feeling of chest heaviness can be alarming. Many people describe it as: Chest heaviness can occur suddenly or develop gradually. It may last only a few minutes or persist for days or even weeks. Some people experience it during exercise, while others notice it even at rest. Although…
Read MoreShallow Breathing: Why Can’t I Take a Deep Breath? Have you ever felt like you can’t take a full, satisfying breath? Perhaps you find yourself taking short, quick breaths or feel that your lungs won’t expand completely. Many people describe this as shallow breathing, and it can be an unsettling experience. While shallow breathing is…
Read MoreSticky Phlegm in My Throat: Why Does It Keep Coming Back? Many people visit their doctor with the complaint: “I constantly feel sticky phlegm in my throat.” Others describe it as a thick layer of mucus that they are always trying to clear. Some feel as though something is stuck in their throat, while others…
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