Feeling breathless after a short walk? Getting tired more easily than before? These symptoms can have many causes, but sometimes they may be linked to pulmonary hypertension. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, you may have questions about what it means, how serious it is, and what treatment can…
Read MoreFever, body aches, cough, sore throat and tiredness can make you wonder whether you have influenza. However, having flu-like symptoms does not necessarily mean you have influenza (the flu). Several respiratory viruses can cause similar symptoms, and it is not always possible to identify the infection from symptoms alone. Understanding the possible causes of flu-like…
Read MoreIf your chest X-ray or CT scan shows fluid around the lungs, you may wonder what it means, whether it is dangerous, and whether the fluid needs to be removed. Fluid around the lungs is medically known as a pleural effusion. It occurs when excess fluid collects in the space between the lung and the…
Read MoreIf you have a lung condition, you may have seen or been advised to use a small device called an incentive spirometer. It is commonly used in hospitals and during recovery from illness or surgery. But what exactly does it do? Can it improve your breathing? And does everyone with a lung disease need to…
Read MoreIf you have asthma and have been prescribed a beta blocker, you may wonder whether you should stop it because of your asthma medicines. Beta blockers are used for several different conditions. They may be prescribed for heart problems or high blood pressure, but they can also be used for irregular heart rhythms, migraine prevention,…
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 MoreAdvanced COPD can change almost every part of daily life. Activities that were once easy—walking across a room, bathing, preparing a meal, or going outside—may become tiring or difficult. For family members and caregivers, caring for someone with advanced COPD can also be challenging. You may find yourself helping with medicines, oxygen, appointments, household activities,…
Read MoreMany people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) stop using their inhalers once they start feeling better. Others worry about becoming dependent on inhalers or fear side effects, leading them to reduce or stop their medication without consulting their doctor. Although this may seem reasonable, stopping your inhaler without medical advice can allow…
Read MoreCan Coughing Make You Faint? It may sound surprising, but yes—severe coughing can sometimes cause a person to faint. Although this is uncommon, it is a recognised medical condition known as cough syncope. For many people, the episode lasts only a few seconds before they recover completely. However, fainting during or immediately after coughing should…
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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