Breathing Easier with Timely Bronchiectasis Care
Have you been coughing every day for months — or even years? Is your cough often accompanied by mucus or blood? Do you experience shortness of breath or wheezing? Is it accompanied by chest pain? Has the skin under your fingernails gotten thicker, causing your fingernails and toenails to curve downward? If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be suffering from a lung condition called bronchiectasis. In honor of World
What is the Difference Between Healthspan and Lifespan? And Why is Good Lung Health Important for Each?
Lifespan is a term familiar to many, as it indicates the total number of years a person lives. The average lifespan was 76.60 years for Americans in 2021, 72.81 years for the world. A term perhaps less familiar is healthspan, or the total number of years a person remains healthy, active, and breathing well – that is to say, free from disease. The average healthspan is an estimated ten years less
What is OSA – Sleep Apnea – and How Do I Treat It?
OSA, or obstructive sleep apnea, is the intermittent blockage of airflow during sleep. It is caused by the relaxation of muscles which support the throat’s soft tissue (i.e. the tongue or soft palate), causing the upper airway to close or narrow and thus momentarily cutting off breathing. OSA is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder, with more than 3 million cases in the U.S. each year. It can be present in
I Want to Stop Smoking: What Resources Are Available to Me, How Do I Do It, Are There Any Medications?
If you’re looking to quit smoking, there are many resources available to help you, and the desire to quit is a huge step in the right direction. Telephone helplines are offered by the American Cancer Society at 866-QUIT-4-LIFE (866-784-8454) around the clock 24/7 and the American Lung Association at 800-LUNGUSA (800-586-4872). The American Lung Association also offers a “Freedom From Smoking” support program, which can be accessed online. Ask your healthcare provider
I Have A “Spot On My Lungs.” What Does That Mean?
A spot on the lungs – or a “pulmonary nodule” – is a small mass of tissue that appears on an X-ray or CT scan of the lungs. Pulmonary nodules are never a cause for panic, as they are usually benign or non-cancerous. Typically, if you have a pulmonary nodule, you will undergo further medical evaluation to confirm what the mass represents. Pulmonary nodules are found on up to half of
Inhalers: What Are They, How Do I Use Them, Why Do I Need One?
Inhalers – also known as bronchodilators – are medications breathed through the mouth and into the lungs in order to help clear airways. For example, an asthma attack swells and narrows the airways, making it difficult to breathe and triggering symptoms like coughing and wheezing. An inhaler relaxes these tightened muscles surrounding the airway. Air then moves in and out with greater ease, and the person is able to breathe