A computed tomography (CT) scan uses a combination of X-ray images taken from different angles and computer processing to create cross-sectional images, or slices, of the bone, blood vessels and soft tissues within your body. Compared to a standard X-ray, CT scan images show much more detail.[1] When is a CT Scan Necessary? There are […]
View ArticlePulmonary function tests – sometimes referred to as PFTs, lung function or breathing tests – are a battery of tests that evaluate how well your lungs work. Together with patient history and other diagnostic tests, they help doctors assess respiratory symptoms, such as shortness of breath and cough, identify risks before surgery and diagnose common […]
View ArticleA cystic fibrosis (CF) diet should contain optimal amounts of calories, vitamins and minerals to keep the body as healthy as possible. Cystic fibrosis is characterized by thick, sticky mucus that builds-up in the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. The mucus clogs the tubes that carry air to and from the lungs leading to frequent […]
View ArticleSevere acute respiratory syndrome, better known as SARS, is a contagious respiratory illness that first appeared in late 2002 and early 2003 in Asia, North America and Europe. During the first outbreak 8,098 people became ill from SARS and 774 died.[1],[2] SARS is caused by a corona virus, a type of virus that causes symptoms […]
View ArticleIn the United States alone, 480,000 people lose their lives to tobacco-related deaths every year. Worldwide, that number increases to 6 million. If you’re a lifetime smoker, the chances of you dying from an illness caused by smoking is approximately 50%. While many of us have heard the term “smoker’s lung,” understand what it means, […]
View ArticleTransient nocturnal desaturation, also known as nocturnal hypoxemia, is defined as a temporary drop in oxygen saturation during sleep. The condition is a significant problem in COPD, affecting a relatively large number of COPD patients. In fact, one study suggests that 27-70% of COPD patients with daytime oxygen saturation levels of 90-95% experience substantial desaturation […]
View ArticleOxygen therapy is a lifesaver for people with COPD and other chronic (ongoing) illnesses, its benefits known to increase survival, relieve symptoms, increase exercise tolerance, improve health-related quality of life and more.[1] But what happens when you get too much oxygen? And under what circumstances could this occur? Let’s explore this further. History of “Pure […]
View ArticleToday we’re going to talk about mucus. Green mucus and yellow mucus to be more specific. Many of you were probably taught that green or yellow mucus was a sign of a respiratory infection that required antibiotics. While having green or yellow mucus may mean you have a respiratory infection, it’s not always the case. […]
View ArticleRespiratory rate refers to how many breaths you take per minute. The normal respiratory rate for adults at rest is 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Anything under that is considered bradypnea (breathing too slow) and anything over that is considered tachypnea (breathing too fast). In COPD, breathing rate is often increased, which is due […]
View ArticleIf you’ve recently had a chest X-ray and been told you have pulmonary nodules, you probably have a lot of questions. How long have they been there? What caused them? Could it be cancer? The good news is, over 90% of pulmonary nodules that are smaller than 2 centimeters (3/4 inch) in diameter are benign […]
View Article
