Around the world, we have seen an increase in the frequency of natural disasters in the last few years. From hurricanes and tornadoes to flooding and earthquakes to the increase in widespread wildfires, each of these emergency situations comes with the risk of extended power outages and potential displacement. For most people, power outages are […]
View ArticleA new diagnosis can be overwhelming and it can often feel difficult to find the right information. There is always a sea of misinformation available about any health condition, so if you are newly diagnosed with anything, it is essential that you seek out clear and accurate information to help you cope with your diagnosis […]
View ArticleIf you think you have a health condition that would benefit from oxygen therapy and you are interested in getting oxygen at home, talk to your doctor about whether you meet the criteria for oxygen therapy. Ask about how to get an oxygen tank for home use, about home O2 requirements and anything else you […]
View ArticleIf you are using supplemental oxygen, it is important to understand what your oxygen levels should be and when your oxygen levels are not safe. Many people with COPD have oxygen levels that are below normal, even when using supplemental oxygen, so your normal oxygen saturation levels might be different from the norm. So, what […]
View ArticleA lung X-ray, also known as a chest X-ray, is a very common radiology test that uses a small amount of radiation to produce an image of the internal structures within the chest, including the heart, lungs, blood vessels and bones.[1] How X-rays Work Once aimed at the body part being studied, X-rays work by […]
View ArticleAn arterial blood gas (ABG) study is a blood test that measures the acidity, or pH of your blood, as well as your oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. The test is used to evaluate the function of your lungs and how well they’re able to move oxygen into your blood while removing carbon […]
View ArticleCryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP), previously known as bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia (BOOP), is a rare lung condition in which inflammation and scarring obstruct the bronchioles (smallest airways), the walls of the bronchioles and the tiny, grape-like alveoli (air sacs) deep within the lungs.[1] COP is a form of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia in which the […]
View ArticleEvery year, more people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast and prostate cancers combined, making lung cancer the leading cause of cancer death among men and women alike. [1] Despite the grave nature of this disease, many people who receive treatment in the earliest stages of lung cancer are cured. Catching lung cancer […]
View ArticleLAM disease, or lymphangioleiomyomatosis, is a rare, progressive lung disease that usually affects women of childbearing age. The disease is characterized by an abnormal growth of smooth muscle cells, particularly in the lungs, kidneys and lymphatic system (the network of vessels through which lymph [fluid made of white blood cells] drains from the tissues into […]
View ArticleEmphysema is among a group of lung diseases known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Primarily caused by smoking, the disease damages the alveoli (air sacs), the site in the lungs where gas exchange between oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place. To date, there is no cure for emphysema, but treatment of emphysema can help […]
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