LAM 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 […]
View ArticleA rare form of a broader disorder known as pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) refers to having high blood pressure in the arteries that stretch from your heart to your lungs. In PAH, scar tissue develops in the tiny blood vessels of the lung. This scar tissue narrows the vessels, blocking normal blood flow […]
View ArticleWhen you reach Stage IV, or end-stage COPD, lung damage is usually extensive, COPD symptoms are more severe and quality of life is often gravely impaired. Although the lung damage caused by the disease cannot be reversed, treatment can help manage symptoms and in some cases, extend life. Let’s find out more about end-stage COPD […]
View ArticleBradypnea is a medical term defined as abnormally slow breathing of fewer than 12 breaths per minute. It ordinarily precedes life-threatening conditions such as apnea (cessation of breathing) or respiratory arrest (breathing suddenly stops or is ineffective). Bradypnea is often caused by neurological or metabolic disorders or drug overdoses.[1] Science of the Respiratory System Normal […]
View ArticleTo understand what an Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) test is, you should first familiarize yourself with AAT and what having a deficiency in AAT means to you and your family. What is AAT and AAT Deficiency? AAT is a protective protein made by the liver. You need AAT to help protect your lungs and maintain normal […]
View ArticleIf you’ve been diagnosed with Stage III COPD (severe), airflow limitation worsens as your lung function continues to decline. Your forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) is between 30% and 49% of the predicted normal[1]and you’re growing increasingly aware of the impact the disease is having on your life as work and chores around […]
View ArticleTachypnea is the medical term for an increased respiratory (breathing) rate. The normal respiratory rate is 12 to 20 breaths per minute in adults. When the breathing rate is greater than 20 breaths per minute, it is considered tachypnea. Tachypnea is a symptom of an underlying illness and is not a disease, itself. Causes Tachypnea […]
View ArticleAs chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worsens, the flow of air to and from your lungs gets increasingly limited making it gradually more difficult to breathe. Once you’ve reached Stage II COPD, otherwise known as moderate COPD, your lung function becomes reduced to between 50% and 79% of the predicted normal.[1] What else should you […]
View ArticleBronchiectasis is among a group of lung diseases classified as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. The disease is marked by an abnormal widening and thickening of the large airways (bronchi) of the lungs as a result of chronic inflammation and/or infection. When the airways thicken, excess mucus pools in the widened areas, leading to […]
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