When 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 […]
View ArticleAn incentive spirometer is a medical device used to help improve lung function after surgery – especially lung surgery – or after an illness such as pneumonia. It’s also commonly prescribed to patients recovering from heart surgery or any other surgery involving prolonged anesthesia and/or post-operative, in-bed recovery. Purpose of the Incentive Spirometer The incentive […]
View ArticleA chest cold is the non-medical term for an upper respiratory infection, such as bronchitis. Bronchitis causes the bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs to become inflamed and irritated. This leads to increased mucus production and smaller openings for air to flow, which makes it harder to breathe. Types There are […]
View ArticleMetastatic lung cancer. Three words no one ever wants to hear. But, because nearly 40% of people with newly diagnosed lung cancer already have metastases to other parts of the body,[1] it’s important to understand the gravity of the term and how early recognition of symptoms may help prevent lung cancer from spreading. Definition Metastatic […]
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