3D illustration of the lungs.Source: iStock Facts you should know about pleurisy Pleurisy involves inflammation of the tissue layers (pleura) lining the lungs and inner chest wall. Pleurisy is often associated with the accumulation of fluid between the two layers of pleura, known as pleural effusion. Pleurisy is caused by a variety of conditions, such...
Orthopnea is different from sleep apnea. When you find it difficult to breathe while lying down because of the accumulation of fluids in your lungs, it is known as orthopnea. Usually, it takes time to have a sudden onset. You may wake up from sleep because of lack of oxygen. Orthopnea is different from sleep...
Tachypnea is rapid, fast, and shallow breathing Tachypnea is rapid, fast, and shallow breathing. In this condition, a person’s respiratory rate is higher than the normal range (12-20 breaths per minute). It is caused by an imbalance between the respiratory gases leading to a decreased supply of oxygen and increased carbon dioxide in the blood....
Hypoxia and hypoxemia (low blood oxygen) facts Hypoxia is a state of insufficient oxygen supply for normal life functions, and hypoxemia is a state of low arterial oxygen supply. Hypoxia is a condition or state in which the supply of oxygen is insufficient for normal life functions; hypoxemia is a condition or state where there...
What is a sinus infection vs. COVID-19 coronavirus? If you have symptoms like nasal congestion and swelling around the bridge of nose and eyes, you may have sinus infection. But if you are experiencing shortness of breath or chills along with other symptoms, you may have COVID infection. As doctors and researchers continue to learn...
What is the normal range for blood gases? Blood gas analysis measures the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and bicarbonate in the blood as well as the pH level and oxygen saturation. The normal range for blood gases is shown in the table. Blood gas analysis, also called arterial blood gas analysis (ABG analysis), helps...
What is dyspnea? Patients with dyspnea often describe tightness of the chest and a smothering sensation. These feelings can cause anxiety and psychological distress that makes symptoms worse, creating a vicious cycle. Dyspnea is the medical term for shortness of breath. Patients with dyspnea often describe tightness of the chest and a smothering sensation. These...
What is Bronchitol, and how does it work? Bronchitol is a prescription medicine that is used along with other therapies to improve lung function in people 18 years of age and older with cystic fibrosis (CF). Bronchitol is only for adults who have passed the Bronchitol Tolerance Test (BTT). Your first dose of Bronchitol is...
What is Trikafta, and how does it work? Trikafta is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) in people aged 12 years and older who have at least one copy of the F508del mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Talk to your doctor to learn if you...
What are the symptoms of sarcoidosis? Sarcoidosis is a potentially serious illness that rarely results in death. Sarcoidosis is a rare condition in which small patches of red and swollen tissues (granulomas) develop in organs in the body. It usually affects the lungs and skin. This condition may change the normal structure and possibly the...