Emphysema definition and facts Emphysema does not affect the quantity of life, but rather quality of life. There are no studies that can predict life expectancy in individuals with emphysema. The BODE score can help measure the quality of life and prognosis for future functions. Emphysema is a destructive disease of the lung in which the...
What is emphysema? Emphysema is a chronic lung disease that makes breathing difficult. Early symptoms include difficulty breathing, persistent cough, extreme fatigue, and more. Emphysema is a chronic lung disease that damages the alveoli, or small air sacs, in the lung. These air sacs are normally stretchy and elastic. They inflate when you inhale and...
What is cystic fibrosis? Persons with cystic fibrosis can experience lung problems, digestive issues, infertility, fever, night sweats, jaundice, and sinus infections. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease in which the mucus in the lungs and digestive system becomes thicker and stickier than usual. This leads to chronic lung and digestive issues. Symptoms of...
What is viral pneumonia? Viral pneumonia causes a dry cough, fever and other symptoms. Pneumonia is an infection in your lungs that is usually caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. About 30% of pneumonia cases reported in the United States are viral. These viruses can transmit through the droplets of fluids in the air that...
What is tuberculosis? Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that can be cured with antibiotics. Tuberculosis (TB) infection is caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mostly affects your lungs but it can also affect other parts of the body including the lymph glands, brain, kidneys, bowels or bones. Being the world’s top infectious killer...
What facts should I know about a tracheostomy? Tracheostomy is a surgical procedure used to create an opening in the neck for direct access to the trachea (the breathing tube). Tracheostomy is performed because of airway obstruction, problems with secretions, and inefficient oxygen delivery. Tracheostomy can have complications. A tracheostomy requires follow-up care. What is...
What is noninvasive ventilation? Invasive ventilation: The type of ventilation where oxygen is delivered to your lungs through a tube inserted into your nose or throat (endotracheal tube or tracheostomy tube) that goes into your windpipe. A ventilator is a machine that helps in delivering oxygen to your lungs. It is used to assist with...
On average, the five-year survival rate is around 30-50% but maybe as high as 90% if detected very early. Earlier, Pancoast lung cancer was incurable, but thanks to the advancement in treatment, the five-year survival rate of patients with Pancoast lung cancer has been improving. On average, the five-year survival rate is around 30-50% but...
What is assisted ventilation of the newborn? To provide a baby assisted ventilation, a mechanical ventilator pumps oxygen to the lungs at pressure until the baby’s respiratory system works normally. This can help kickstart the baby’s breathing reflex if it’s compromised by underdevelopment or some congenital condition, but it may also lead to lung trauma....
What is pediatric tracheostomy? A tracheostomy, a procedure to cut a hole in the throat to clear an airway to the lungs, is used to insert a tube into the trachea to provide assisted ventilation to children who are unable to breathe, or have difficulty breathing on their own. Pediatric tracheostomy is a surgical procedure...