Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) definition and facts Readers Comments 2 Share Your Story Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis life expectancy is about 2 to 5 years. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a specific form of progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease that can cause pneumonia. Life expectancy for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is about 2 to 5 years. People...
Pulmonary fibrosis definition and facts The prognosis of this disease is poor. The survival of patients with pulmonary fibrosis is less than 5 years. Pulmonary fibrosis refers to scarring of the lung tissue (fibrosis of the lungs). Symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis include: Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Decreased exercise tolerance The most common...
Pneumothorax (collapsed lung) definition and facts Picture of Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung) A pneumothorax is a collection of free air in the chest cavity (thoracic cavity) that causes the lung to collapse. Pneumothorax may occur on its own in the absence of underlying disease; this is termed spontaneous pneumothorax. Pneumothorax may also occur because of an...
What are e-cigarettes? What is “vaping”? Readers Comments 9 Share Your Story The long-term dangers of vaping remain unclear, but it has been implicated in some lung problems. E-cigarettes (e cigarettes, or vaping) are smokable, refillable or replaceable cartridges or containers that hold liquid that contains nicotine, solvents, and chemical flavors. When a person inhales...
What brand names are available for nicotine gum? Nicorette Gum, Nicorelief, Nicorette, Thrive Is nicotine gum available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes Do I need a prescription for nicotine gum? No What are the uses for nicotine gum? Nicotine gum is used to control nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with smoking cessation....
What is the nicotine patch, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Nicotine patches are used for smoking cessation. Nicotine is released from the patches and absorbed through the skin. Released nicotine binds to nicotine receptors in the body, reducing nicotine craving and withdrawal symptoms associated with smoking cessation. The FDA approved the grit...
What is Orkambi? What is Orkambi used for? Orkambi is a combination of two drugs, lumacaftor and ivacaftor (Kalydeco) and is used for treating cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease that affects the secretory glands, including the mucus and sweat glands. Cystic fibrosis mostly affects the lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines, sinuses, and...
Asbestos exposure diseases definitions, dangers, and facts Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been linked to human lung disease. All forms of asbestos increase the risk of lung disease. The three types of asbestos-related lung disease are scarring (asbestosis), non-cancerous disease of the tissue of the lining of the surface of the lung...
What is hypersensitivity pneumonitis and what are its causes? Readers Comments 8 Share Your Story Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an inflammation of the lung (usually of the very small airways) caused by the body’s immune reaction to small air-borne particles. These particles can be bacteria, mold, fungi, or even inorganic matter. What is acute hypersensitivity...
Cystic fibrosis definition and facts* *Cystic fibrosis definition and facts written by Dr. Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease that affects the secretory glands, including the mucus and sweat glands. Cystic fibrosis mostly affects the lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines, sinuses, and sex organs. CF is due to a mutation in...