Medical News Today • 26th February 2024

The best sleeping positions for those with COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects sleep. Opting for a slightly upright position may relieve chest symptoms and improve comfort. Quality sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, yet achieving restful sleep can be challenging for individuals with COPD. This lung disorder significantly affects daily activities, sleep quality, and nighttime comfort. Finding the best sleeping position for those with COPD is crucial for managing symptoms and ensuring optimal sleep.

Medical News Today • 20th December 2023

Tuberculous abscess: Symptoms, treatment, and outlook

Tuberculosis (TB) primarily affects the lungs. However, TB-causing bacteria can lead to pus collecting in the tissues. This is known as an abscess. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) is the bacterium that causes TB. It primarily targets the lungs but can also affect other body parts, such as the lymph nodes, bones, and central nervous system. The hallmark of tuberculosis is a persistent cough, which, when left untreated, can lead to severe respiratory complications.

Medical News Today • 20th December 2023

Chest X-ray for tuberculosis (TB): What to expect, results, and more

X-rays can help doctors identify TB infections. They look for specific characteristics in these images to make a diagnosis. TB is an infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs, although it can sometimes spread to other parts of the body. The condition is a significant public health concern with significant global effects. It affects annually, leading to considerable health issues and mortality. In some cases, TB can be life threatening.

HelpAdvisor • 9th October 2023

Is Asthma a Disability?

Asthma is one of the most common health conditions in the United States, impacting the lives of around 25 million people.

Asthma is a respiratory condition with no cure, and its symptoms can dramatically affect someone’s daily life. If you struggle with the symptoms of this chronic condition, you may wonder whether asthma is considered a disability in the United States.

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that makes breathing difficult. It causes the airways to become narrow and inflamed, makin

Medical News Today • 15th August 2023

Inhalations for bronchitis: Types and how they work

Steam inhalations for bronchitis may help ease respiratory symptoms, such as coughing and congestion. However, they will not treat the underlying cause of the bronchitis. Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which are the airways that carry air to and from the lungs. Infections can cause acute bronchitis. Smoking or exposure to irritants can cause chronic bronchitis. Steam inhalations are a popular home remedy for respiratory conditions. However, a notes there is no strong evidence

Medical News Today • 3rd July 2023

Acupuncture for asthma relief: Can it help?

Several studies suggest that acupuncture may help with asthma symptoms. However, many of these are low quality, which may make their results less reliable. A looked at 11 previous trials and found that acupuncture may reduce symptoms such as coughing. Overall, though, more research is necessary to confirm whether acupuncture works and how effective it is. Acupuncture and other alternative therapies may be a helpful addition to a person’s treatment, but they cannot entirely replace the need for m

Medical News Today • 19th June 2023

Asthma with fixed airflow obstruction: Definition, causes, and, more

Some individuals with severe asthma can experience fixed airflow obstruction (FAO). Doctors characterize the condition as a persistent airflow limitation through the airways, especially when exhaling. Generally, asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways. It encompasses a spectrum of symptoms and severity levels. Typical symptoms include difficulty breathing, wheezing, and variable, reversible airflow obstruction. Unlike typical asthma — where airflow obstruction is reversible with

Medical News Today • 25th April 2023

Can someone have anemia and COPD? What to know

While chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a significant health concern, it can often coexist with other health issues. One such issue is anemia, which occurs when the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells to carry enough oxygen to the tissues. Anemia in people with COPD is typically associated with less optimistic outcomes, such as and increased risk of hospitalization. However, further research is necessary to determine the actual prevalence of both conditions co-occurring.

Medical News Today • 19th April 2023

Eosinophilia in COPD: What might it indicate?

Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can lead to a high level of eosinophils in the blood, doctors call this eosinophilia. Also, eosinophils may contribute to inflammation and airway obstruction. While the primary cause of COPD is smoking, other factors, such as air pollution, genetics, and respiratory infections, can also contribute to developing the disease. Eosinophilic airway inflammation is a common feature of COPD, and it is associated wi

Medical News Today • 28th February 2023

Effects of asthma on the lungs: Structural changes and symptoms

Asthma can cause inflammation of the lungs and airways. As a result, a person may experience symptoms including coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. They may also experience changes in the structure of the lungs. Doctors diagnose asthma by considering a person’s medical history, performing physical exams, and using lung function tests to measure how well they are working. Chest X-rays are a valuable screening tool for people with asthma, but doctors do not use them alone

Medical News Today • 31st January 2023

COPD lung vs. normal lungs: What COPD looks like

COPD may not always show up on an X-ray. However, when it does, doctors may notice visible signs, such as air pockets in lung tissue, a lowered diaphragm, or enlarged lungs. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious group of lung conditions that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. These conditions cause permanent changes in the lungs that make breathing more difficult. Doctors may opt to use CT or MRI scans instead of X-rays to get a clearer image of the inside of the lung

Medical News Today • 25th January 2023

Albuterol for COPD: How it works and side effects

Albuterol, or salbutamol, is a short-acting bronchodilator that helps ease breathing difficulties due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It comes as an inhaler or nebulizer. A bronchodilator opens the bronchi, the passages that allow air to enter the lungs. When the airways relax and open, more air can flow, making breathing easier. Albuterol comes in two forms: nebulizers and metered-dose inhalers (MDI). Nebulizers create a mist that a person inhales through a face mask or mouthpi

Medical News Today • 23rd January 2023

Antibiotics for COPD exacerbation: Options, considerations, and more

People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may have exacerbations or flare-ups of symptoms, such as breathlessness, increased coughing, or excessive sputum production. Doctors may prescribe antibiotics to help manage exacerbations. COPD is a progressive lung disorder that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It causes irreversible damage to the airways and lungs, making breathing difficult. Exacerbations of COPD and often have a trigger, such as an infection or environmental

Medical News Today • 29th July 2022

Acute exacerbations of COPD: Symptoms, causes, and treatments

Acute COPD exacerbations are short-term flare-ups of symptoms. Infections are often responsible for exacerbations, but there is not always a specific cause. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term for chronic lung diseases that make it difficult to exhale. It is relatively common and affects more than 16 million people in the United States, equating to 6.6% of the adult population. Exacerbations can cause serious symptoms from which it can take weeks to recover. Although

Medical News Today • 29th July 2022

COPD stepwise therapy: What it is, benefits, and more

COPD stepwise therapy is an individualized treatment approach for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). As COPD is a progressive condition, treatment typically becomes more intensive over time. However, with stepwise therapy, a person can move up or down the treatment spectrum depending on the status of their condition. This approach helps avoid both overtreatment and undertreatment. Traditional COPD treatment depends on the severity of an individual’s symptoms and how well they can brea

Medical News Today • 21st July 2022

Taking codeine for COPD: Uses, benefits, risks, and more

Codeine is an opioid medication that doctors may use to treat pain and cough. It is a powerful drug, and people can quickly develop tolerance or dependence. Although there is no cure for chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), treatments can help relieve the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Opioids — such as codeine — may be valuable in alleviating some symptoms, but doctors do not prescribe them frequently because of the risks. There are also numerous side effects associ

Medical News Today • 5th July 2022

Beta-blockers and COPD: Benefits, risks, and types

Beta-blockers are medications that doctors may recommend for cardiovascular disease, which is common in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). However, their use is not without controversy. COPD is a progressive lung disease that makes breathing difficult. Some researchers have concerns that beta-blockers may increase mortality for those with severe COPD who use oxygen at home. However, recent studies have not suggested that these medications carry this risk. This article loo

Medical News Today • 31st May 2022

Action plans for COPD: What are they?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lifelong lung condition that affects breathing. People with COPD can experience flare-ups of symptoms, known as exacerbations. Creating an action plan with the help of a healthcare professional can help people with COPD manage their symptoms and have greater control over their condition. The most common forms of COPD are chronic bronchitis, in which the airways of the lungs become inflamed, and emphysema, which damages the lungs’ air sacs. Exacer

Medical News Today • 30th May 2022

Smoking and COPD: What is the link?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious lung disease that can cause a person to experience breathing difficulties. Cigarette smoking can cause COPD and can seriously damage the lungs. Around in the United States are living with COPD. It is likely that millions more have the condition but have not received a diagnosis or treatment. Smoking is a major contributing factor to developing COPD. The of COPD for adults is 15.2% among current smokers. This figure drops to 7.6% among for

Medical News Today • 9th July 2021

Yoga for asthma: How it helps and poses to try

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes breathing difficulties, wheezing, and chest tightness. Some people with asthma use yoga as part of their treatment plan. Yoga is a practice that focuses on mindfulness through movement. It improves flexibility, balance, breath management, and more. Regularly practicing yoga may help individuals with asthma by reducing the severity of their symptoms. Although yoga is not a first-line treatment for asthma, it can be part of a comprehensive treatment p

Medical News Today • 7th June 2021

Asthma exacerbation: Definition, symptoms, treatment, and more

A person may experience asthma exacerbations or attacks, during which their asthma worsens, or new symptoms occur. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. The symptoms of asthma exacerbations include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Some people may also experience rapid breathing or gasping for air during sleep. Doctors will usually work with an individual to create an asthma action plan to help them manage the

Medical News Today • 28th May 2021

Asthma action plan: What it is, what it includes, and more

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways and makes breathing difficult. Putting an asthma action plan in place can be an effective way to manage this condition. An individual can work with a doctor to create an asthma action plan that outlines the medications they need and explains how they work and when to use them. Asthma action plans can benefit children and adults. If a person has an asthma attack, their asthma action plan helps them take the right medication. It may also tell

Medical News Today • 27th May 2021

Is asthma a disability?

Asthma is a chronic condition of the airways and lungs. People living with asthma can find managing their condition challenging, as the symptoms vary from mild to severe. Asthma is widespread, with 1 in 12 adults living with the condition. Because the symptoms of asthma can significantly affect a person’s quality of life, the law considers asthma as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This article looks at the situation surrounding asthma and its classification as a dis

Medical News Today • 25th May 2021

Nocturnal asthma: Diagnosis, causes, and symptoms

Asthma is a chronic lung condition affecting people of all ages. People with nocturnal asthma experience asthma symptoms at night, which may disrupt their sleep. Some figures suggest that around of people who have continuous asthma experience nocturnal symptoms at some point and approximately 30-70% of patients with asthma report nocturnal asthma symptoms at least once a month. Common symptoms include wheezing and shortness of breath.