Health ConditionsLung & Respiratory

Lung & Respiratory

Respiratory health supports your breathing and addresses disorders and injuries involving the lungs and airways. Asthma, COPD, lung cancer, pneumonia, and other respiratory conditions can cause a range of symptoms that affect breathing.

Treatment varies based on the specific condition and may involve medication, oxygen therapy, medical procedures, or surgery. Avoiding pollutants and smoking, exercising, and getting regular checkups are central to lung health.

Common Questions & Answers

What are common respiratory symptoms?

A chronic cough, breathlessness, chest pain, excess mucus, wheezing, and coughing up blood may indicate a respiratory condition. Seeing a doctor about these before they become severe can help you treat lung diseases before they become serious or life-threatening.

Smoking damages the airways and increases your risk of COPD, lung cancer, and other types of cancers. Secondhand smoke can lead to asthma if children or infants inhale it. Quitting smoking can help you reduce your risk of lung disease.

Allergies to pollen, animal dander, dust mites, or ragweed often trigger asthma and other respiratory issues. Anaphylaxis, or a severe allergic reaction, can make breathing difficult or extremely rapid in the short term.

Doctors often test lung function through spirometry, which shows the speed and volume at which your lungs can expel air. Other breathing tests include the lung volume test, the lung diffusion capacity test, and exercise tests.

Protecting yourself against indoor and outdoor air pollution, quitting or avoiding smoking, and regular exercise benefit lung health. Take steps to avoid allergy triggers if you have asthma. Regular checkups can help you catch any underlying respiratory issues early on.

Meet Our Experts In Lung & Respiratory
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Resources
  1. Warning Signs of Lung Disease. American Lung Association. November 20, 2024.
  2. Protecting Your Lungs. American Lung Association. November 20, 2024.

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