Do you have a persistent cough that only happens in the morning? If so, you’re not alone. A morning cough usually occurs when you first wake up. It can either be dry or wet. While it may be a normal reaction to an irritant in your respiratory system, such as allergies or post-nasal drip, if it happens frequently, it can be a warning sign of an underlying condition. In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of morning cough, how to find relief, and when to contact your doctor. Types of Cough Let’s take a moment to understand the types of coughs you might encounter when you wake up in th ..read more

When we breathe, our lungs make sounds that are often barely audible. However, in certain situations, you might hear high-pitched wheezing or a crackling sound coming from your lungs. These unusual noises can be alarming, but understanding their causes can help you seek medical attention to treat the underlying respiratory issue. In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about wheezing and crackling sounds in the lungs and what treatment options may help you find relief. Why Do Our Lungs Make Sounds? Our lungs make different sounds for various reasons, from the movement of a ..read more

Any condition that disrupts a patient’s ability to breathe deeply and naturally is a serious health concern. Diaphragm disorders are no different. The diaphragm is a muscle located below the lungs that helps us breathe. It contracts and flattens when we inhale and relaxes when we exhale. Any damage, or dysfunction, to this essential area can lead to breathing difficulties that impact patients quality of life. Types of Diaphragm Disorders There are several conditions, diseases, and injuries that can impact the diaphragm. Some of these include: Diaphragmatic Paralysis: This occurs when the ner ..read more

For anyone with breathing difficulties, bronchiectasis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) may seem similar. Both conditions affect your ability to release air from the lungs, causing symptoms like cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath to develop (and worsen). It’s also not unusual to experience an overlap of bronchiectasis and COPD symptoms. Although differentiating between the two can be challenging, certain factors can help distinguish one from the other. Is Bronchiectasis COPD? No. They are two different chronic lung conditions. Bronchiectasis (brong-kee-EK-tuh-sis) is an ..read more

High-resolution computerized technology (HRCT) allows clinicians to get an accurate bronchiectasis diagnosis among patients experiencing common symptoms of this condition. Bronchiectasis (brong-kee-EK-tuh-sis) is an irreversible chronic lung condition caused by abnormal widening of the lung’s airways. Although no cure for bronchiectasis exists, patients can manage their symptoms and avoid triggering flare-ups that may require hospitalizations. What Is HRCT Scanning? High-resolution CT scanning is a medical imaging technique that uses X-rays to create detailed images of the body’s internal str ..read more

Chronic cough, shortness of breath, mucus buildup, and recurring respiratory infection are all common bronchiectasis symptoms. Although there is currently no cure for this chronic lung condition, there are ways to help manage your individual symptoms so you can breathe easier. In this guide, you’ll find answers to common questions about bronchiectasis to help you understand its impact on your health, wellness, and life expectancy. What Is Bronchiectasis? Bronchiectasis (pronunciation: brong-kee-EK-tuh-sis) is a chronic lung condition that causes damage to the airways, making breathing difficu ..read more

Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (or NTM) are organisms that naturally occur in water, soil, and dust.¹ When you inhale these NTM organisms, the bacteria travel to your lungs, which may cause a respiratory infection to develop. Though NTM lung disease can affect anyone, you may be at higher risk if you have a pre-existing lung condition, such as bronchiectasis and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).² Although many people naturally clear NTMs from their lungs and avoid potential pulmonary damage, NTM lung infections still affect more than 86,000 people in the United States—the majority of ..read more

Chronic cough, shortness of breath, mucus buildup, and recurring respiratory infection are all common bronchiectasis symptoms. Although there is currently no cure for this chronic lung condition, there are ways to help manage your individual symptoms so you can breathe easier. In this guide, you’ll find answers to common questions about bronchiectasis to help you understand its impact on your health, wellness, and life expectancy. What Is Bronchiectasis? Bronchiectasis (pronunciation: brong-kee-EK-tuh-sis) is a chronic lung condition that causes damage to the airways, making breathing difficu ..read more

Coughing fits can be disruptive, uncomfortable, and sometimes downright embarrassing. But did you know that they may also indicate an underlying health condition? In this article, we’ll explore the link between coughing fits and certain lung conditions, shedding light on what you need to know to help manage your symptoms. What Is Considered a “Coughing Fit?” When a person experiences a coughing fit (sometimes referred to as a coughing attack), it is typically described as an intense and uncontrollable onset of coughing that can last for several minutes. You might have experienced a coughing f ..read more

Our respiratory system is a complex network of organs and tissues responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body. It consists of two main parts: The upper respiratory tract The lower respiratory tract The upper respiratory tract includes the nose, nasal cavity, sinuses, pharynx, and larynx while the lower respiratory tract comprises the trachea, bronchi, and lungs.¹ Understanding the Lungs & Throat The lungs and throat are two of the most critical components of our respiratory system. The lungs are responsible for absorbing oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide. S ..read more