If your chest X-ray has revealed a “spot” on your lung, you probably want to know exactly what that means. Your first thought is to wonder what’s causing the spot and how concerned you should be about it. When faced with an abnormal X-ray, patients have many questions and concerns. What Does a Spot on My Lung Mean? The appearance of a lung spot on an X-ray is quite common and usually indicates a benign condition. A spot on the lung, also referred to as a lung or pulmonary nodule, could also be an early indication of cancer.  Lung nodules may be caused by a variety of issues othe ..read more

When you have breathing problems or other possible symptoms of lung cancer, your doctor might recommend having a pulmonary function test done. These tests show how well your lungs perform when you breathe in and out. While these tests are done for a number of reasons, pulmonary test for lung cancer is one of them. What Is PFT Test? A pulmonary function test, or a PFT, is used to determine how well your lungs exchange air. The test will review how much air is entering your lungs and leaving your lungs and how much air goes from your lungs to your bloodstream. Your doctor may also use ..read more

Lung cancer is a condition that develops from the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lungs. As the cells grow, they form tumors in the lungs that can spread to other parts of the body. The two biggest risk factors for lung cancer are smoking and age. Some people do not show symptoms in the early stages of lung cancer, while others may have chest pain, a cough, and shortness of breath. Sometimes, the cough is accompanied by bloody phlegm. Detecting lung cancer early is important, as it improves the chances of successful treatment and surgery to remove the cancerous lung nodules ..read more

High blood pressure (hypertension) that affects the lungs is called pulmonary hypertension. There are also subtypes of the condition categorized based on their cause. This can include heart disease, lung disease, and a blockage in the heart’s arteries or blood vessels. Approximately 1% of the population has pulmonary hypertension, though most people do not know about it until they or a loved one are diagnosed. Although it can be hard to detect, it is important to receive proper care and protect your heart, lungs, and health. Symptoms of Pulmonary Hypertension The onset of this condition i ..read more

A pulmonary function test, commonly referred to as a PFT, is a valuable tool in assessing lung function prior to surgical interventions or other medical procedures. These tests are particularly useful for patients with pre-existing lung or heart conditions, individuals who smoke, or those with other underlying health issues. Here’s what you need to know. What Is the Purpose of a Pulmonary Function Test? By conducting a pulmonary function test, a healthcare professional can gain crucial insights into the respiratory capabilities of a patient, enabling them to make informed decisions and pr ..read more

It is not uncommon for people to make noise when they sleep. From slight grumblings to loud snorts, approximately 45 percent of the population snore on a regular basis. And while some people only snore occasionally, others snore nightly, disrupting not only their sleep but their partner’s as well. The thing is, people snore for a variety of different reasons. In this post, you learn some of the main reasons why people snore and when snoring is not only snoring. What Causes Snoring? Snoring is caused by a variety of factors. Some people suffer from structural abnormalities of the upper air ..read more

Pleurocentesis, commonly known as thoracentesis, is a procedure that is used to help remove excess air or fluid from the space between your lungs and the wall of your chest. It is normal to have a small amount of air and fluid in the pleural space, but if the quantity of either of these things becomes too high, it can result in another condition called pleural effusion. Pleural Effusion: Symptoms and Causes  Pleural effusion occurs when there begins to be a buildup of excess air and fluid in the pleural space (the space between the visceral and parietal pleura around the lungs). This cond ..read more

One of the best ways to find out if there are issues going on in your chest is with a Thoracic Ultrasound. This device helps with the diagnosis of cardiac and pulmonary diseases and conditions and can target the issue. Here is everything you need to know about thoracic ultrasound, and how it can help you. What Is a Thoracic Ultrasound? A thoracic ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic test that helps determine and locate any cardigan and pulmonary diseases or conditions that may be found in the chest. The device emits waves that reach below the skin and produce an image of the area being ..read more

If you’re sick with a cough and have fever or chills, you may need to see a healthcare physician for pneumonia. How Does Pneumonia Affect My Body? Pneumonia is the inflammation of the lungs that stems from a viral or bacterial infection. The air sacs of the lungs become filled with pus or fluid. If you do not tend to the pneumonia, the liquid in your lungs will solidify overtime. Pus or fluid in your lungs will produce cough, headache, fever, and chills. The presence of either liquid also inhibits your ability to breathe and blocks oxygen from getting into your bloodstream. Therefore, pne ..read more

Bronchial Thermoplasty is a treatment for severe asthma, and helps improve breathing and quality of life for those who suffer from asthma attacks and may have airway constriction. Bronchial Thermoplasty is meant to help reduce asthma attacks as well as open up airways making it easier to breathe and improve quality of life in the process. What Is Bronchial Thermoplasty? Bronchial Thermoplasty (BT) is a procedure that is used to treat individuals who suffer from the effects of severe asthma. This treatment is typically delivered over the course of 3 appointments. This treatment utilizes heat to ..read more