Collapsed Lung

A collapsed lung occurs when air enters the space between the lung and the chest wall in the pleural space. A total collapse is called a pneumothorax. A partial collapse is called atelectasis. A collapsed lung can occur as the result of an injury to the lung. In some cases, a collapsed lung is caused…

Dizziness

Dizziness is a term that is often used to describe 2 different symptoms: lightheadedness and vertigo. Most causes of dizziness are not serious, and they either quickly get better on their own or are easy to treat. Lightheadedness occurs when the brain does not get enough blood. This may occur due to: A sudden drop…

Hyperlipidemia (High Blood Cholesterol)

Hyperlipidemia is the medical term for high blood cholesterol, or a significant amount of “fat” in the blood. This can increase the chance of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Blood pressure naturally rises and falls throughout the day, but it can cause problems if it stays high for a long time. Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. It is sometimes referred to as “the silent killer” because frequently people don’t even know they have it. Common risk factors for hypertension include:…

Lung Nodules

A lung nodule is a small growth in the lung. Lung nodules are smaller than three centimeters in diameter. A growth larger than three centimeters is called a lung mass. Most lung nodules are benign (benign). Benign lung nodules can have a wide variety of causes, including: Infections Noninfectious disorders such as sarcoidosis, granulomatosis with…

Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred. The thickened, scarred tissue makes it more difficult for the lungs to work properly. Pulmonary fibrosis can be caused by: Occupational/environmental exposure to asbestos, silica, metal dusts, bacteria, fumes, animal dusts, or gases Occupational related disease such as asbestosis, silicosis, Farmers Lung, or Bird Breeder’s…

Pneumonia

Severe Asthma

In people with severe asthma, the normally-tiny muscles in the walls of the airways are larger than in non-asthmatics. The airways close down when these muscles contract. When airways close down, it becomes difficult to breathe making the chest feel tight. Coughing and wheezing are also common. Medicine is typically necessary to relax and reopen…

Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders are conditions that result in changes in the way that you sleep. Common types of sleep disorders include: Insomnia – difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night Sleep apnea – experiencing abnormal patterns in breathing while asleep Restless legs syndrome (RLS) – a sleep movement disorder that affects the legs Narcolepsy…

Snoring

Snoring is a loud breathing sound that occurs during sleep. It can increase the risk for diabetes, obesity, hypertension, stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular problems. Possible causes include: Being overweight Tissue swelling during the last month of pregnancy Crooked or bent nasal septum, which is the wall of bone and cartilage between your nostrils…