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…

Inspire (for Obstructive Sleep Apnea)

Chronic Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs. People who have bronchitis often cough up thickened mucus, which can be discolored. Bronchitis may be either acute or chronic. Chronic bronchitis is a constant irritation or inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, often…

Chronic Cough

A chronic cough is a cough that lasts eight weeks or longer. A chronic cough is more than just an annoyance. A chronic cough can interrupt restorative sleep and lead to exhaustion. Severe cases of chronic cough can cause vomiting, lightheadedness and even rib fractures. While it can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint the problem…

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a congenital disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs in the body. Cystic fibrosis affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat and digestive juices. These secreted fluids are normally thin and slippery. But in people with CF, a defective gene causes the secretions to become sticky and…

Emphysema

Emphysema is a lung condition that causes shortness of breath. In people with emphysema, the air sacs in the lungs are damaged. Over time, the inner walls of the air sacs weaken and rupture creating larger air spaces instead of many small ones. This reduces the surface area of the lungs and, in turn, the…

Esophageal Stricture

Esophageal stricture is a narrowing of the esophagus that causes swallowing difficulties. It can be caused by: Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) Eosinophilic esophagitis Injuries caused by an endoscope Long-term use of a nasogastric (NG) tube Swallowing substances that harm the lining of the esophagus Treatment of esophageal varices

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…