Respiratory Diseases

Asthma in Children

Introduction Asthma in children is a chronic condition that affects the airways, causing them to become inflamed and narrowed. This makes it difficult for children to breathe and can impact their daily activities, sleep, and overall well-being. Asthma often develops in early childhood and can be...

Cough

Introduction A cough is a natural reflex that helps clear the airways of irritants, mucus, and foreign particles. It is a common symptom of many respiratory conditions and can range from a mild, occasional annoyance to a severe, persistent problem. Understanding the different types of coughs and...

Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children

Causes Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in children encompasses a range of breathing difficulties during sleep, from simple snoring to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Common causes include enlarged...

Asthma

Causes Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to difficulty breathing. The exact cause of asthma is not fully understood, but it is...

Pulmonary Emphysema

Introduction Pulmonary emphysema is a chronic lung condition that is part of a group of diseases known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It involves damage to the air sacs (alveoli) in...

Pulmonary Fibrosis – Restrictive Lung Disease

Introduction Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and progressive lung disease characterized by the scarring and thickening of lung tissue. This scarring, or fibrosis, makes it difficult for the lungs to...

Lung Collapse – Pneumothorax

Introduction A pneumothorax, commonly known as a lung collapse, occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and the chest wall. This air buildup puts pressure on the lung, causing it to...

When Children Have Difficulty Breathing

Introduction Difficulty breathing, or dyspnea, in children can be a frightening experience for both the child and their caregivers. It indicates that the child is not getting enough oxygen, which can...

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Introduction Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder characterized by repeated episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep. These obstructions lead to pauses in breathing or...

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Introduction Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term, progressive lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. It is characterized by persistent airflow limitation and includes...

Snoring

Introduction Snoring is a common condition that occurs when airflow through the mouth and nose is partially blocked during sleep, causing the tissues in the throat to vibrate and produce sound. While...

How to Breathe Easier with Lung Disease

Introduction Living with lung disease can often make breathing difficult, leading to discomfort and reduced quality of life. However, there are various exercises and strategies that can help...

Cough in Children

Introduction Coughing is a common symptom in children, serving as a protective reflex to clear the airways of irritants, mucus, and foreign particles. While occasional coughing is normal, persistent...

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Introduction Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory tract. It is characterized by severe coughing fits that can make it difficult to...

Cystic Fibrosis: A Comprehensive Overview

Introduction Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a complex, inherited disorder that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system, but it can also impact other organs such as the liver, sinuses, and...

COVID-19

Introduction COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. First identified in late 2019, it quickly spread worldwide and was declared a pandemic by the World Health...

How to Feel Better After COVID-19

Introduction Recovering from COVID-19 can be a challenging process, as the virus can leave lingering effects that impact physical and mental well-being. Many individuals experience persistent symptoms...

Legionella – Legionnaires’ Disease

Introduction Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia caused by infection with Legionella bacteria. The illness is named after an outbreak at an American Legion convention in 1976, but...

Bronchitis

Introduction Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs. The condition can be either acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis is usually caused...

Obstructive Bronchitis – Bronchiolitis in Children Under Two Years

Introduction Bronchiolitis is a common respiratory infection that affects the small airways (bronchioles) in the lungs, primarily in infants and young children under two years of age. It is often...

Pneumonia

Introduction Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs (alveoli) in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus, causing symptoms such as cough, fever, chills, and difficulty...

Pleurisy (Pleuritis)

Introduction Pleurisy, also known as pleuritis, is an inflammation of the pleura, which are the two large, thin layers of tissue that separate the lungs from the chest wall. These layers are normally...

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in Children

Introduction Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that infects the respiratory tract, especially in infants and young children. While RSV usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, it can...

Sarcoidosis

Introduction Sarcoidosis is a rare, chronic inflammatory disease that can affect multiple organs in the body, most commonly the lungs and lymph nodes. It is characterized by the formation of small...

Tuberculosis (TB)

Introduction Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It most commonly affects the lungs but can also involve other parts of the body, such as the...

Mycoplasma Infection

Introduction Mycoplasma infection is a respiratory illness most commonly caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae. This infection is often referred to as “walking pneumonia” because...

Altitude Sickness

Introduction Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), occurs when a person ascends to high altitudes too quickly, typically above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). At higher...