What is Pulmonary Function Testing? Pulmonary function testing is not a single test, but rather, a series of maneuvers aimed at evaluating the functioning of the lungs. This testing may also be referred to as PFTs, lung function testing, spirometry, or breathing tests. Pulmonary function testing generally consists of 3 components: Spirometry- measuring how much [...]
What is Sarcoidosis? Sarcoidosis (sar-koy-DO-sis) is a chronic, multi-system inflammatory disorder of unknown cause. In this disease, there is granulomatous (nodule-like) inflammation of the affected organ(s), most commonly the lymph nodes, lungs and liver. Although no specific cause has ever been identified, there is scientific evidence that it may result from certain genetic factors and [...]
What is polysomnography? This is a medical study monitoring you as you sleep. It is also known as a “Sleep Study” or “PSG.” This testing provides a comprehensive recording of the physiology during sleep. What does PSG monitor? A sleep study monitors: Brain waves (EEG) Breathing rate and depth Electrical activity of the muscles [...]
What is pleural effusion? An abnormal and excessive accumulation of fluid between the layers of tissue that line the lung and chest cavity. There are four general types of pleural fluid: (1) serous or hydrothorax (watery); (2) bloody or hemothorax; (3) chylous or chylothorax (lymph fluid); or (4) empyema (pus). What are the causes? In [...]
Definition: Work-Related Asthma (WRA) is asthma worsened by or caused by inhalation exposures in the workplace. WRA has 2 basic subgroups: (1) Occupational Asthma (OA) and (2) Work Exacerbated Asthma (WEA), previously called Work Aggravated Asthma. OA, in turn, has 2 subgroups: (1) Immunologic (“allergic”) and (2) Non-immunologic (“irritant induced”). Simply put, OA is asthma [...]
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a respiratory condition with limited airflow in the lungs, making it hard to breathe out. The disease develops and worsens over time. What is COPD? The two major diseases in this category are emphysema and . Some patients may have both. A less common underlying disease is obstructive bronchiolitis. [...]
On July 1, 2009, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the popular varenicline (Chantix, by Pfizer) and bupropion (Zyban, by GlaxoSmithKline) must carry a “boxed warning” for physicians because these medicines have been associated with serious mental health events. Similar warnings will also be required for bupropion marketed as Wellbutrin, and for generic [...]
Bronchoscopy is a medical procedure used to view the inside of your airways and diagnose lung disease. Typically, a pulmonologist (lung specialist) will perform this test to help him or her diagnose your lung condition, particularly if a sample from the lung is needed. Such conditions or problems include: , , , , atelectasis (airway [...]
In 2004, the American Thoracic Society (ATS) updated its Official Statement on the non-malignant health effects of . This paper primarily dealt with diagnostic and initial management issues. The American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) just recently released its Consensus Statement on the Respiratory Health Effects of Asbestos. This paper examined expert opinion on a [...]
What is lung cancer? Lung cancer is cancer that begins in your lungs. Cancer that started somewhere else, then spread to your lungs, is called metastatic cancer (from the original site) and not lung cancer. What are the types of lung cancer? There are 2 main types of lung cancer: (1) non-small cell and [...]
