Pertussis (whooping cough) closely resembles many other upper and lower respiratory tract infections and a proper diagnosis is essential in order to commence with the appropriate treatment as soon as possible. Many cases of pertussis are initially misdiagnosed for more common respiratory tract infections. It is only upon >> Read More ...
What is Whooping Cough? Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a contagious infection of the respiratory tract. While most respiratory tract infections are due to viruses (example : common cold, influenza), pertussis is caused by bacteria, namely the Bordetella pertussis bacterium. Pertussis typically affects the >> Read More ...
Signs and Symptoms of Breathing Trouble Shortness of breath (dyspnea) is the most common symptom of any problem with the respiration process. Refer to the articles on : What Causes Shortness of Breath? Reasons for Shortness of Breath Other signs and symptoms may include : Flaring of the nostrils. Abnormal expansion of the >> Read More ...
What is Respiration? The process of respiration involves four stages – ventilation which we know as breathing (inhalation or inspiration and exhalation or expiration), exchange of gases between the air in the lungs and blood stream (pulmonary diffusion), transport of gases in the blood (perfusion) and exchange of >> Read More ...
Diagnosing the cause of dyspnea depends on the clinical evaluation and the results of investigative tests that will be conducted. Due to the various reasons for shortness of breath, some of the tests will not be directly related to the lungs. Not all the tests mentioned below will be conducted and the attending physician >> Read More ...
Samansara Asked : I stopped smoking seven months ago after 40 years. I had a chronic smoker’s cough. I am still coughing but it seems worse to me. My doctor keeps telling me it is my sinus and has given me steroids, antibiotics, benzonatate to help with the cough, nasonex…….and the list goes on. Now I have a >> Read More ...
What is a Hiccup? Hiccups are the repeated involuntary spasm of the diaphragm which causes a sudden intake of air. This is followed by the abrupt closure of the glottis (the vocal cords and space between it) which then restricts the air rushing in. These two actions, diaphragmatic spasm resulting in rapid air intake and >> Read More ...
What is Dyspnea? Dyspnea is the medical term for difficulty breathing, typically presenting as shortness of breath or labored breathing. The term dyspnea encompasses a number of different breathing difficulties, which may be vary in sensation and experience among patients. Despite the differences, the sensation is usually >> Read More ...
Seasonal, Swine and Bird Flu in Humans Types of influenza currently appearing in humans include: Seasonal influenza, also called annual influenza, conventional influenza, common flu or human flu Swine flu, also called novel flu (in Europe), or 2009 pandemic influenza A H1N1 Bird flu or avian influenza Table 1: Main >> Read More ...
Causes of Lung Chest Pain The most common causes of pulmonary chest pain is a result of pathology within the lungs although conditions affecting the air passages may also cause chest pain. Lung chest pain may either be one side or affect both sides simultaneously and some of the common symptoms that occur along with the >> Read More ...
