A metered-dose inhaler lets you breathe medicine into your lungs quickly. Inhaled medicine works faster than the same medicine in a pill. An inhaler allows you to take less medicine than you would need if you took it as a pill. "Metered-dose" means that the inhaler gives a measured amount of medicine each time you use...

In some women, the estrogen in combination hormonal birth control methods increases the risk of a blood clot in a leg ( deep vein thrombosis, or DVT) or a blood clot in a lung ( pulmonary embolism, or PE). But the risk for DVT or PE is overall very low with hormonal contraceptives. Birth control pills In the past...

Covers ways to exercise and stay active with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Explains that exercise makes muscles stronger and may improve shortness of breath. Provides step-by-step instructions and photos for how to do upper and lower body exercises.

Discusses pneumonia, a lung infection caused by bacteria. Covers mild symptoms of walking pneumonia and more severe symptoms of other types of pneumonia. Discusses tests used to diagnose pneumonia. Includes info on treatment using antibiotics.

Children's lungs are especially sensitive to the harmful effects of air pollution. That's because they breathe faster than adults, which causes them to inhale a lot of pollution relative to their weight. Use care when you take your young child outdoors, especially for physical activities. When children exercise, they...

If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), your symptoms may get worse over a short time and stay bad. This is called an exacerbation (say "egg-ZASS-er-BAY-shun") or flare-up. Your shortness of breath, cough, or mucus may get worse.

What is it? Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) is a protein normally found in your lungs, liver, and blood. It helps protect tissues in your body from damage. Some people do not make enough AAT in their bodies. Some people make abnormal AAT. Both of these problems are called AAT deficiency. AAT deficiency is passed down by genes...

What is valley fever? Valley fever is a disease caused by a fungus that gets into your body through your lungs. It can make you feel like you have a cold or the flu and may cause a rash. Most people get better without treatment. But if your body's natural defense system (immune system) is weak, valley fever can be...

Right-sided heart failure means that the right side of the heart is not pumping blood to the lungs as well as normal. Most people develop heart failure because of a problem with the left ventricle. But reduced function of the right ventricle can also occur in heart failure. Right-sided heart failure can happen if there...

Bronchitis is inflammation and irritation of the airways (bronchial tubes) of the lungs. Coughing is the main symptom. Other symptoms can include mucus (sputum) when coughing, fever, and mild wheezing. Bronchitis is usually caused by infection from a virus (less commonly with bacteria or a fungus). It can also develop...

What is hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS)? Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) is a lung infection caused by viruses found in the saliva, urine, and droppings of some rodents. The illness is rare but can be deadly. What causes it? Most cases of HCPS in the U.S. are caused by one type of hantavirus found...

Thoracentesis (say "thor-uh-sen-TEE-sis") is a procedure to remove fluid from the space between the lungs and the chest wall. This is called the pleural space. The procedure may also be called a "chest tap." It is normal to have a small amount of fluid in the pleural space. But too much fluid can build up because of...

An arterial blood gases (ABG) test measures the acidity ( pH) and the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood from an artery. This test is used to find out how well your lungs are able to move oxygen into the blood and remove carbon dioxide from the blood. As blood passes through your lungs, oxygen moves into...

What is tuberculosis (TB)? Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious disease caused by a type of bacteria that is spread through the air. TB is easily spread from person to person through coughs or sneezes. TB usually occurs in the lungs. But it can spread to other parts of the body. TB is either active or latent. Active TB means...

Covers helping a child use a metered-dose inhaler with mask spacer. Explains that a metered dose inhaler delivers a measured dose of medicine directly to the lungs. Includes pictures on how to use metered-dose inhaler with mask spacer.

Sarcoidosis (say "sar-koy-DOH-sus") is a rare disease that creates tiny lumps of cells throughout the body. These lumps are called granulomas. They can form anywhere on the inside or outside of the body and can cause permanent scar tissue. They often form in the lungs. They may also form in the lymph nodes, liver, skin...

Bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to look at your airway through a thin viewing device called a bronchoscope. During a bronchoscopy, your doctor will examine your throat, larynx, trachea, and lower airways. This procedure may be done to diagnose problems with the airway, the lungs, or the lymph nodes...

Sudden heart failure occurs when heart failure gets worse very quickly. Your heart suddenly cannot pump as much blood as your body needs. Sudden heart failure causes rapid fluid buildup, or congestion, in the lungs and other parts of the body. Sudden heart failure is an emergency. You need care right away. Sudden heart...

A nebulizer is a device used to deliver liquid medicine in the form of a fine mist (aerosol). Medicine may be given through a nebulizer to treat respiratory problems, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or pneumonia. The nebulizer allows the medicine to go directly to a person's airways and...

An inhaler is a handheld device that delivers medicine in a measured dose while a person inhales. Inhalers are used in respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Inhaled medicine may work faster than oral medicines to relieve symptoms such as wheezing and spasms in the...

If you have COPD, you know how scary it can be to feel short of breath. Whether you just found out that you have COPD or you've been living with it for a while, you will find helpful information here. Our topics will teach you about the disease and give you some tips on breathing easier. Get the information you need in...