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.

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...

A nebulizer is a tool that delivers liquid medicine as a fine mist. You breathe in the medicine through a mouthpiece or face mask. This sends the medicine directly to your airways and lungs. A nebulizer may be used to treat lung problems. These...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

In transposition of the great vessels, the major blood vessels attached to the heart—the aorta and the pulmonary artery—are reversed. This reversal results in the blood going to the wrong places. This leads to low oxygen levels in the body. The aorta, which normally carries oxygen-rich blood from the left side of the...

Although most cases of influenza (flu) get better without causing other problems, complications sometimes develop. Possible problems from the flu include: Pneumonia, which is an infection of the lungs. It rarely causes death in young, healthy people. But it can often be life-threatening in older adults, people who have...

A computed tomography angiogram (CT angiogram) is a test that uses X-rays to provide detailed pictures of the heart and the blood vessels that go to the heart, lung, brain, kidneys, head, neck, legs, and arms. This test can show narrowed or blocked areas of a blood vessel. It can also show whether there is a bulge (...

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...