Patient Education

Common Pulmonary and Sleep Conditions

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic condition that causes airway inflammation and narrowing, making breathing difficult. Triggers include allergens, exercise, stress, odors, infections, and air pollution. Symptoms range from mild to severe and can include chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing.

Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis occurs when the airways become damaged and widened, leading to mucus buildup and recurrent lung infections. Symptoms include persistent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and frequent respiratory infections.

Chronic Cough

A chronic cough lasts longer than eight weeks and is often unrelated to a common cold or infection. It can be caused by conditions such as asthma, COPD, GERD, post-nasal drip, and vocal cord disorders. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment.

Lung Nodules

Lung nodules are small growths in the lungs, often detected incidentally on imaging. Most are benign and require only periodic monitoring. However, in rare cases, nodules may indicate lung cancer and require further evaluation.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. It develops when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the lungs. Early detection through screening is crucial, especially for high-risk individuals. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and targeted drugs.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, leading to poor rest and potential health complications. Symptoms include excessive daytime fatigue, trouble concentrating, memory issues, and insomnia. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, CPAP therapy, and other medical interventions.

Chronic Obstructive (COPD)

COPD is a progressive lung disease often linked to smoking. It causes airway inflammation and obstruction, leading to symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chronic cough, wheezing, and mucus production. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are common contributors to COPD.

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)

IPF is a chronic lung disease that causes progressive scarring of lung tissue, making breathing increasingly difficult. While the exact cause is unknown, treatment focuses on slowing disease progression and preserving lung function. Symptoms may take years to develop and often include shortness of breath and chronic dry cough.

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)

ILD encompasses a group of over 200 conditions that cause lung inflammation and scarring. Symptoms include shortness of breath and persistent dry cough. Causes can include medications, environmental exposures, radiation therapy, and autoimmune diseases. While treatment can help manage symptoms, lung damage is often irreversible.

Non-Tuberculosis Mycobacterial (NTM) Lung Disease

NTM lung disease is caused by slow-growing bacteria found in soil, water, and dust. It can lead to persistent respiratory symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, night sweats, low-grade fever, and weight loss. Severity and treatment depend on the bacterial strain and the extent of lung involvement.

Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, making it harder for the heart to pump blood. It can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, swelling in the legs, and fatigue. While there is no cure, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs, which can be life-threatening. Symptoms include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, and coughing up blood. Immediate medical attention is required, and treatment may include blood thinners or clot-dissolving medications.

Pulmonary & Sleep Health Resources

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Air Pollutions
Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis
Alpha-1-Antitrypsin
Aspergillosis
Asthma
Blastomycosis
Bronchiectasis
Bronchoscopy
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing
Central Sleep Apnea
Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension
Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders
Coccidioidomycosis
Code Status
COPD
Cough
CPAP–BPAP Care & Cleaning Os
Cystic Fibrosis – Facts
Exercise-induced Laryngeal Obstruction
Healthy Sleep
Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Indoor Air Quality
Indwelling Pleural Catheters
Influenza
Insomnia
Legionnaires’ Disease
Lung Cancer – Screening & Prevention
Lung Cancer
Pulmonary Complications of Liver Disease
Lung Nodule
Lung Transplant
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Mechanical Ventilation
Narcolepsy
Nebulizers
Neuromuscular Weakness
Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial Lung Disease
Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Occupational Lung Disease
Oxygen Therapy
Malignant Pleural Effusion
Pneumonia – Vaccines
Pneumonia
Pneumothorax
Post-Intensive Care Syndrome
Primary Ciliary Diskinesia
Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis
Pulmonary Embolism
Pulmonary Function Testing
Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary Rehab
Restless Leg Syndrome
Sarcoidosis
Six Minute Walking Test
Shortness of breath
Sleep Studies
Smoking & Cancer
Thoracentesis
Tracheosctomy
Travel and Sleep
Tuberculosis
Vaccines
Vaping
Vocal Cord Dysfunction