The respiratory system is the organs in your body for breathing, letting you exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Learn about normal and abnormal lung sounds, like wheezing and rales, and how they help doctors diagnose various conditions.

Understand your body's acid-base balance, how it's controlled, and what happens when it's off, causing acidosis or alkalosis.

Lung diseases are common conditions affecting different parts of the respiratory system, from the airways to the air sacs.

Lung injuries can result from direct trauma or illness, leading to serious symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain.

Smoking damages the lungs, affecting their appearance and function while increasing the risk for diseases like COPD and cancer.

A pulmonologist is a doctor who treats lung diseases. Learn what they do, the conditions they treat, and when to see one.

Breathing problems from asthma, allergies, or infections can improve with the right diagnosis, treatment, and trigger management.

Trouble breathing, chest pain, or a chronic cough? These signs might mean more than just a cold. Learn when to call your doctor.

Struggling to breathe can signal more than lung trouble. Discover 10 surprising conditions that could be behind it.

A productive cough may signal infection or chronic illness. Find out the possible causes and treatments.

Don’t ignore discolored mucus. Brown phlegm can reveal hidden lung issues, from bronchitis to abscesses.

From mild to massive bleeding, hemoptysis can be serious. Learn the causes, what tests you'll need, and how it's treated.

Chest retractions happen when soft chest tissue sinks in during breathing. It’s a sign your body isn’t getting enough air.

Dyspnea is shortness of breath, a sign your body isn’t getting enough air and may need urgent medical care.

Orthopnea leads to breathlessness when you lie flat. Discover why it happens and what you can do to feel better.

Hyperventilation is rapid, deep breathing that lowers carbon dioxide levels, causing dizziness, chest tightness, and tingling.

Airway obstruction blocks airflow in your lungs and can be caused by choking, allergies, infections, or lung diseases.

Stridor is a high-pitched breathing sound caused by a narrowed airway, often indicating an underlying blockage or condition.

Respiratory failure occurs when lungs can't supply enough oxygen or remove carbon dioxide, needing urgent medical care.

Common lung tests measure breathing, oxygen levels, and detect infections or lung damage to help diagnose respiratory problems.

A sputum culture tests mucus from your lungs to detect infections like bacteria, viruses, or fungi causing respiratory illness.

An arterial blood gas (ABG) test measures oxygen, carbon dioxide, and blood acidity to check lung and kidney function.

A pulse oximeter is a quick, painless device that measures blood oxygen levels and pulse rate to monitor lung and heart health.

Lung diffusion testing measures how well your lungs transfer oxygen into blood and remove carbon dioxide for healthy breathing.

Pulmonary function tests check how well your lungs work and help diagnose lung diseases like asthma, COPD, and infections.

A PEFR test measures how fast you can exhale to help monitor asthma, COPD, and detect lung changes early.

Spirometry measures how much and how fast you breathe to help diagnose asthma, COPD, and other lung conditions.

Body plethysmography measures lung volume to help diagnose and monitor lung conditions like COPD, asthma, and cystic fibrosis.

Pulmonary angiography is an X-ray test that uses dye to detect blood clots and assess blood vessels in and around the lungs.

A VQ scan measures airflow and blood flow in the lungs to help diagnose conditions like pulmonary embolism and lung disease.

An endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) helps doctors examine lung airways and lymph nodes without surgery, aiding diagnosis and biopsy.

Home lung function tests help track breathing health for asthma or COPD, guiding treatment and spotting flare-ups early.

A bronchoscopy lets doctors view your lungs to diagnose, treat, or remove blockages and collect tissue samples safely.

Thoracentesis is a procedure to remove excess fluid from around the lungs, easing breathing and helping diagnose the cause.

Learn how pneumonia affects your lungs, who is at risk, and what symptoms to watch for along with treatment and prevention tips.

From chest pain to cough and fever, find out what pneumonia symptoms mean and when to call a doctor.

Pneumonia has many types, such as bacterial, viral, or fungal. Find out how each type spreads and how treatment varies.

Bacterial pneumonia is a lung infection that can turn serious. See who’s at risk, symptoms, and how to prevent and treat it.

Viral pneumonia is caused by viruses like the flu or RSV. Learn how it spreads, what symptoms to watch for, and how it’s treated.

Chemical pneumonia develops after inhaling poisons or toxins. Find how it affects you and what steps to take if you're exposed.

Lipoid pneumonia is a rare lung condition caused by fat building up in the lungs. Find out what causes it and how it’s treated.

Walking pneumonia is common in children and adults younger than 40. Discover the symptoms, causes, and when antibiotics can help.

Pneumonia can be serious, but many cases are preventable. See which vaccines to get and how daily habits can protect your lungs.

Pneumonia after surgery can be serious. Learn steps you can take before and after your procedure to protect your lungs.

Pneumonia doesn’t just affect your lungs. Learn how it can lead to complications like organ damage and what treatment may involve.

Bronchitis and pneumonia both cause cough and fatigue, but symptoms differ. Learn how to tell them apart and when to call the doctor.

Pneumonia is common in people with lung cancer. Learn how the two conditions overlap, how they differ, and how to manage symptoms.

Fighting pneumonia? Try these tips to rest, stay hydrated, ease your cough, and avoid setbacks while your lungs heal.

Nagging cough with mucus? It might be bronchitis. Find out what triggers it, how long it lasts, and how to prevent it from coming back.

Find out how to spot bronchitis, how it differs from similar illnesses, and which symptoms may need urgent medical attention.

Find out when bronchitis is contagious, how long it lasts, and the best ways to protect yourself and others from getting sick.

Find out how to treat bronchitis with home remedies, medications, and tips for managing ongoing symptoms and when to see a doctor.

Bronchitis? Try these simple home tips like steam, fluids, and rest to ease your cough. See a doctor if it lasts over 3 weeks or gets worse.

Worried about your baby’s cough? It could be bronchiolitis. Know the signs, treatment, prevention tips, and when to call the doctor.

RSV spreads easily and can lead to serious lung issues. Know your risk and how to help prevent it.

RSV can spread before symptoms start. See how long you’re contagious and what to expect during infection.

RSV tests include rapid antigen and rRT-PCR. Learn when to test, what results mean, and who needs it most.

Learn who should get the RSV vaccine, how it works, where to get it, and what to expect from side effects to protection.

RSV can lead to serious complications in pregnancy. Find out how one vaccine helps protect both you and your baby.

TB is preventable and curable but can be fatal if ignored. Learn the signs, causes, risks and how to protect yourself.

TB symptoms may start slowly with cough, fever, and weight loss. Early medical help can cure TB and stop its spread.

If exposed to TB, get tested with skin or blood tests. Early detection helps prevent active TB and spread to others.

TB spreads through air from active cases. Early treatment and hygiene help stop TB in its tracks.

TB is treatable with antibiotics taken 6 to 9 months. Stay isolated until your doctor says you’re no longer contagious.

Are you pregnant? TB treatment is safe and vital to protect you and baby. Always follow your doctor’s advice on meds and care.

Got TB? Start treatment early, stay isolated, and don’t skip a single dose. Learn how to protect yourself and when to call your doctor. 

NTM lung disease is rising in older adults. Find out who’s most at risk, what causes it, and the symptoms.

NTM isn’t contagious, but it’s serious. Use this guide to prep for appointments and learn what to ask about your infection and treatment.

Treatment for NTM depends on your symptoms and bacteria type. Explore treatment options, palliative care, and tips to feel better.

Aspergillosis is a lung infection caused by mold. Learn who’s at risk, what are the types, symptoms to watch, and how it’s treated.

Blastomycosis is a rare fungal infection from breathing in mold spores.See how it spreads, symptoms to watch for, and how it’s treated.

HMPV is a common virus causing cold-like symptoms. It’s usually mild but can be serious. Here’s what to watch.

Langya virus is a rare animal-borne virus found in China. Know the causes, symptoms to watch for, and how it's treated.

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious pneumonia. It’s not contagious but can be life-threatening. Here's what to know.

From ear infections to pneumonia, M. catarrhalis can cause trouble. Learn how it’s diagnosed and what treatments may help.

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a rare but serious viral illness linked to travel in or near the Arabian Peninsula.

Mucormycosis is a rare, serious fungal infection that affects people with weakened immunity, often targeting the sinuses or lungs.

SARS is a serious viral illness caused by a coronavirus, spread through droplets, with flu-like symptoms and no known cure.

A viral upper respiratory infection (URI) causes cold-like symptoms such as cough, sore throat, fever, and nasal congestion.

Interstitial lung disease is a group of conditions that scar and inflame the lung interstitium, causing breathlessness and cough.

Childhood interstitial lung disease (chILD) is a group of rare lung conditions that damage lung tissue and impair breathing.

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that causes granulomas in the lungs and other organs, leading to diverse symptoms.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive lung disease where thick scar tissue forms, making breathing harder over time.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is an allergic lung disease from inhaled particles causing inflammation, cough, and breathlessness.

Pneumonitis is lung inflammation caused by breathing in or being exposed to irritants like drugs, chemicals, or allergens.

Benign lung nodules and tumors are noncancerous growths often detected on imaging and monitored to ensure they stay harmless.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer of the mesothelium. It is often caused by asbestos exposure, that invades chest and abdominal linings.

Pulmonary vascular disease includes lung blood vessel disorders like embolism and hypertension that cause breathlessness.

CTEPH is chronic high blood pressure in lung arteries caused by persistent clots, leading to breathlessness and fatigue.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension means high blood pressure in the arteries that go from your heart to your lungs.

PAH diagnosis involves exams, blood tests, imaging, lung function testing, and right‐heart catheterization.

While there’s no cure for PAH, medications and procedures can ease symptoms and improve quality of life based on individual needs.

Winrevair helps treat Group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension by improving blood flow and reducing symptoms like breathlessness.

Track your PAH symptoms daily, know your meds, and stay informed to better manage your condition and treatment plan.

Pleural effusion is fluid buildup around the lungs. Learn the causes, symptoms, diagnosis steps, and how it's treated.

Pleurisy causes sharp chest pain from inflamed lung linings, often from infection, and usually improves with rest and treatment.

Pleurisy treatment varies by cause and may include antibiotics, pain relievers, steroids, or fluid drainage to ease symptoms.

Pneumothorax occurs when air leaks into space around the lung, causing it to collapse and requiring prompt medical treatment.

Empyema is pus buildup between the lung and its lining, caused by infection, leading to chest pain and breathing difficulty.

Hemothorax is bleeding around the lungs, often from chest injury, causing pain and breathing issues that may need urgent care.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery Pleurodesis seals the space around the lungs to prevent air or fluid buildup.

Aspiration occurs when food, liquid, or objects enter the airway or lungs, causing coughing, swallowing issues, or lung infections.

Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease causing thickened airways, cough, infections, and breathing difficulties.

Popcorn lung is a serious lung disease causing airway damage, cough, and shortness of breath from inhaling harmful chemicals.

Atelectasis is a lung condition where airways or tiny sacs collapse, causing breathing difficulty, chest pain, and other symptoms.

LAM is a rare lung disease affecting mostly women, causing cysts and breathing problems due to abnormal muscle cell growth.

Hyperinflated lungs occur when trapped air overexpands lung tissue, which can make breathing difficult and reduce lung flexibility.

Pneumomediastinum is a rare condition where air leaks into the chest, causing pain and breathing difficulty, often after injury.

A lung abscess is a pus-filled cavity in the lung caused by infection, leading to chest pain, cough, fever, and fatigue.

Granulomas are small immune cell lumps, often in lungs, usually harmless but linked to infections or inflammation.

ARDS causes fluids in the lungs, blocking oxygen. It can be life-threatening but is often treatable with prompt medical care.

Obstructive and restrictive lung diseases limit airflow or lung expansion, causing shortness of breath and impacting daily life.

Cystic lung disease causes air or fluid-filled sacs in lungs. Diagnosis and treatment depend on the specific type and symptoms.

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis fills lung air sacs with surfactant, causing breathing difficulty and requiring targeted treatment.

Pulmonary edema is fluid buildup in the lungs that makes breathing hard and can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.

EGPA is a rare disease that causes blood vessel inflammation and can affect organs like the lungs, heart, and nerves.

Churg-Strauss syndrome can inflame blood vessels and affect organs like the heart, lungs, kidneys, skin, and nerves.

Churg-Strauss syndrome treatment includes steroids, immune-suppressing drugs, and biologics to control inflammation and symptoms.

Precordial catch syndrome causes sudden, sharp chest pain in kids and young adults but isn’t dangerous and fades within minutes.

Poor outdoor air quality can trigger serious illness. Learn who’s most at risk and how to protect your health.

Find out how wildfire smoke impacts your body and what steps you can take to limit the damage.

Smoke inhalation damages the body by depriving you of oxygen. Learn the causes, symptoms, and how to get help fast.

Breathing in asbestos fibers may cause severe lung problems over time. Learn about symptoms, risks, and what to do if you’ve been exposed.

Pneumoconiosis may sound serious, but with early diagnosis and ongoing care, you can manage your symptoms and protect your lung health. 

Working in coal mines can put your lungs at risk. Find out how black lung disease starts, who’s vulnerable, and how to prevent it.

Silicosis is a lung disease caused by breathing in silica dust over time. Learn who’s at risk, symptoms to watch for, and how it’s treated.

If you work around hay, grain, or dust, you could be at risk for farmer’s lung. Find out what it is and how to protect your lungs.

Mold can trigger allergies and asthma. Find out how to detect it, clean it, and keep it from coming back.

Black mold may trigger symptoms, especially if you have allergies or asthma. Learn how to spot and remove it safely.

 Aspergillus is a common mold found indoors and outdoors. Find out what causes it, who’s at risk, and how it’s treated.