Here are definitions of medical terms related to emphysema. Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT): A protein produced in the liver that blocks the destructive effects of certain enzymes. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AAT deficiency): A deficiency of a protein produced in the liver that blocks the destructive effects of certain enzymes. This inherited condition is associated with emphysema and liver […]
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Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on emphysema. Emphysema Foundation for Our Right to Survive (EFFORTS) http://www.emphysema.net/ EFFORTS is a non-profit organization, formed, funded and operated by patients with the disease. Their mission is to promote deeper research for more effective treatment and, hopefully, a cure for emphysema and related lung
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Here are definitions of medical terms related to bronchoscopy. biopsy: A procedure to remove a small piece of tissue from part of the body for examination under a microscope. “Biopsy” can also mean the tissue sample itself. bronchial tubes, bronchi: The tubes that carry air from the throat (trachea) into the lungs. The larger bronchial tubes branch
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Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on bronchoscopy. American Lung Association http://www.lungusa.org 1-800-LUNG-USA A good site for easy-to-understand information about many different lung diseases. It doesn’t have any information on bronchoscopy itself, though. After getting a diagnosis, come here to find out more about treatment and prevention. The Virtual Hospital, a
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Smoking is the leading cause of chronic bronchitis. The substances in cigarette and other forms of tobacco smoking cause irritation of the bronchial tubes. While smoking is the leading cause of bronchitis, environmental pollution and some kinds of occupational exposures to chemicals have also been shown to lead to chronic bronchitis. Of course, if you
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Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to bronchoscopy. Bronchoscopy lets the doctor see inside your airways, using a thin tube called a bronchoscope. The tube uses fiberoptics or a tiny video camera to produce images of the airways. Doctors perform bronchoscopies to help diagnose diseases or remove something blocking the airways. If
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The symptoms of chronic bronchitis include: Coughing and/or coughing up sputum with chest pain Yellow or green phlegm Shortness of breath Increased cough How Is The Diagnosis Made? Chronic bronchitis is diagnosed if these symptoms have lasted for at least three consecutive months during two consecutive years, or for six months in one year. In
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Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for chronic bronchitis. Most treatment is focused on making the symptoms less severe and trying to prevent further damage. Treatment involves: Lifestyle changes Medication Self-care and alternative treatments Oxygen Lifestyle Changes The first and probably the most important treatment is to stop smoking. Quitting smoking is a two-step process that
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The easiest and most effective way to prevent bronchitis is to never smoke. If you do, quitting smoking at or, preferably, before the early signs of trouble can help keep damage to a minimum. For those who work in certain environments, use of respiratory protection devices such as respirators or filter masks can help prevent
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If you have bronchitis, there are steps you can take to help yourself: Smoking cessation Protecting against respiratory infections Breathing exercises Home environment Other tips Smoking Cessation Quitting smoking is the first and most essential step in treating chronic bronchitis. Once you stop smoking, your lung function may stabilize and even improve slightly, eventually declining
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Because chronic bronchitis is a long-term disease, it is very important to see a doctor regularly. You should call your doctor: Whenever you have a persistent cough, with or without phlegm, especially if you are a smoker If you have a fever, since this can be a sign of infection If you have shortness of
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Here are some frequently asked questions related to bronchitis. Q: What other diseases resemble chronic bronchitis? A: There usually are no symptoms of lung cancer until the disease is well established. Frequent bouts of pneumonia or lung infection in a seemingly healthy adult that does not clear up normally may be the first sign of lung
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