Chest And Lungs

When Should I Contact My Doctor?

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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Frequently Asked Questions: Bronchitis

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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Putting It All Together: Bronchitis

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to bronchitis. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes (or bronchi), which are the air passages that extend from the windpipe into the lungs. No matter what their occupation or lifestyle, people who smoke cigarettes are most likely to develop chronic bronchitis. The

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Glossary: Bronchitis

Here are definitions of medical terms related to bronchitis. Alveoli: Tiny sac-like airspaces in the lungs where carbon dioxide from the body is exchanged for oxygen from outside the body. Bronchial tubes, bronchi: Larger air passages in the lung, usually closer to the throat Bronchioles: Smaller air passages in the lung Bronchoconstriction: Tightening of the muscles of the surrounding

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Additional Sources Of Information: Bronchitis

Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on bronchitis. American Lung Association  Phone: (800) 586-4872 http://www.lungusa.org National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute Information Center  Phone: (301) 251-1222 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/index.htm The American Academy of Family Physicians  http://familydoctor.org/ The professional association for the family practice doctors in the U.S. They have a good selection of

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What Is Bronchoscopy?

Bronchoscopy (pronounced “brahn KAH skoh pee”) is a medical procedure that allows a doctor to see inside a person’s airways. The airways are called the bronchial tubes or bronchi. In this procedure, the doctor inserts a small tube called a bronchoscope through the nose or mouth. The tip of this tube is lighted, so the

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Why Is Bronchoscopy Performed?

A doctor will suggest a bronchoscopy if he or she needs to see inside your airways or remove something from them. Knowing the condition of your airways helps the doctor prescribe the right treatment, so you can start breathing better. This procedure is often used to help diagnose diseases like asthma, lung cancer, bronchitis, and

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Getting Ready For Bronchoscopy

Before the bronchoscopy (usually a day or two before), the doctor will usually test your blood and urine. You may also need to have a chest x-ray or CT scan. A CT scan is a painless, sophisticated x-ray procedure that uses a computer to provide images of soft tissue, bone, and blood vessels. Tell your

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What Happens During A Bronchoscopy?

Most people are awake during this procedure. You will have medicine to help you relax and to numb your throat. The bronchoscopy itself usually takes about 20 minutes. This is what usually happens during bronchoscopy: First, you’ll take medicine to help you relax. A nurse will start an IV (intravenous) needle in your arm. The

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What Happens After A Bronchoscopy?

Bronchoscopy does not usually cause any complications. For the first day or so, you might have these symptoms: Mild fever (less than 101 degrees F, 38.3 degrees C) Hoarseness Coughing up small amounts of blood (less than a tablespoon) You can take acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil) for these symptoms. Avoid

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