Inflammation and narrowing of the airways causes wheezing; the result of a chain reaction of sorts as bronchioles and alveoli become inflamed and swollen, causing airway constriction, limiting the flow of air into the lungs. Wheezing often occurs...
Fatigue and dyspnea, also known as shortness of breath, are common symptoms of overexertion. However, these two symptoms are also warning signs of various medical conditions. If you have shortness of breath and fatigue that is unexplained, contact...
Zyrtec (Cetrizine) is an antihistamine used to treat seasonal allergies. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that in clinical trials, Zyrtec is shown to be effective in treating histamine induced rash or urticaria (generalized itchy...
According to the American Medical Association, in an average lifespan of 75 years, a human being will breathe in and out more than 8 million cubic feet of air. Because breathing is essentially an unconscious process, it's only when it becomes...
Chest tightness, difficulty breathing, persistent cough, increased sputum production and wheezing can indicate COPD exacerbation as a result of respiratory infection, allergens, pollution, the flu or pneumonia. According to the American Thoracic...
Irritation of the airways by infections, inflammation, inherited disorders or structural abnormalities can cause increased mucus production and coughing up phlegm. Hair-like projections on the cells, lining the airways, move mucus up and out of...
Obstructive lung disease, commonly referred to as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, or COPD, is a group of respiratory disorders which block airflow into the lungs and make breathing difficult. Disorders include emphysema, chronic bronchitis...
A chronic wheezing cough can indicate an underlying lung illness. The wheezing sound is created by an obstruction of the oxygen flow leaving the lungs and partially blocked by either excess sputum, or phlegm, or a constricted airway. The natural...
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disease that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Asthma and alpha-1 related emphysema are also categorized under the term COPD under certain circumstances. Symptoms include...
Does it seem as though you're always "just getting over a cold"? Many patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) get colds, bronchitis or pneumonia more often than those who have normally functioning lungs. A persistent cough,...
Congestive heart failure, or CHF, is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the body. Due to scientific research and new knowledge, suggested treatment regimens for this condition have changed over time. In time past,...
Increased asthma symptoms can be caused by environmental factors that differ among sufferers of the disease. Asthma symptoms can come and go, ranging from mild to persistent wheezing, chest tightness, coughing and shortness of breath. Severe...
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in your lungs and digestive system. Mucus buildup in the lungs and respiratory tract causes breathing problems. When thick mucus builds up in your pancreas, it...
Advanced, or end stage lung cancer is a medical prognosis, not an actual tumor staging. When one is diagnosed with end stage lung cancer, this means that traditional curative options have been exhausted and the cancer will progress and eventually...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a constant obstruction of the airways that often occurs with emphysema or chronic bronchitis, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. Cigarette smoking seems to be the main cause, but...
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also called COPD, causes breathing problems that get progressively worse over time, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Smoking is the leading cause of COPD. Air pollution, chemical...
Bronchitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the bronchial airways--tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs and assist with breathing. Bronchitis can be acute, coming on suddenly and lasting a relatively short period of time, or...
Symptoms of bronchial congestion include difficulty breathing, a phlegmy or productive cough and tightness in the chest. Generally, this condition indicates a problem with the lungs and bronchial pathways -- whether it be a disease or acute...
Orthopnea refers to a symptom in which shortness of breath occurs while lying down. This can cause people to awake in the middle of the night in order to catch their breath. Sometimes, orthopnea is a sign of an underlying medical problem. There...
