Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia, also called BOOP, is a somewhat rare but serious lung disease. BOOP causes inflammation of the bronchioles, called bronchiolitis. This condition also involves the surrounding lung tissue. The alveoli,...
Hanta virus is a common virus that causes two syndromes: hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. Rodents are the natural host for this virus, and humans become infected after coming into direct contact with the...
An estimated 1.3 million workers in the United States are exposed to asbestos, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. People in the construction industry, particularly those involved in demolition of old buildings and...
Bronchitis is the inflammation of the tracheobronchial tree, which includes the trachea, or windpipe, and the bronchial tubes, or the small passageways that lead to the lungs. Acute bronchitis differs from chronic bronchitis in that is begins...
Asbestos is a group of minerals that have long, thin fibers. If asbestos is disturbed, fibers are released into the air and can be inhaled. Most of the fibers are exhaled, but some can become lodged in the lungs. Over time, scarring and...
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was used extensively as a building material in the construction industry because of its insulation and fire-retardant properties, high tensile strength, and chemical and thermal stability. In...
Acute respiratory distress syndrome, or ARDS, is a very serious lung disease with a high mortality rate. People with ARDS will have respiratory failure because the part of the lungs where oxygen leaves to enter the bloodstream becomes filled with...
Although intravenous fluid bags all look similar, the fluids they contain can have markedly different effects on the human body. Intravenous fluids can be isotonic, meaning their electrolyte composition is similar to that of human blood;...
Buildup of water in the lungs can have fatal consequences if not recognized and treated immediately. Typically, fluid in the lungs stems from physiological causes, such as pulmonary edema, but it is possible to accumulate water in the lungs from...
Bacterial pneumonia is an infection caused by the presence of bacteria within the lungs. The most common cause of this type of infection is a bacterium called streptococcus pneumoniae, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Anyone who develops...
The sternum, which is commonly referred to as the breastbone, is a long, flat bone in the center of the chest. The sternum is connected to the rib bones by cartilage. Its primary function is to provide protection for your lungs, heart and major...
The kidneys are vital organs necessary for the excretion of waste products, secretion of hormones and regulation of fluid balance. Acute kidney failure, also called acute renal failure, can occur due to many causes. "Medical-Surgical Nursing"...
Pneumonia is an acute inflammation of the lung tissue. Symptoms will vary depending on the micro-organisms causing the pneumonia. A chest x-ray along with the patient's signs and symptoms are used to determine if pneumonia is present. A sputum...
