Respiratory Disorders

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by a bacteria, virus, or fungus. In healthy individuals, pneumonia is not usually…

Pleural effusion is characterized by the accumulation of excess fluid between the lining of the chest wall and the lining of the lungs, known…

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by the repeated cessation and resumption of breathing during sleep, preventing the body from…

Epistaxis or nosebleeds are common and self-limiting, with only about 10% requiring emergent treatment. There are two types of epistaxis:…

A tracheostomy or tracheotomy is a surgical incision of the front of the neck into the trachea to open the airway. A tracheostomy tube is…

Pulmonary edema is an accumulation of fluid in the alveoli of the lungs that causes disturbances in gas exchange. Cardiogenic and…

Emphysema is a lung disease that gradually damages the air sacs (alveoli). Over time, the sacs weaken and rupture, reducing the surface area…

Dyspnea, often called shortness of breath (SOB), describes difficult or labored breathing, often with an increased respiratory rate. Shortness…

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a rare, genetic, and progressive disease that primarily affects the pulmonary and digestive system but may involve…

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term that also includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD causes the airways…

If fluid or air accumulates in the pleural space, the negative subatmospheric pressure becomes positive, and the lungs will collapse. Chest…

Bronchitis is a respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the lower respiratory tract, specifically the bronchioles. This…

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a progressive form of acute respiratory failure characterized by dyspnea, decreased pulmonary…

Acute respiratory failure occurs when there is inadequate oxygenation, ventilation (carbon dioxide elimination), or both. It can be classified…

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage of one or more pulmonary arteries by a blood clot. Large emboli obstruct pulmonary blood flow, causing…

Pneumothorax or collapsed lung is caused by air leaking into the pleural cavity. In a normal lung, negative pressure exists between the…

Asthma is a chronic condition affecting the lungs. When in contact with a trigger, the muscles around the airways constrict, and inflammation…