Scientists have developed a portable breath analyzer that can accurately and rapidly detect acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The device promises to increase rates of survival and reduce healthcare costs for people with the potentially life threatening lung condition. Currently, diagnosing acute respiratory distress syndrome relies on chest X-rays. The team describes the development and […]
Many people with asthma find that their symptoms get worse when they exercise, especially in cold weather. With effective treatment and management, however, people can usually exercise without symptoms arising. Exercise does not cause asthma, but it can trigger symptoms in people who already have the condition. According to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of […]
Severe asthma refers to asthma that does not respond well to regular asthma treatments, such as inhaled corticosteroids and inhaled bronchodilator medications. More than 26 million people in the United States have asthma. Severe asthma is relatively uncommon, generally affecting 5–10% of people with asthma. Those with severe asthma usually find their symptoms difficult to […]
Brittle asthma is a rare form of severe asthma. Usual treatments, such as bronchodilators and steroids, do not control this type of asthma very well. People with asthma typically experience inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which makes it hard for them to get air into their lungs. In brittle asthma, the symptoms are severe, […]
Many practitioners claim that homeopathic medicine can help with asthma. Does homeopathy help, and is it safe to use with asthma? Asthma is a chronic condition that can cause the airways in the lungs to become inflamed and narrow. This makes it hard for the person to breathe. Asthma can cause symptoms that included shortness […]
A nebulizer is a piece of medical equipment that a person with asthma or another respiratory condition can use to administer medication directly and quickly to the lungs. A nebulizer turns liquid medicine into a very fine mist that a person can inhale through a face mask or mouthpiece. Taking medicine this way allows it […]
Tachypnea is a medical term that refers to fast, shallow breathing. A lack of oxygen or too much carbon dioxide in the body is a common cause. It can also result from other health issues. Tachypnea is not a disease, but a symptom that the body is trying to correct another problem. Newborns with developing […]
Breathing too fast can cause a person to go into respiratory alkalosis. This occurs when a person’s pH level is higher than 7.45. A person may breathe too fast due to anxiety, overdosing on certain medications, or using a ventilator. Symptoms of respiratory alkalosis may include muscle spasms, irritability, dizziness, and nausea. Respiratory alkalosis is […]
Aging cells can become toxic to surrounding tissue, thus leading to numerous health problems. A class of drugs scientists call senolytics could help address these health issues, and improve symptoms. Can a new drug combination help fight off the ill effects of cellular aging? Senolytics are a class of drugs that target cells that have […]
Doctors classify asthma into four main stages. How do the symptoms and treatments for each stage differ? Asthma is a common, long-term condition that affects a person’s airways. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 8.1 percent of adults and 8.4 percent of children in the United States have asthma. This article […]