Is bronchitis contagious? Learn about bronchitis, an inflammation of the lining of the lungs. Bronchitis can be aggravated from colds, cigarette smoking, COPD, and other lung conditions. Explore bronchitis symptoms and treatments.

What happens within the body when a person develops bronchitis? Take this quick quiz to learn the causes, symptoms, treatments, and complications of this common respiratory illness.

Bronchoscopy is a procedure during which a patient's lung, airways, voice box, vocal cord, trachea, and many branches of the bronchi may be evaluated. There are two types of bronchoscopies: a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope and a rigid bronchoscope. Bronchoscopy can be used for diagnosis and treatment. Some indications for bronchoscopy include:

• persistent unexplained cough,
• bloody sputum,
• abnormal chest x-ray,
• evaluation of possible lung infection,
• remove foreign bodies in the airway,
• place a stent to open a collapsed lung,
• or to remove a mass or growth blocking the airway.

Chest X-ray is a type of X-ray commonly used to detect abnormalities in the lungs. A chest X-ray can also detect some abnormalitites in the heart, aorta, and the bones of the thoracic area. A chest X-ray can be used to define abnormalities of the lungs such as:

• excessive fluid (fluid overload or pulmonary edema),
• fluid around the lung (pleural effusion),
• pneumonia,
• bronchitis,
• asthma,
• cysts,
• and cancers.

Normal chest X-ray shows normal size and shape of the chest wall and the main structures in the chest.

COPD is a pulmonary disorder caused by obstructions in the airways of the lungs leading to breathing problems. Learn about COPD symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. COPD may be complicated by chronic bronchitis or emphysema.

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the voice box (vocal cords). The most common cause of acute laryngitis is infection, which inflames the vocal cords. Symptoms may vary from degree of laryngitis and age of the person (laryngitis in infants and children is more commonly caused by croup) . Common symptoms include

• a "barky" cough,
• a hoarse cough,
• fever,
• cold,
• runny nose,
• dry cough, and
• loss of voice.

Chronic laryngitis generally lasts more than three weeks. Causes other than infection include smoking, excess coughing, GERD, and more. Treatment depends on the cause of laryngitis.

Lung cancer kills more men and women than any other form of cancer. Eight out of 10 lung cancers are due to tobacco smoke. Lung cancers are classified as either small cell or non-small cell cancers.

Learn about lung cancer symptoms and treatments. Get more information on small cell lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and the diagnosis of lung cancer stages.

The lungs are a pair of spongy, air-filled organs located on either side of the chest (thorax). See a picture of the Lungs and learn more about the health topic.

What natural remedies work for the flu and common cold? Many claim cold symptoms and flu symptoms can be relieved with Echinacea, zinc, neti pots, garlic, vitamin C, saltwater gargles, nasal strips, or bed rest. Find out what cold and flu treatments work the natural way, and what doesn't.

Pneumococcal vaccination prevents one of the most common and severe forms of pneumonia. It is usually given only once in a lifetime, usually after the age of 55, to someone with ongoing lung problems (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma) or other chronic diseases (including those involving the heart and kidneys).

Polycythemia (elevated red blood cell count) causes are either primary (aquired or genetic mutations) or secondary (diseases, conditions, high altitude). Treatment of polycythemia depends on the cause.

Sinus infection (sinusitis) is caused by allergies, infection, and chemicals or other irritants of sinuses. Signs and symptoms are headache, fever, and facial tenderness, pressure, or pain. Treatments of sinus infections are generally with antibiotics and at times, home remedies.

These 25 sore throat natural and home remedies can help soothe throat pain, and heal a sore throat caused by viral (common cold, flu, mumps); bacterial (tonsillitis, some STDs); some toxins; allergens; trauma or injury; or "mechanical causes" (breathing through the mouth). Typical symptoms of a sore throat include throat pain, coughing, sneezing, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Natural and home remedies to soothe sore throat pain include:

1. Essential oils
2. Licorice gargles
3. Slippery elm leaves
4. Raw garlic
5. Throat Coat tea
6. Sage
7. Acupuncture

An upper respiratory infection is a contagious infection of the structures of the upper respiratory tract, which includes the sinuses, nasal passages, pharynx, and larynx. Common causes of an upper respiratory infection include bacteria and viruses such as rhinoviruses, group A streptococci, influenza, respiratory syncytial, whooping cough, diphtheria, and Epstein-Barre. Examples of symptoms of upper respiratory infection include sneezing, sore throat, cough, fever, and nasal congestion. Treatment of upper respiratory infection are generally with OTC medication and home remedies.

X-rays are a powerful form of electromagnetic radiation that has the ability to pass through solid objects. In medicine, X-rays are used to obtain an image of a part of the body. X-rays are necessary to diagnose many illnesses, for example,

• tumors,
• arthritis,
• dental problems,
• digestive or heart problems, and
• bone fractures.

The side effects, dangers, and risks of having X-rays while pregnant or breastfeeding are provided.