Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

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.

Coughing is a reflex that helps a person clear their airways of irritants. There are many causes of an excessive or severe cough including:

• Irritants like
  • cigarette and secondhand smoke
  • pollution
  • air fresheners
• Medications like beta blockers and ACE inhibitors
• Medical conditions like
  • the common cold
  • GERD
  • lung cancer
  • heart disease

Natural and home remedies that help cure and soothe a cough are:

Natural and home remedies to help cure and soothe a cough are:

• Stay hydrated
• Gargle saltwater
• Use cough drops or lozenges
• Use herbs and supplements like ginger, mint, licorice, and slippery elm
• Don't smoke

Over-the-counter products (OTC)to cure and soothe a cough include

• cough suppressants and expectorants, and
• anti-reflux drugs.

Prescription drugs that help cure a cough include

• narcotic medications,
• antibiotics,
• inhaled steroids, and
• anti-reflux drugs like proton pump inhibitors or PPIs, for example,
  • omeprazole (Prilosec),
  • rabeprazole (Aciphex), and
  • pantoprazole (Protonix).

Interstitial lung disease refers to a variety of diseased that thicken the tissue between the lungs' air sacks. Viruses, bacteria, tobacco smoke, environmental factors, cancer, and heart or kidney failure can all cause interstitial lung disease. Shortness of breath, cough, and vascular problems are symptoms caused by interstitial lung disease, and their treatment depends on the underlying cause of the tissue thickening.

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.

Mold exposure may cause symptoms in people who are sensitive to molds. Symptoms of mold allergy include sneezing, runny nose, wheezing, coughing, redness of the eyes, and rash. Prevent mold growth by keeping indoor humidity low, between 30%-50%, using bathroom fans when showering, repairing plumbing leaks quickly, and using an air conditioner during humid seasons.

Pulmonary fibrosis is scarring throughout the lungs. Pulmonary fibrosis can be caused by many conditions including chronic inflammatory processes, infections, environmental agents, exposure to ionizing radiation, chronic conditions, and certain medications. Symptoms include

• shortness of breath,
• coughing, and
• diminished exercise tolerance.

Treatment options are dependent on the type of pulmonary fibrosis; lung transplant and/or medications are options.