Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways in the lung. Acute bronchitis is is short in duration (10 to 20 days) in comparison with chronic bronchitis, which lasts for months to years. Causes of acute bronchitis include viruses and bacteria, which means it can be contagious. Acute bronchitis caused by environmental factors such as pollution or cigarette smoke is not contagious. Common symptoms for acute bronchitis include

• nasal congestion,
• cough,
• headache,
• sore throat,
• muscle aches, and
• fatigue.

Acute bronchitis in children also my include runny nose, fever, and chest pain. Treatment for acute bronchitis are OTC pain relievers, cough suppressants (although not recommended in children), and rest. Infrequently antibiotics may be prescribed to treat acute bronchitis.

Boost your energy and combat COPD with these diet tips. Which foods can help patients with COPD? Which foods to avoid for COPD? Learn more about how diet can affect lung health.

Middle ear infection or inflammation (otitis media) is inflammation of the middle ear. There are two forms of this type of ear infection, acute and chronic. Acute otitis media is generally short in duration, and chronic otitis media generally lasts several weeks. Seventy-five percent of children in the U.S. suffer from otitis media at some point.

Signs and symptoms in babies, toddlers, and children may:

• Be irritable and pull and tug at their ears
• Be fussy
• Have problems feeding or sleeping
• Complain about pain and fullness in the ear
• Have a fever
• A buildup of pus in the ear
• Have signs and symptoms of an upper respiratory infection

Treatment depends upon the type (chronic or acute).

When a child has repeated middle ear infections or fluid build-up in the ears, which causes problems with speech or hearing, surgery to place tubes inside the ear is often recommended. The surgery is called myringotomy. Preparing your child for this procedure will help comfort them, and knowing what to expect before, during, and after surgery is important as well.

An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy located outside the inner lining of the uterus. The majority of ectopic pregnancies occur in the Fallopian tube. Signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Lack of menstrual period (amenorrhea)
• Vaginal bleeding
• Fainting
• Dizziness
• Low blood pressure

Treatment options for an ectopic pregnancy include observation, medication, or surgery.

Heart disease (coronary artery disease) occurs when plaque builds up in the coronary arteries, the vessels that supply blood to the heart. Heart disease can lead to heart attack. Risk factors for heart disease include:

• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Family history
• Obesity

Angina, shortness of breath, and sweating are just a few symptoms that may indicate a heart attack. Treatment of heart disease involves control of heart disease risk factors through lifestyle changes, medications, and/or stenting or bypass surgery. Heart disease can be prevented by controlling heart disease risk factors.

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.

Pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs caused by fungi, bacteria, or viruses. Symptoms and signs include cough, fever, shortness of breath, and chills. Antibiotics treat pneumonia, and the choice of the antibiotic depends upon the cause of the infection.

Signs and symptoms of pregnancy vary by stage (trimester).  The earliest pregnancy symptom is typically a missed period, but others include

breast swelling and tenderness,

• nausea and sometimes vomiting,
• fatigue, and
• bloating.

Second trimester symptoms include

•  backache,
• weight gain,
• itching, and
• possible stretch marks.

Third trimester symptoms are

• additional weight gain,
• heartburn,
• hemorrhoids,
• swelling of the ankles,
• fingers, and face,
• breast tenderness, and
• trouble sleeping.

Eating a healthy diet, getting a moderate amount of exercise, also are recommended for a healthy pregnancy. Information about the week by week growth of your baby in the womb are provided.

Raynaud's phenomenon is characterized by a pale-blue-red sequence of color changes of the digits, most commonly after exposure to cold. Occurring as a result of spasm of blood vessels, the cause is unknown. Symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon depend on the severity, frequency, and duration of the blood vessel spasm. Treatments include protection of the digits, medications, and avoiding emotional stresses, smoking, cold temperature, and tools that vibrate the hands.

The effects of secondhand smoke can be hazardous to your health. Secondhand smoke can lead to lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses. Get the facts about how to protect yourself and your family from the effects of secondhand smoke.

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

Do you know what pollutants are threatening your indoor air quality? Learn about exposure to carbon monoxide, radon, pesticides, and other environmental contaminants and their health effects.