Lung & Respiratory
Get the latest on Lung and Respiratory health! Dive into expert articles, research findings, and practical tips to enhance your breathing and well-being. Stay informed today!
Is It Safe to Mix Motrin and Robitussin? Facts and Myths
Overview Motrin is a trade name for ibuprofen. It belongs to the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) class and is commonly used to temporarily ease minor aches and pains, reduce fever, and calm inflammation. Robitussin is a brand that contains dextromethorphan and guaifenesin. It’s used to address coughs and chest congestion, helping to reduce persistent coughing and loosening mucus in the chest and throat so it can be expelled more easily.…
Is There a Connection Between Smoking and Strep Throat?
When it comes to your airways, smoking impacts more than just your lungs. It’s a habit that can impair your immune defenses and irritate the throat, factors that increase susceptibility to respiratory infections such as strep throat. Strep throat is a contagious illness caused by group A streptococcus bacteria, also called Streptococcus pyogenes. It’s a frequent reason for acute (short-term) sore throat, responsible for around 15% of acute sore throats…
Does Fibromyalgia Make You Breathless? Real Talk on That Tight-Chest Feeling
(img by CreakyJoints) When Breath Feels Off Ever had one of those days where you just… can’t catch your breath? Not like running-up-the-stairs winded. More like sitting on the couch, and you suddenly realize you’ve been breathing shallow — your chest feels tight, maybe a bit achy. If you’ve got fibromyalgia, you might have chalked that up to anxiety, or just being tired. But let’s ask the real, sometimes scary…
Vaping Without Nicotine: Are There Still Side Effects?
Fluids that lack nicotine might appear less hazardous than those that contain it, but they can still produce adverse effects. Your personal risk varies based on the base liquids, flavoring agents, and other additives in the product. There’s still much we don’t fully understand about vaping and the use of e-cigarettes. Investigations into both short- and long-term consequences are ongoing. Still, evidence indicates vaping can cause side effects whether or…
The 5 Best Peak Flow Meters
Peak flow meters are compact instruments that are simple to operate at home, at school, or when traveling. They assess how forcefully a person can exhale air from the lungs. If you have a breathing disorder such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), your clinician might suggest incorporating a peak flow meter into your treatment plan. What is a peak flow meter used for? They’re most often used…
What to know about Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Tests
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a respiratory illness that can be dangerous for infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. It’s typically identified with a nasal swab, though there are several testing methods. RSV is a leading cause of respiratory illnesses in people, especially in young children. The infection tends to be most frequent and most severe in infants and toddlers. RSV follows a seasonal pattern, usually emerging…
How to Get Rid of Mucus in Your Chest with Home Remedies and Medications, Plus When to Get Help
To relieve chest congestion, try home measures like increasing fluid intake, running a humidifier, or using a decongestant. Still, certain conditions may need prescription treatments. (img by SingleCare) If you have a lingering cough, it’s often due to accumulated mucus in your chest. Although this usually isn’t life-threatening, it can lower your quality of life and, if ignored, may cause further complications. Before consulting a physician, you can attempt several…
Nasal Cannulas and Face Masks
Nasal cannulas and face masks are devices used to supply oxygen to people who otherwise do not receive enough. They are frequently employed to ease breathing for individuals with respiratory disorders. A nasal cannula is a flexible tube positioned beneath the nose. The tube ends in two small prongs that sit inside the nostrils. A face mask, by contrast, covers both the nose and mouth. Both delivery systems connect to…
How to Use a Pulse Oximeter
A pulse oximeter gauges your blood oxygen saturation and pulse rate. Low oxygen saturation can occur with certain medical conditions, and skin pigmentation can also influence the measurement. Pulse oximetry is a noninvasive procedure that estimates the oxygen saturation of your blood. (img by STAT News) It can quickly identify even minor shifts in oxygen levels. These values indicate how effectively blood carries oxygen to the farthest parts of the…
What Causes Excess Mucus in Your Throat and What to Do About It
When you inhale, allergens, viruses, dust, and other particles cling to your nasal mucus, which is then expelled from your body. Occasionally, your system produces an excess of throat mucus, leading to the need for frequent clearing. Mucus is created in the nose or by the lower airways in reaction to inflammation. It’s generated by the mucous membranes that extend from the nasal passages down to the lungs. Its role…
