The 2022 theme for COPD Awareness Month is “Lace up for Lungs.” The focus is on early diagnosis and exercise to improve breathing and quality of life. “Wear orange, lace up and move for our mission!” says the COPD Foundation this month. What is COPD? COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a progressive disease of the […]
Category Archives: Pulmonary Medicine
Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Lung cancer causes more deaths in America than any other cancer. Every day, about 433 Americans die of lung cancer. That’s enough people to fill a 747 jet. And yet lung cancer is one of the more preventable cancers. This is why awareness of the risk factors is so important. What causes lung cancer? Smoking. […]
What Is a Pulmonary Function Test?
A Pulmonary Function Test (PFT), also called a breathing test, is a way of testing how well your lungs work. This testing is a part of diagnosing health conditions involving the lungs. Health conditions like asthma, COPD, and certain lung infections, such as COVID, may affect your lung function. There are handheld spirometry devices that […]
Good News for Lung Cancer Patients
Today is World Lung Cancer Awareness Day, and it is good to be able to report that lung cancer patients are now living longer than ever before. Although there are different survival rates for different kinds of lung cancer, the average rate reported by the American Cancer Society has increased to 26% from 23% just […]
Vaping Doesn’t Help Smokers Quit
Vaping is a health hazard that causes chronic cough and bronchitis. It can also cause severe lung injury that requires hospital admission to treat. But some observers claim that e-cigarettes are beneficial because they help smokers quit nicotine cigarettes. A new study reports that vaping doesn’t help smokers quit. Fewer than 10% of vapers succeeded […]
Planning New Year’s Health Resolutions
Half of Americans who made New Year’s Resolutions in 2021 resolved to exercise more and 39% resolved to eat healthier food. This is a typical pattern. Gen Z is more likely to list looking for love and dressing better among their resolutions, but other age groups focus largely on health, with resolutions including drinking less […]
COPD Awareness Month
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, makes breathing difficult for 16 million Americans. COPD is a progressive, chronic lung condition that can include emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It is the #3 cause of death in the United States. What is COPD? Smoking is the most common cause of COPD. About 75% of people diagnosed with […]