Category: lungs

What is tuberculosis? Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that can affect the lungs. People can harbor the bacteria but not exhibit any symptoms. Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs. It is curable and preventable, but it is also highly contagious.  You can be exposed to TB and carry the bacteria...

Interstitial lung disease definition and facts Readers Comments 18 Share Your Story Interstitial lung disease includes a group of diseases that have thickening of the supporting tissues between the air sacs of the lungs as the common factor. Interstitial lung disease includes a group of diseases that have thickening of the supporting tissues between the...

What is bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP)? Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) is a type of noninvasive ventilation. It is used when you have a condition that makes it hard to breathe like sleep apnea, COPD, asthma, heart conditions and other ailments. A bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machine is a noninvasive type of ventilation....

Bronchiectasis is a lung condition that damages bronchial tubes. The bronchi become less elastic as well. A recurrent cough is a common symptom. Bronchiectasis is a condition in which the bronchial tubes in the lung become damaged from inflammation or other causes and the smooth muscles of the bronchial tubes are destroyed. In addition, the...

What is COPD? COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) may lead to sexual dysfunction. This might be due to fatigue and breathlessness caused by COPD. However, it should not prevent you from having sexual relations. You can still have sex despite COPD. Consider consulting with a professional for sexual guidance. COPD refers to some conditions (Chronic...

What is Rifadin (rifampin, isoniazid and pyrazinamide), and what is it used for? Brand name: Rifadin Generic: rifampin, isoniazid and pyrazinamide Rifadin is an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis (TB). What are the side effects of Rifadin? Common side effects of Rifadin include: upset stomach, heartburn, nausea, menstrual changes, headache, drowsiness, tired feeling, or dizziness. To reduce the...

What is bronchitis? The viruses that cause the initial infection that leads to bronchitis are contagious. You can get bronchitis through kissing and other direct contact with people who have it, such as through shaking hands or by touching a surface that has the virus on it. Acute bronchitis, sometimes called a chest cold, often...

Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung) overview Readers Comments 10 Share Your Story What causes blood clots in lungs and what is the first sign of pulmonary embolism? Pulmonary embolism (PE) describes a blockage of one of the pulmonary arteries by a blood clot that forms elsewhere in the body and travels to the...

What is cefaclor, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Cefaclor is a semi-synthetic (partially man-made) oral antibiotic in the cephalosporin family of antibiotics. The cephalosporin family includes cephalexin (Keflex), cefuroxime (Zinacef), cefpodoxime (Vantin), cefixime (Suprax), cefprozil (Cefzil) as well as many injectable antibiotics. Like other cephalosporins, cefaclor stops bacteria from multiplying by preventing...