Basic Info

Protected by the rib cage, the lungs are expandable organs that oxygenate our blood as we breathe. When the lungs cannot function properly, it results in life-threatening conditions or diseases. Many respiratory diseases can be prevented by avoiding harmful substances like smoke and industrial pollutants. The lungs can be temporarily affected by infection, either viral or bacterial, which can cause inflammation and pneumonia, an infection that causes fever, chills, coughing up phlegm, and difficulty breathing. Treatments can include quick-acting medication called bronchodilators for an asthma attack to corticosteroids for inflammation. Chronic conditions such as asthma and cystic fibrosis often respond well to alternative treatments such as acupuncture, yoga, and herbal medicines but some herbal remedies may interact with prescribed drugs.

Latest
A 2nd Lung Tumor Changed How This Doctor Approached His Health

A 2nd Lung Tumor Changed How This Doctor Approached His Health

Dr. Tsai Song-yen fought back against lung cancer by transforming his daily life, from exercise and diet to sleep habits and emotional well-being.

18d
Stair Climbing May Cut Heart Disease Death Risk by 40 Percent

Stair Climbing May Cut Heart Disease Death Risk by 40 Percent

Stairs are a great way to get some quick exercise. You have to lift your entire body with each step, and that’s good for your heart. The science proves it. ...

24d
What Flavored Vapes Really Do to Your Body

What Flavored Vapes Really Do to Your Body

Vapes are marketed almost like candies, with colorful packaging and enticing flavors. Take popcorn flavoring for instance. The same chemicals used in popcorn-flavored vapes are also used to flavor popcorn ...

94d
The Hidden Dangers of Vaping: How E-cigarettes Can Harm the Lungs and Brain

The Hidden Dangers of Vaping: How E-cigarettes Can Harm the Lungs and Brain

Teaching children about the effects of e-cigarettes early may help decrease their allure.

124d
Is It a Cold or Childhood Asthma? The Symptoms Parents Should Never Ignore

Is It a Cold or Childhood Asthma? The Symptoms Parents Should Never Ignore

Persistent coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness may be signs of asthma rather than a lingering cold.

146d
What Flavored Vapes Do to Your Body

What Flavored Vapes Do to Your Body

Flavors do more than make vapes more addictive—they may also expose users to potentially harmful chemicals.

178d
Histamine Intolerance: An Underrecognized Condition That Can Affect Multiple Organs—Here Are the Causes

Histamine Intolerance: An Underrecognized Condition That Can Affect Multiple Organs—Here Are the Causes

Histamine intolerance occurs when the body struggles to break down histamine from food or its own natural production.

187d
This Aggressive Lung Cancer Often Hides Until It’s Too Late

This Aggressive Lung Cancer Often Hides Until It’s Too Late

Experts on the 'Health 1+1' program shared insights into treatment options for aggressive small-cell lung cancer.

189d
How Phlegm May Reflect Underlying Imbalance in the Body

How Phlegm May Reflect Underlying Imbalance in the Body

Different types of phlegm indicate different illnesses. Identifying the type allows practitioners to diagnose and treat specifically.

217d
New Asthma Treatments Aim for Root Cause

New Asthma Treatments Aim for Root Cause

Most asthma, especially from dust, pollen, or pets, is caused by an overactive immune response that inflames and narrows the airways.

293d
The Hidden Dangers of Cooking Fumes and How to Protect Yourself

The Hidden Dangers of Cooking Fumes and How to Protect Yourself

Experts reveal how kitchen fumes can harm your lungs, heart, and brain.

351d
Fruit May Help Shield Lungs From Air Pollution

Fruit May Help Shield Lungs From Air Pollution

New study finds that eating more fruit could help keep your lungs healthier in polluted cities.

379d
Unblock Depression’s Deeper Cause—Chinese Medicine Doctor

Unblock Depression’s Deeper Cause—Chinese Medicine Doctor

In part, depression is an energy-flow problem, says Dr. Jingduan Yang, drawing from a broad integrative-medicine playbook on how to relieve it.

405d
Is Your Hairstyling Routine Creating Air Pollution?

Is Your Hairstyling Routine Creating Air Pollution?

Hair-styling tools release billions of lung-damaging nanoparticles directly into your lungs, according to a new study.

432d
Your Beauty Routine May Harm Your Lungs, Research Suggests

Your Beauty Routine May Harm Your Lungs, Research Suggests

Recent findings link frequent use of beauty products to increased asthma risk, possibly due to hormone-disrupting chemicals.

462d
Lung Cancer: The Deadliest Cancer and Its Major Causes

Lung Cancer: The Deadliest Cancer and Its Major Causes

Lung cancer is one of the most common—and deadliest—cancers, accounting for more deaths than breast, prostate, and colon cancers combined.

509d
Lung Function Peaks Earlier Than Previously Believed, Study Finds

Lung Function Peaks Earlier Than Previously Believed, Study Finds

Large-scale data show men and women reach peak lung function at different ages, with decline starting sooner than expected.

541d
Mini Pill Linked to ‘Elevated’ Asthma Attack Risk Among Some Women: Study

Mini Pill Linked to ‘Elevated’ Asthma Attack Risk Among Some Women: Study

The risk was only found to be increased among certain women with asthma.

555d
Elderberry Versus Elderflower Against Colds, Flu, and COVID

Elderberry Versus Elderflower Against Colds, Flu, and COVID

For many, air travel comes with the persistent fear of catching a cold—or worse—on the journey. Considering the close-quarters contact and recycled air involved, this fear is not ungrounded. Watch ...

559d
Singing May Help COPD, Parkinson’s Disease, and Mood

Singing May Help COPD, Parkinson’s Disease, and Mood

Singing supports the body by strengthening respiratory muscles and calming the nervous system.

592d
Scented Wax Melts Produce High Number of Air Particles, Source of Air Pollution

Scented Wax Melts Produce High Number of Air Particles, Source of Air Pollution

When it comes to wax melts, flame-free doesn't mean pollution-free.

606d
Chronic Disease Is Reversible: Don’t Give Up Hope

Chronic Disease Is Reversible: Don’t Give Up Hope

Living with a chronic condition can leave you feeling lonely and helpless, yet recovery is possible.

656d
Microplastics in Air Linked to Cancer and Infertility, Major Study Finds 

Microplastics in Air Linked to Cancer and Infertility, Major Study Finds 

Comprehensive review of 3,000 studies reveals widespread health risks from airborne microplastic particles, including cancer and reproductive issues.

679d
Hydrogen Therapy: Unique Anti-Inflammatory and Lung Protection Capabilities

Hydrogen Therapy: Unique Anti-Inflammatory and Lung Protection Capabilities

Hydrogen therapy significantly improves pulmonary diseases caused by inflammation.

682d
Prenatal Chemical Exposure Linked to Asthma Risk

Prenatal Chemical Exposure Linked to Asthma Risk

Endocrine disruptors found in everyday products can mimic or block the actions of hormones.

706d
The Function of the Lungs: Insights From Traditional Chinese Medicine and Modern Science

The Function of the Lungs: Insights From Traditional Chinese Medicine and Modern Science

Modern science is bridging the gap between traditional medicine and contemporary understanding.

708d
10 Anti-Inflammatory, Cold-Weather Foods to Boost Immunity

10 Anti-Inflammatory, Cold-Weather Foods to Boost Immunity

These simple traditional Chinese medicine recipes will moisturize the lungs, clear toxins, and support your immunity during the cold months.

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