ASTHMA & ALLERGIES

Cor pulmonale is a condition that causes the right side of the heart to fail. Long-term high blood pressure in the arteries of the lung and right ventricle of the heart can lead to cor pulmonale.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious illness that mainly affects the lungs. The germs that cause tuberculosis are a type of bacteria. Tuberculosis can spread when a person with the illness coughs, sneezes or sings. This can put tiny droplets with the germs into the air. TB is a bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs and can also affect any part of the body. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. Not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. As a result, two TB-related conditions exist: latent TB infection (LTBI) and TB disease. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal. Symptoms of TB include cough (sometimes blood-tinged), weight loss, night sweats, fever, chest pain, and fatigue. Based on the organ infected, a lot of patients infected with TB might not show any symptoms. Patients with active symptoms and a confirmed infection require anti tuberculosis therapy which includes multiple drugs.

Bronchiectasis is a long-term condition where the airways of the lungs become widened, leading to a build-up of excess mucus that can make the lungs more vulnerable to infection. The most common symptoms of bronchiectasis include: a persistent cough that usually brings up phlegm (sputum) A condition in which the lungs' airways become damaged, making it hard to clear mucus. Bronchiectasis may result from an infection or medical condition, such as pneumonia or cystic fibrosis. Mucus builds up and breeds bacteria, causing frequent infections. Symptoms include a daily cough that occurs over months or years and daily production of large amounts of phlegm. Treatment may include physiotherapy and medication, such as antibiotics and drugs to help loosen mucus.

Bronchitis is a condition that develops when the airways in the lungs, called bronchial tubes, become inflamed and cause coughing, often with mucus production. Bronchitis can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Inflammation of the lining of bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs. Acute bronchitis is often caused by a viral respiratory infection and improves by itself. Symptoms of bronchitis include coughing up thickened mucus, shortness of breath, fever, sore throat, and chest tightness. Treatments usually includes soothing remedies to help with coughing, which may last weeks. Antibiotics are not usually recommended.