Smaller Lung Airways Increase Women’s Risks for COPD
Many people used to consider chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as a condition that only affected older men. Since about 2008, though, the global prevalence of this serious breathing problem in women is quickly approaching that seen in men. Medical professionals attribute the rise of COPD among women to increased rates of tobacco smoking among […]
Changes in Lung Cancer Screening Rules Saves Lives
Cancer is a leading cause of death. In 2018, doctors diagnosed 18.1 million new cases of cancer worldwide, according to the National Cancer Institute; cancer claimed 9.5 million lives that year. Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths. A 2013 change in lung cancer screening has saved thousands of lives. About Lung Cancer […]
Why Do I Have to Fast Before Some Medical Imaging Tests?
When it comes to medical imaging, getting a clear, accurate image is a top priority. After all, doctors use the information they learn from these medical images to diagnose patients and create treatment plans. In some cases, doctors will require patients fast before undergoing medical imaging. A fast is a period of hours in which […]
How Smoking Causes Lung Cancer
Doctors have known for years that smoking cigarettes, cigars, and pipe tobacco causes cancer. In fact, by the time the US Surgeon General issued a warning about the dangers of smoking in 1964, there was already overwhelming evidence that smoking was deadly. In the decades since, researchers have discovered many of the ways that smoking […]
What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative disc disease is not actually a disease, but rather a group of conditions that affects the joint of the spine. Most common in older adults, degenerative disc disease can cause pain and reduce mobility. Fortunately, doctors can detect and treat these conditions to alleviate discomfort and improve mobility. About Degenerative Disc Disease Degenerative disc […]
What is Calcified Plaque?
Atherosclerosis is a serious health condition in which calcified plaque builds up inside your arteries. This calcified plaque causes the arteries to become hard and narrow, which can prevent blood from flowing through your veins and increase your risk for blood clots, heart attack, or stroke. But what exactly is calcified plaque? Plaque is a […]
What Happens During a Stroke?
A stroke is a medical emergency that prevents a part of your brain from getting the oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood it needs. More specifically, stroke affects the arteries that carries blood to and within your brain. A stroke can have devastating consequences, including disability and even death. Understanding what happens during a stroke can help […]
Low-Dose CT Screening for Lung Cancer Benefits People Who Have Never Smoked
Doctors often recommend low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for lung cancer for patients who have smoked at some point in their lifetime. Now the results of a new study suggest that LDCT screening are beneficial for people who have never smoked. About LDCTs LDCT scans the patient’s chest to create images of the lungs. Doctors […]
What Does COVID-19 Look Like on a CT Scan?
If you have COVID-19, your doctor might order a CT scan. Have you ever wondered what doctors look for when they review the results of the CT scan? COVID-19 typically causes fever, shortness of breath, and cough. Doctors usually order blood tests, such as PCR and antigen testing, to diagnose the disease. They also use […]
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, which makes it a great time to learn about this serious disease and discover ways to prevent it. About Lung Cancer Cancer is a condition in which abnormal cells grow at a rapid pace to cause tumors. Lung cancer, then, is a disease in which abnormal cells grow in […]
