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
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.

20d
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.

28d
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.

31d
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.

59d
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.

135d
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.

193d
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.

220d
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.

247d
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.

274d
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.

303d
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.

350d
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.

382d
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.

396d
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 ...

401d
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.

433d
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.

448d
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.

498d
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.

521d
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.

523d
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.

548d
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.

549d
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.

556d
Hidden in Plain Sight: How Everyday Items Fill Our Bodies With Microplastics

Hidden in Plain Sight: How Everyday Items Fill Our Bodies With Microplastics

Microplastics easily enter and accumulate in the human body, but their health impacts remain elusive.

565d
Asthma May Affect Memory in Children, Study Finds

Asthma May Affect Memory in Children, Study Finds

New research suggests the condition may have long-term consequences.

573d
Menopause and Lung Health: How Hormonal Shifts Accelerate Lung Function Decline

Menopause and Lung Health: How Hormonal Shifts Accelerate Lung Function Decline

The interplay between estrogen and breathing needs more study, but lung function typically declines in postmenopausal women. 

591d
5 Types of Foods That Fight Fall Asthma Flare-Ups

5 Types of Foods That Fight Fall Asthma Flare-Ups

Knowing which foods to avoid and those that support a healthy immune system may help ease symptoms of asthma during peak seasons.

622d
How to Boost Cancer Immunity and How Cancer ‘Thinks’ Like a Virus | Dr. Jason Fung

How to Boost Cancer Immunity and How Cancer ‘Thinks’ Like a Virus | Dr. Jason Fung

How does cancer act like an infection? How is the immune system constantly fighting cancer? Watch our exclusive episode, only on NTD. There are cases where a person’s melanoma is ...

634d