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.
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.
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.
What Flavored Vapes Do to Your Body
Flavors do more than make vapes more addictive—they may also expose users to potentially harmful chemicals.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Hidden Dangers of Cooking Fumes and How to Protect Yourself
Experts reveal how kitchen fumes can harm your lungs, heart, and brain.
Fruit May Help Shield Lungs From Air Pollution
New study finds that eating more fruit could help keep your lungs healthier in polluted cities.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
Singing May Help COPD, Parkinson’s Disease, and Mood
Singing supports the body by strengthening respiratory muscles and calming the nervous system.
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.
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.
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.
Hydrogen Therapy: Unique Anti-Inflammatory and Lung Protection Capabilities
Hydrogen therapy significantly improves pulmonary diseases caused by inflammation.
Prenatal Chemical Exposure Linked to Asthma Risk
Endocrine disruptors found in everyday products can mimic or block the actions of hormones.
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.
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.
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.
Asthma May Affect Memory in Children, Study Finds
New research suggests the condition may have long-term consequences.
Menopause: How Hormonal Shifts Accelerate Lung Function Decline
The relationship between estrogen and breathing is understudied, but lung function typically declines in postmenopausal women.