You can still give blood even if you smoke, drink, or use cannabis regularly. A few things might disqualify you, like certain medications or underlying conditions. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), nearly 5 million Americans receive blood transfusions each year. There are many reasons why someone could need a blood transfusion, such as:…
Keeping your lungs healthy is essential to feeling your best. Yet, common factors, including exposure to cigarette smoke and environmental toxins, as well as eating an inflammatory diet, can take a toll on this pair of important organs. What’s more, common conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis, can significantly…
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term for a group of chronic (long-term) lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. These lung conditions make it difficult to expel air from the lungs. COPD is progressive. This means it gets worse over time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 15.7…
Emphysema can cause chest tightness, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that’s caused by damage to the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. This damage makes it hard for the lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide, which can lead to shortness of breath, coughing, and…
Key takeaways: Pregnant women with asthma and obstructive sleep apnea had greater central airway resistance than those without asthma or OSA. These women are more susceptible to dyspnea and respiratory complications. Pregnant women who have both asthma and obstructive sleep apnea have increased central airways resistance, but not increased peripheral airways resistance, according to a…
New research shows that nicotine blocks estrogen production in the female brain, which could make it more difficult to quit. Studies have shown that women have a harder time quitting smoking than men do. New research indicates that nicotine blocks the production of estrogen in women’s brains, which could explain why it’s more difficult for…
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung conditions that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Restricted airflow characterizes all these conditions, and COPD causes difficulty when breathing. The inability to get enough oxygen into the lungs raises the risk of developing hypoxia. Hypoxia is a condition where not enough oxygen makes it to the cells and tissues in…
What is a lung cleanse? Our lungs do a lot for us. Even though most of us don’t think of the lungs as something we can exercise, it’s possible to take steps to help them work better. The air we breathe can be contaminated with many kinds of pollutants. Everything from pollen to chemicals to secondhand smoke can be trapped in the…