Tag: respiratory health

  • Stage 4 Lung Cancer (Alk)

    Stage 4 Lung Cancer (Alk): Definition and Description of Stage 4 Lung Cancer (Alk): Stage 4 lung cancer, particularly when referring to ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) positive lung cancer, is an advanced form of lung cancer where cancer cells have metastasized beyond the lungs to other parts of the body. This stage is characterized by…

  • Snoring

    Snoring: Definition and Description of Snoring: Snoring is a common respiratory condition characterized by the sound produced during sleep when the airflow through the mouth and nose is partially obstructed. This obstruction can occur in various areas of the upper airway, including the throat. While snoring can be a benign nuisance, it can also indicate…

  • RSV Infection

    RSV Infection: Definition and Description of RSV Infection: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection is a common viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory system. It is characterized by inflammation of the airways and can lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, especially in infants and young children. RSV is highly contagious and is a leading cause of…

  • Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia

    Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia: Definition and Description of Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia: Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) is a genetic disorder characterized by abnormal ciliary function, which affects the movement of cilia—tiny hair-like structures on the surface of cells. In healthy individuals, cilia play a crucial role in clearing mucus and pathogens from the respiratory tract, assisting in…

  • Pleura

    Pleura: Definition and Description of Pleura: The pleura is a vital anatomical structure consisting of two thin layers of tissue that surround the lungs and line the chest cavity. The outer layer, known as the parietal pleura, adheres to the chest wall, whereas the inner layer, called the visceral pleura, covers the lungs directly. The…

  • Pleuritis

    Pleuritis: Definition and Description of Pleuritis: Pleuritis, also known as pleurisy, is an inflammatory condition of the pleura, which is the thin tissue layer lining the lungs and chest cavity. This condition leads to sharp chest pain that worsens during breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Pleuritis can result from various underlying health issues and may indicate…

  • Pollen

    Pollen: Definition and Description of Pollen: Pollen is a fine powdery substance produced by certain plants, including trees, grasses, and flowers, that contains the male gametes (sperm cells) of seed plants. This natural reproductive agent is critical for the process of fertilization in flowering plants. In humans, pollen is most well-known for its role in…

  • Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

    Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Definition and Description of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is a type of lung cancer that encompasses a group of lung cancers characterized by the presence of larger cancer cells. It accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancer diagnoses. NSCLC is further divided into three main…

  • Nocardiosis

    Nocardiosis: Definition and Description of Nocardiosis: Nocardiosis is a rare infectious disease caused by bacteria belonging to the genus Nocardia. These are gram-positive, aerobic actinomycetes found in soil, decaying organic matter, and water. The disease primarily affects the lungs but can also impact the brain, skin, and other organs. Nocardiosis can manifest as a pulmonary…

  • Nasal Septal Perforation Repair

    Nasal Septal Perforation Repair: Definition and Description of Nasal Septal Perforation Repair: Nasal septal perforation refers to an abnormal hole or defect in the nasal septum, the cartilage and bone that separates the two nasal cavities. Repairing this perforation is a surgical procedure aimed at closing the defect to restore normal nasal function and alleviate…