The vocal cords or vocal folds are the part of the upper airway (larynx) that vibrate to form sound. It is commonly referred to as the voice box. By tightening and loosening these membranous folds, the flow of air is manipulated to produce the voice which is later formed into distinct sounds by the lips, tongue and other >> Read More ...
Empyema thoracis or pleural empyema is collection of pus in the space between the pleural layers. It is commonly referred to as pus around the lungs. An empyema results from pus-forming (suppurative) infection of the pleural space and is one of the most common causes for exudative type of pleural effusion (fluid around the >> Read More ...
The bronchi are the air passages that lead from the trachea (windpipe) to each lung – right and left. It divides into smaller tubes known as bronchioles which lead straight to the air sacs of the lungs. The bronchi and bronchioles are an important site of various common respiratory diseases. When it is infected and >> Read More ...
What is brown lung disease? Brown lung disease, or byssinosis, is a reactive airway disease that leads to airway obstruction as a result of exposure to cotton dust (brack), flax and hemp. It is a type of occupational lung disease that is more commonly seen in cotton workers, those working in flax mills and textile >> Read More ...
What is occupational asthma? Occupational asthma is a type of chronic inflammatory disease of the airways associated with allergens or irritants in the workplace that leads to reduced air flow through the respiratory passages. It is a type of asthma that should be considered in adult asthmatics, especially if the asthma >> Read More ...
Pneumonitis is the term for inflammation of the lungs, involving the respiratory and often the terminal bronchioles as well. This may arise as a result of trauma (chemical/physical), allergic reactions, airborne particles and drugs. It is often confused with pneumonia – pneumonitis is a broad term that includes lung >> Read More ...
Silicosis is one of the most widely seen occupational diseases. It arises from inhalation of silica particles with subsequent chronic lung disease that develops over years and decades. Most patients are asymptomatic for decades and present with the first symptoms after 10 to 20 years. This is the classic chronic form of >> Read More ...
What is silicosis? Silicosis is a type of lung disease that is caused by inhaling silica particles. These particles may be present as free or crystalline silicon dioxide. It is a slow progressive condition that occurs decades after exposure to silica and is seen in a number of occupations, including mining, sand blasting, >> Read More ...
Pneumoconiosis is a type of lung disease that arises with inhaling mineral dusts usually in the workplace (occupational). More recently the term pneumoconiosis has been used to describe lung disease associated with organic and inorganic dusts as well as chemical vapors which often result in hypersensitivity pneumonitis; >> Read More ...
What is Pulmonary Embolism? A blood clot in the lung is known as a pulmonary embolism. There is often confusion among patients as to the exact location of the clot – despite being commonly referred to as a blood clot in the lung, the clot is not within the air spaces of the lungs. Instead it is lodged in the >> Read More ...
