​Pleurisy Pleurisy, also called pluritis, is typically not a life-threatening disease, but is, instead, a complication of other, more dangerous chest conditions. It often develops alongside pneumonia, tuberculosis, rheumatic diseases, chest trauma, certain cancers and asbestos-related disease. What is pleurisy?Pleurisy...

​Mesothelioma  Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that predominantly affects men. The disease is characterized by a long dormant period that can last 35 to 40 years before the onset of serious symptoms. Diagnosis is difficult because over...

​Lymphangioleiomyomatosis  Pronounced lim-fan je-o-lio-mi o-ma-to sis, Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare lung disease predominantly affecting women, most often occurring between puberty and menopause. In the United States, it is estimated that 1,000 women have LAM. What is Lymphangioleiomyomatosis?LAM is...

Lung Cancer  Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in both men and women. In 2002, lung cancer accounted for more deaths than breast cancer, prostate cancer and colon cancer combined. In that year 180,262 people were diagnosed with...

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is usually an occupational disease in which exposure to organic dusts, fungus, or molds leads to acute lung disease. It is also called farmer’s lung, mushroom picker’s disease, humidifier or air-conditioner lung, and bird breeder’s lung. Over...

Influenza Most people who get the influenza (flu) recover completely in 1 to 2 weeks, but some people develop serious and potentially life-threatening medical complications, such as pneumonia. In an average year, influenza is associated with about 20,000 deaths...

​Hay Fever Hay fever affects 10% to 20% of the U.S. population and is the most common allergy in the country. What is hay fever?Hay fever is an allergic response to pollen or other microscopic substances that are only...

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) mostly affects adults, but the age of people who develop HPS has ranged from 10 to 75 years. HPS affects both sexes, although males are at a slightly higher risk of developing...

​Cystic Fibrosis Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a relatively rare, inherited disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. It is a disease that gets worse over time and will ultimately be fatal. It is estimated that there are about...

Cold The common cold is named common because it is the most frequently occurring infection across the United States and occurs among all age groups. Children may get up to 10 colds per year and adults average between 2-4....