Respiratory health Archive

Early symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be subtle and progress slowly. They include shortness of breath, chronic cough, fatigue, increased mucus or phlegm, and intermittent wheezing or chest tightness.

People may cough more at night or in the morning due to phlegm or throat irritation that affects the airways when they’re lying flat. Coughing helps clear mucus and other secretions that collect there.

As a sunken chest becomes more noticeable with age, shortness of breath, stamina limits, and heart or lung compression may emerge.

Lung scarring from pulmonary fibrosis can cause breathlessness and cough. Learn about symptom relief and newer treatment options.

A lung nodule on imaging can stem from scars, infection, or cancer. Learn how doctors judge the risk and decide between watching, testing, or removal.

Experts say many over-the-counter cough medicines are ineffective, and that those suffering from a cold-related cough should take an antihistamine with a nasal decongestant.

A persistent cough that lasts longer than a few weeks can be worrisome, but for nonsmokers, the most common causes include asthma, bronchitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and medication for high blood pressure.

Several health issues are associated with nighttime coughing. Some of the most common are postnasal drip, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), medication side effects, and heart failure. When a new nighttime cough lasts more than a few weeks, it's important to go to a doctor to rule out dangerous causes, such as heart failure. The doctor can also determine if a drug side effect, postnasal drip, or GERD is causing the cough, and prescribe medications to treat the condition.

Years without wheezing or inhalers can raise questions. Learn how breathing tests help clarify if asthma is truly gone or still there.