A pulmonary embolism occurs when a venous clot (thrombus) dislodges and travels through the circulatory system and becomes trapped in the lungs. The resulting blockage prevents oxygen exchange and can cause difficulty breathing, coughing up of blood and even instant death if the clot is big enough.
I had a deep venous thrombosis in my leg and then it dislodged which gave me a pulmonary embolism. Then I died.
by The Troll May 6, 2006
A pulmonary contusion (or lung contusion) is a contusion (bruise) of the lung, caused by chest trauma. As a result of damage to capillaries, blood and other fluids accumulate in the lung tissue. The excess fluid interferes with gas exchange, potentially leading to inadequate oxygen levels (hypoxia).
by Guddi March 16, 2016
Riley "i have to get a pulmonary functions test tomaro"
Bill "oh, are you haveing trouble breathing?"
Bill "oh, are you haveing trouble breathing?"
by MurrDaddy8 November 6, 2011
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a type of obstructive lung disease characterized by long-term poor airflow. The main symptoms include shortness of breath and cough with sputum production. COPD typically worsens over time.1 Eventually walking up stairs or carrying things will be difficult.2 Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are older terms used for different types of COPD.23 The term "chronic bronchitis" is still used to define a productive cough that is present for at least three months each year for two years.4
Tobacco smoking is the most common cause of COPD, with a number of other factors such as air pollution and genetics playing a smaller role.5 In the developing world, one of the common sources of air pollution is poorly vented heating and cooking fires.2 Long-term exposure to these irritants causes an inflammatory response in the lungs resulting in narrowing of the small airways and breakdown of lung tissue.6 The diagnosis is based on poor airflow as measured by lung function tests.7 In contrast to asthma, the airflow reduction does not improve much with the use of a bronchodilator.2
Most cases of COPD can be prevented by reducing exposure to risk factors.8 This includes decreasing rates of smoking and improving indoor and outdoor air quality. While treatment can slow worsening, there is no cure.2 COPD treatments include stopping smoking, vaccinations, respiratory rehabilitation, and often inhaled bronchodilators and steroids.
Tobacco smoking is the most common cause of COPD, with a number of other factors such as air pollution and genetics playing a smaller role.5 In the developing world, one of the common sources of air pollution is poorly vented heating and cooking fires.2 Long-term exposure to these irritants causes an inflammatory response in the lungs resulting in narrowing of the small airways and breakdown of lung tissue.6 The diagnosis is based on poor airflow as measured by lung function tests.7 In contrast to asthma, the airflow reduction does not improve much with the use of a bronchodilator.2
Most cases of COPD can be prevented by reducing exposure to risk factors.8 This includes decreasing rates of smoking and improving indoor and outdoor air quality. While treatment can slow worsening, there is no cure.2 COPD treatments include stopping smoking, vaccinations, respiratory rehabilitation, and often inhaled bronchodilators and steroids.
by chronic obstructive pulmonary November 30, 2016