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Dust mites are microscopic animals, too small to be seen with the naked eye. The droppings and decaying bodies of dust mites are important allergens. These dust mites live in mattresses, pillows, bedding, carpets, fabric-covered furniture, old clothing and soft stuffed toys. They feed on human skin scales. Dust mites are most common in humid climates. They don't survive when the humidity is below 40-50%. If droppings of dust mites are inhaled or come in contact with the skin, they may cause allergy, asthma and/or eczema symptoms.

Many types of molds live in our environment. Mold grows in indoor and outdoor areas that are warm, dark and/or moist. Molds reproduce and grow by sending tiny spores into the air. Inhaled spores cause allergy and asthma symptoms.

Exposure to hazardous pollutants may have an immediate or a long-term effect, which may not show up for many years. The significance of the exposure depends upon the source, how much is emitted from the source, how harmful the pollutants are, and how much of the pollutants have accumulated within the home. Some immediate symptoms of exposure may include headache, dizziness, fatigue and upper airway irritation of the nose, throat and eyes. These symptoms may reoccur with repeated exposures.

When you are exposed to smoke in the environment it is called secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke is a combination of two types of smoke, sidestream and mainstream smoke. Mainstream smoke is the smoke exhaled by a person who is smoking. Sidestream smoke is the smoke from the end of a burning cigarette. Sidestream smoke contains all of these same carcinogens.

Airways of people with asthma are often chronically inflamed (swollen). Therefore, the airways are sensitive to things that make asthma worse. These, either singly or together, cause symptoms in people with asthma. Identifying and controlling or treating things that make asthma worse, is essential to good asthma management. Things that make asthma worse include: irritants, allergens, infections, weather, exercise, emotions, gastroesophageal reflux and hormonal changes. These vary from person to person.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of asthma is an important part of managing asthma. Knowing when early warning signs or mild symptoms are occurring is helpful so that treatment and other interventions can begin early. Early treatment is most effective. If severe symptoms are present, it is vital to begin the appropriate treatment immediately. Accurate and timely assessment of your symptoms or your child's symptoms can help you and your clinician decide if treatment should begin in the home, at your clinician's office or in the emergency room.

Anticoagulant medicines are a group of medicines that inhibit blood clotting, helping to prevent blood clots. Blood clots can cause heart attacks and strokes.

The Gastric Emptying Study will show if you have slow or rapid emptying of your stomach. Your doctor will use this information to determine the best treatment for you.

Learn how to get ready for the test, what is done during the test and how long it will take.The purpose of a food challenge is to identify if your child is allergic to a specific food and how much of the food it may take to cause a reaction.

This is sometimes called a Small Bowel Series. This will help your doctor identify possible problems and the best treatment. This study involves the drinking of barium which will be about two cups. The barium will show your small intestines on the x-ray. A series of x-rays will be taken to follow the path of the barium through your small intestine.

Cholesterol is a type of fat that is found in every cell in the body. It is used to build healthy cells and some vital hormones. High levels of cholesterol in the blood (high blood cholesterol) can be serious because it can cause fatty deposits, called plaque, to build up in arteries, making blood flow more difficult. High blood cholesterol can be secondary to many diseases and can contribute to many forms of disease, most notably cardiovascular disease, or heart disease.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a condition in which high blood pressure exists within the vessels of the lungs. Normally, venous (low oxygen) blood returns from the body to the right side of the heart where it is pumped to lungs via the pulmonary arteries. Breathing brings oxygen to venous blood in the lungs, turning it into arterial (high oxygen) blood. Arterial blood returns to the left side of the heart through the pulmonary veins where it is pumped to the rest of the body.

Intracardiac shunting refers to the diversion of normal cardiac blood flow to alternate pathways within the heart. This is the result of a hole in structures that normally separate arterial from venous blood.

An esophageal motility study is a diagnostic test that will evaluate the function of your esophagus. The esophagus is a muscular hollow tube that transports food from your mouth to your stomach. The results of this study will help your doctor determine a diagnosis and the best treatment for you.

CTA stands for coronary computed tomography angiogram. A CT angiogram takes pictures of the heart. The pictures are more detailed than a typical x-ray. During a CT angiogram pictures are taken of cross sections or slices of the heart. When contrast is used during a CT scan pictures of the heart are highlighted even more. Ct scans can help determine a diagnosis early. Your doctor will use this information to determine the best treatment for you.

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. The ultrasound shows the structures and functions of the heart muscle and heart valves from different angles. It does this by using sound waves. Contrast is used during an echocardiogram to see the flow of blood through the heart and the heart muscle better.

A Holter Monitor is a monitor that continually records the electrical signals of your heart for 24 or 48 hours.

Ultrasound (sound waves) can be used to look at organs, soft tissue and blood vessels within the body. The ultrasound shows the structures and blood flow through organs and blood vessels. It does this by using sound waves.

The barium swallow is a study that is completed in radiology. The test evaluates the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that goes from the throat to the stomach. This will help your doctor identify possible problems and the best treatment. This study is sometimes called an Esophagram.

A CT or CAT scan is a shortened name for computerized tomography. A CT scan takes pictures of the inside of the body. The pictures are more detailed than a typical x-ray. During a CT scan of the chest pictures are taken of cross sections or slices of the thoracic structures in your body. The thoracic structures include your lungs, heart and the bones around these areas. When contrast is used during a CT scan of the chest thoracic structures are highlighted even more. Ct scans can help determine a diagnosis early.

Bronchiectasis is a condition of the airways in the lungs. These airways (bronchial tubes) are tube-like structures that branch from the trachea into the right and left lungs. When a person has bronchiectasis the airways are permanently and abnormally widened (dilated) and inflamed. These damaged airways can no longer clear mucus and bacteria from the lung well. This causes a cough, sputum production and shortness of breath to occur more often. Bronchiectasis is caused by one or more infectious or inflammatory insults to the lungs. People with bronchiectasis are more likely to get lung infections. Each lung infection can make the bronchiectasis worse. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of bronchiectasis is very important.

Chickenpox (varicella) is a common childhood viral diseases. Chickenpox is highly contagious and can now be prevented with a safe and effective vaccine. Although chickenpox is usually mild, vaccinating children can prevent complications of severe chickenpox and reduce costs associated with children missing school and adults missing work. The chickenpox vaccine is very effective in preventing chickenpox.

Anyone can fall, although falls that lead to injury are more common in the elderly. Learn ways to prevent falls in your home and outdoors.

Germs, like plants and animals, have been classified into similar groups. The groups are called "families." One such family of germs is known as the Mycobacteriaceae. Within this family there are a number of species. Some species can cause human diseases (pathogenic). Others species do not cause human diseases (saprophytic). Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an infamous species. This is the organism that causes human tuberculosis.

If you sneeze and have a runny or stuffy nose during the spring, summer or fall allergy seasons, you may have seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever. Hay fever is the most common type of allergy problem. It mainly affects the eyes and nose. Hay fever symptoms include sneezing, itching, runny or stuffy nose and red, watery eyes.

The metered dose inhaler (MDI) consists of a pressurized canister of medication in a plastic case with a mouthpiece. Pressing the MDI releases a mist of medication. When inhaled correctly, the medication has a better chance to reach the small airways. This increases the medication's effectiveness. Its portable size, efficiency and convenience make the MDI a desirable method for inhalation treatment.

A Diskus® consists of a plastic device containing powdered medication. A Diskus is breath activated. This means when you inhale, the Diskus automatically releases the medication. When inhaled correctly, the medication has a better chance to reach the small airways. This increases the medication's effectiveness. The portable size, efficiency and convenience make the Diskus a desirable method for inhalation treatment.

A Flexhaler® consists of a plastic device containing dry powdered medication. A Flexhaler is breath activated. This means when you inhale, the Flexhaler automatically releases the medication. When inhaled correctly, the medication has a better chance to reach the small airways. This increases the medication's effectiveness. The portable size, efficiency and convenience make the Flexhaler a desirable method for inhalation treatment.

A Twisthaler consists of a plastic device containing dry powdered medication. A Twisthaler is breath activated. This means when you inhale, the Twisthaler automatically releases the medication. When inhaled correctly, the medication has a better chance to reach the small airways. This increases the medication's effectiveness. The portable size, efficiency and convenience make the Twisthaler a desirable method for inhalation treatment.

Allergy tests can be done to help identify if you are allergic and what you are allergic to. Once allergies are identified specific avoidance and treatment measures can be recommended. There are several types of allergy testing.

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a program for people with chronic lung disease. These may include emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, bronchiectasis and interstitial lung disease.

The tendency to develop allergies may be inherited. If you have allergic tendencies and are exposed to certain things in your environment (allergens), you may develop allergies to some of those things. Examples of allergy symptoms include itchy eyes, runny nose, asthma symptoms, eczema and rash. The timing of the allergic response may be immediate or delayed. Allergy testing may be recommended to help identify your allergies.

Exercise can make asthma symptoms worse. This is called exercise-induced asthma. Exercise can cause asthma symptoms in up to 80 percent of people with asthma. Treatment and monitoring can allow people with exercise-induced asthma to participate fully in the physical activity or exercise of their choice.

Colds are viral, not bacterial infections of the upper respiratory tract. Colds are highly contagious. They are spread through touching contaminated surfaces, coughing and sneezing. Some people are more prone to colds than others. A child in preschool may "catch" as many as four to eight colds per year. Generally, there is an increased frequency of colds during fall and winter months because of closer, indoor contact with other people.

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a serious disease that affects breathing, muscles, and energy. It can be fatal.

Pollens aren't the only allergens in the air. There is another potential bunch of allergens being flown around inside a special injection device that, when encountered, may threaten the lives of those who are sensitive to it...insect venom! The primary offenders are most often insects that sting rather than those that bite. These insects are members of the order of Hymenoptera of the class Insecta. Stinging insects of concern are found in three families.

Latex a kind of natural rubber made from the sap of a tree - can be found in many items. It is found in bicycle and wheelchair tires, toys, some balloons, examining gloves, household gloves, surgical tubing, rubber bands and condoms. When someone is allergic to latex, that person is actually allergic to one or more proteins (allergens) found in the sap from the rubber tree. Interestingly, these proteins or ones very similar to them can be found in banana, kiwi, avocado, potato, strawberries, peaches and chestnuts, since people who are allergic to latex often have crossreactions to these foods.

Immunotherapy (commonly called allergy shots) is a form of treatment to reduce your allergic reaction to allergens. Allergens are substances to which you are allergic. Research has shown that allergy shots can reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and allergic asthma. Remember, not all asthma is due to allergies. Research has shown allergy shots can reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever), allergic asthma, dust mite allergy, animal dander allergy and insect sting allergy.

Anticoagulant medicines are a group of medicines that inhibit blood clotting, helping to prevent blood clots. Blood clots can cause heart attacks and strokes. Anticoagulant medicines can be used with a number of diseases when there is an increased risk of blood clots.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD for short, is a lung disease that affects millions of people. COPD includes diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. A person with COPD may have either emphysema or chronic bronchitis, but many have both. Some people with COPD may also have asthma-like symptoms, such as wheezing.

Corticosteroid medicine can be used to treat a number of chronic illnesses. Some people may not get the most benefit when corticosteroid medication is used as treatment. A steroid kinetic study can help identify how the body uses the medication.

The Piko peak flow meter is a small, easy to-use instrument that enables you or your child to measure lung function at home, at work, at school wherever you go. The peak flow meter measures how fast a person can blow out air after a maximum inhalation. It helps reveal how well you or your child's lungs are working. The Piko measures PEF. This is the peak expiratory flow rate. In addition, the Piko also measures FEV1. This is the Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second you exhale. Many peak flow meters measure PEF, but not FEV1. The Piko peak flow meter measures both.

Anticoagulant medicines are a group of medicines that inhibit blood clotting, helping to prevent blood clots. Blood clots can cause heart attacks and strokes. Anticoagulant medicines can be used with a number of diseases when there is an increased risk of blood clots.

Your heart is a muscle a very important muscle that your entire body depends on. As with all muscles, the heart is dependent on blood supply to provide necessary nutrients, fuel and oxygen. The heart gets its blood supply from the coronary arteries. When the coronary arteries become blocked, narrowed, or completely obstructed, the heart cannot get the nutrients, fuel, and oxygen it needs. This causes the heart to become weak, develop a heart attack or stop altogether. This blockage, narrowing or obstruction is known as Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).

Omega-3 fatty acids have become quite popular because of the many positive effects on human health. Omega-3 fatty acids benefit both healthy people as well as those with cardiovascular disease. Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to improve heart health by lowering triglycerides, raising good cholesterol (HDL, or high density lipoprotein), thinning the blood preventing blood clots from forming and protecting the heart from dangerous heart rhythms. Omega-3 fatty acids may also slow the progression of plaque build-up and lower blood pressure.

PICC stands for Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter . A PICC line is a catheter that is inserted into a vein in your upper arm. The catheter is advanced and positioned in a large vein in your chest just above the heart.

Lung cancers start in the lung. There are several types of lung cancer. They include non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer and carcinoid lung tumors.

A CT scan takes pictures of the inside of the body. The pictures are more detailed than a typical x-ray. During a CT scan of the chest pictures are taken of cross sections or slices of the thoracic structures in your body. A CT Guided Lung Biopsy uses real-time CT images to ensure biopsy samples are accurately taken from the desired part of the lung. These biopsy samples are checked for adequacy by a pathologist during the procedure to make sure a diagnostic sample is obtained.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer where the tumor grows on the mesothelium, which is a lining inside a body cavity. Pleural mesothelioma starts in a part of the chest called the pleura, which is the lining that surrounds the lungs and internal chest wall. It separates the lung from the chest wall. Pleural mesothelioma is different from lung cancer, which grows inside the lung. Pleural mesothelioma grows in the lining of the lung.

An impedance and pH study measures the amount of acid and nonacid gastroesophageal reflux your child has. Gastroesophageal reflux is the backward flow or reflux of food and acid from the stomach into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that takes food from your mouth into your stomach. Everyone has some reflux. An impedance and pH study will help identify if your child has increased amounts of reflux and if it is causing trouble breathing or other symptoms.