The lungs have two primary functions: to acquire oxygen from the air, which is required for life, and to remove carbon dioxide from the body. Carbon dioxide is a byproduct of many of the chemical reactions that sustain life.
During breathing, air enters and exits the lungs. It flows in through increasingly smaller airways, finally filling tiny sacs called alveoli. Blood circulates around the alveoli through capillaries (tiny blood vessels). Where the capillaries...
Read morePaul Newman died of lung cancer on Friday, September 26th, at age 83. His career as a movie star, producer, and director was legendary. He... Read more »
I recently read an article where researchers conducted a study to discover if people who learned the relative age of their lungs after... Read more »
Looking for a quick, easy, and informative read? In observation of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re publishing a new breast cancer... Read more »
In the last post, I discussed COPD and asthma, and how to distinguish them. I introduced the topic of pulmonary function tests, or... Read more »
I had my first colonoscopy last week. How was it? Well, pretty much just like they say, meaning that the procedure itself (not that I... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Lung cancer is cancer that starts in the lungs.The lungs are located in the chest. They help you breathe. When you breathe, air goes through your... Read more »
Source: HealthCentral Encyclopedia
Article updated and reviewed by Kevin Knopf, MD, MPH; Director of Clinical Research, Annapolis Oncology Center and Associate Staff, Johns Hopkins... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Before cigarettes became popular in the beginning of the 20th century, lung cancer was rare. It now strikes roughly 219,000 Americans per year, and... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Diffusing capacity; DLCO testNormal ValuesNormal test results depend on a person's:AgeGenderHeightHemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells that... Read more »