Latest Articles by Stephen C. Mathai, M.D., M.H.S.

Is It a Cold or the Flu?
When you’re suffering from nasal congestion and fatigue, it can be tough to determine whether you have an ordinary cold or something more serious like the flu.

What Is COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease develops slowly. Symptoms include wheezing, a chronic cough with phlegm, and shortness of breath.

What Is Interstitial Lung Disease?
Interstitial lung disease refers to a group of more than 200 chronic disorders in which lung tissue is damaged and the walls of the air sacs become inflamed.

How Obstructive Lung Diseases Disrupt Breathing
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease narrow the airways and make breathing difficult. However, they affect the airways in slightly different ways.

This May Not Work After Lung Cancer Spreads
Does radiation therapy help after lung cancer spreads to the brain? This research says it does very little.

Is Older Better With Lung Cancer Surgery?
Older lung cancer patients who get surgery may have longer average survival than younger patients, according to this study.

A Safer Way to Buy a Used CPAP for Sleep Apnea
Secondhand CPAP devices are for sale online at prices that are generally far below full retail cost. But don’t be tempted. Here’s what to do instead.

Vitamin D May Cut Asthma Attacks
High-quality evidence suggests that taking vitamin D along with standard asthma medication can reduce the number of severe asthma exacerbations.