Respiratory & Pulmonary System

Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is an inflammatory lung disorder characterized by abnormal formation of fibrous tissue (fibrosis) between the tiny air sacs (alveoli) or ducts of the lungs, which affects the lungs’ ability to move oxygen into the bloodstream. Currently in the U.S. there are over 200,000 patients with pulmonary fibrosis, though the number is probably much higher due to misdiagnosis.

Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries to the lungs. It is a serious condition for which there are treatments but no cure. If one has it, the blood vessels that carry oxygen-poor blood from the heart to the lungs become hard and narrow. The heart has to work harder to pump the blood through. Over time, the heart weakens and cannot do its job and one can develop heart failure.

Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a breathing problem that sometimes affects babies born about 6 weeks or more before their due dates. Their lungs aren't developed enough to make surfactant (sur-FAK-tant). Surfactant is a liquid that coats the inside of the lungs and keeps them open so that the baby can breathe in air once he or she is born. Without surfactant, the lungs collapse and the baby has to work hard to breathe. The baby might not be able to breathe in enough oxygen to support the body's organs. Most infants who develop RDS show signs of breathing problems at birth or within the next few hours. If they're not given the right treatment, their brains and other organs may suffer from the lack of oxygen. It affects about 10 of every 100 premature infants in the United States, or about 40,000 babies, each year.

Respiratory Syncytal Virus

A paramyxovirus that forms in the tissue culture and is responsible for severe respiratory diseases, such as bronchopneumonia and bronchiolitis in children and especially in infants.