Raza Shah, MD

FCCP

An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system overreacts to a normally nonthreatening substance. There are many types, causes, and symptoms of allergic reactions. Different areas of the body can be affected depending on the allergic trigger. Some allergic reactions can be life threatening and require emergency medical attention. Allergy treatments include avoiding the triggers of an allergic reaction, medications, and desensitizing shots.

Asthma is a lung disease. Asthma causes the breathing tubes in the lungs to temporarily narrow. People with asthma have difficulty breathing air in and out of their lungs. An allergen or irritant in the environment usually triggers an asthma flare-up.

There is no cure for asthma. Some asthma flare-ups can be prevented. Asthma can be treated with lifestyle changes and medication. Untreated asthma can become severe and life threatening. People can control their asthma with self-management and medical treatment.

Most people with asthma can lead normal lives.

Lung cancer occurs when cells in the lung grow abnormally out of control and form tumors. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Smoking causes the majority of lung cancer cases. Early stages of lung cancer may not produce symptoms; however, early diagnosis and treatment is important to ensure the best outcome. Lung cancer may be treated with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Sleep apnea is a common and under-diagnosed sleep disorder. It causes repeated episodes of stopped breathing (apneic episodes) and startling or gasping for air during sleep. People with sleep apnea frequently do not realize that they have it. The consequences of untreated sleep apnea can be severe or life threatening therefore early diagnosis and treatment is essential. Sleep apnea may be treated or managed with lifestyle changes, use of a breathing assist device at night, or surgery.

Pneumonia can be a serious life-threatening illness that needs medical attention. Pneumonia results from germs that cause an infection in the lungs. Many people with pneumonia are treated with prescription medication at home, but others require more intensive treatment and a hospital stay. You can help prevent pneumonia by receiving immunization and with frequent hand washing.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an irreversible lung condition. Diseases classified as COPD cause swelling of the large airways in the lungs, which obstructs or blocks the flow of air. Symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and decreased activity levels. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are common forms of COPD. Cigarette smoking is the main cause of COPD.

COPD is a long-term condition that gets worse over time. Quitting smoking, lung rehabilitation therapy, and medications, including oxygen, may help to improve symptoms. Lung surgery or lung transplantation may be appropriate for select people with severe COPD.

Pulmonary hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in your lungs and the right side of your heart. In one form of pulmonary hypertension, called pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), blood vessels in your lungs are narrowed, blocked or destroyed.

In some people, pulmonary hypertension slowly gets worse and can be life-threatening. Although there's no cure for some types of pulmonary hypertension, treatment can help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.