Pulmonology

Dr. Rob explains · When the word part a- meaning lack of or not is combined with the word part –pnea meaning breathing, we have the medical term apnea which refers to moments with no breathing. This can happen especially during sleep especially in patients who snore or take certain medications and is referred to as sleep apnea. A recommendation for sleep apnea includes conducting a sleep study if snoring or the apnea is frequent, is for long periods of time, or is accompanied by daytime fatigue. Other recommendations for sleep apnea include weight control, avoiding alcohol, avoiding sleeping medications, quitting smoking, sleeping on one’s side or belly, use of a saline nose spray, use of a CPAP device to assist in breathing during sleep or possible surgery.

Dr. Rob explains · The medical term bronchitis refers to inflamed bronchial tubes and is made up of two word parts: broncho – referring to the bronchial tubes and –itis meaning inflammation. Inflamed bronchial tubes are usually caused by a virus and create excess mucus in the constricted airways. Symptoms include a cough with mucus, shortness of breath, wheezing, and fatigue. Bronchitis can be acute meaning short term or chronic meaning long term. Smoking is usually the cause of chronic bronchitis.