Lung Cysts

Although it’s not always known why lung cysts develop, different underlying conditions usually cause them to form. This article explains what lung cysts are, their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. boonchai wedmakawand / Getty Images Causes of Lung Cysts Five primary lung diseases can cause lung cysts. boonchai wedmakawand / Getty Images LAM is often misdiagnosed asasthmaorchronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD). PLCH: Cigarette smoke has been linked to PLCH as it activates Langerhans cells in the lungs....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 231 words · Matthew Sanchez

Lung Infections: Pneumonia, Covid-19, Bronchitis, and More

Chest congestion, difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, and fever are the result. Most lung infections are treatable with antibiotics or antivirals, and mild infections often resolve on their own. In some cases, though, lung infections can be severe and lead to hospitalization and even death. Verywell / Shideh Ghandeharizadeh This article explains the types of lung infections. It discusses the different symptoms, causes, and treatments for lung infections and when to see a doctor....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 577 words · Pamela Page

Lung Nodule Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Lung nodule causes include infection, inflammation, and scarring. Less commonly, they can be sparked by a more serious condition such as lung cancer. Most lung nodules are not cancerous. Verywell / Emily Roberts However, its essential to follow through on getting a diagnosis, even if youve never smoked. Verywell / Emily Roberts What Is a Lung Nodule? Lung nodules look like spots on X-rays and CT scans. Lung nodules are defined as being 3 centimeters (cm) or 1....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 625 words · Chad Harris

Lung Scarring: What to Know

Lung scarring, called pulmonary fibrosis, is a serious, permanent condition, but treatments are available. Lung scarring changes the normally thin tissue in the lungs into thick, scarred tissue. This makes it difficult for oxygen to reach your bloodstream, leaving you short of breath. aquaArts studio / Getty Images There are more than 100 conditions that can lead to lung scarring. aquaArts studio / Getty Images What Causes Lung Scarring? In most cases, the body heals the damage, and the lungs function normally....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 379 words · Kimberly Byrd

Lung Transplant Survival Rate and Life Expectancy

A lung transplant may be the best option for some people with severe lung disease. The procedure can improve your quality of life and help you live longer. However, there are serious risks, such as infection and rejection. Paul Harizan / Getty Images And long-term use of anti-rejection drugs can increase the risk of other health problems. Lungs are very fragile organs. That may be why the survival rate doesn’t match that of other solidorgan transplants....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 400 words · Timothy Owens

Lung Transplants for Lung Cancer

Lung transplant is an uncommon treatment for lung cancer. What Is a Lung Transplant? Healthcare providers can transplant one or both lungs. Martin Barraud/OJO Images/Getty Images Who Is Eligible for a Lung Transplant? Tests such as aPET scanand anendobronchial ultrasoundshould show no evidence of cancer spread beyond the lungs. What other conditions are lung transplants used for? Other medical conditions are more appropriately treated with a lung transplant. Some of these include:...

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 299 words · Matthew Moody

Lupus and Sun Exposure: What to Know

Lupusis anautoimmune diseasein which your body mistakenly attacks your joints, muscles, and skin. These attacks can show up as joint swelling or muscle soreness for some people with this chronic disease. The disease is most common in early to mid-adulthood, and 90% of cases develop in women. Jackyenjoy Photography / Getty Images Symptoms UV light and some artificial light can trigger reactions in people with lupus. How Much Sun Exposure Is Too Much?...

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 323 words · Stephanie Smith

Lupus Anticoagulant Antibody Blood Test

Antibodies are specialized cells in the immune system that attack and destroy pathogens like viruses and bacteria. LA is an autoantibody, meaning it mistakes a healthy substance in your body for a pathogen. As an antiphospholipid antibody, LA attacks phospholipids, which are an essential part of cell membranes. STEVE GSCHMEISSNER / Getty Images What Is Lupus? Lupus is a group of unpredictable chronic autoimmune diseases that can strike any part of your body....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 413 words · Sandra Riley

Lupus Treatment Options

There are severallupustreatment options. Lupustreatment may include medications such as immunosuppressives, antimalarials, steroids, and biologics. It can also include alternative therapies and lifestyle changes. Verywell / Emily Roberts The right treatment depends on what will be the safest and most effective for that individual. Goals of Lupus Treatment Lupus treatment options are tailored to your needs and may change over time. Some patients never need medications, while others take them only as needed or for a short time....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 829 words · Taylor Hall

Lupus: Autoimmune Characteristics and Management

The unpredictable nature of lupus can often leave people feeling uneasy. These flares can range from mild to severe. These unpredictable attacks cause inflammation, leading to various symptoms and sometimes permanent damage. Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health The exactcause of lupusis unknown. Lupus is not contagious. Several genes have been identified as associated with lupus. People with these genes who are then exposed to certain environmental triggers may develop lupus....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 801 words · Levi Brown

Luteal Phase: Physical Effects and Describing Emotions

The luteal phase of the menstrual cycle starts right after ovulation. The luteal or secretory phase lasts around 14 days for most people who ovulate. During this time frame, your uterus prepares for a possible pregnancy. Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health If pregnancy does not occur, menstruation will take place when the luteal phase ends. Mood swings and behaviors likebinge eatingare common occurrences during this time frame. Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health...

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 726 words · Jeffrey Nichols

Lycopene: An Antioxidant With Potential Heart Health Benefits?

Lycopene is well known to support bone health. Lycopene naturally gives foods liketomatoes, watermelons, and sweet red peppers their pink/red color. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Verywell / Getty Images For example, there’s emerging evidence that lycopene has a role in supporting the health of your bones. Bone Health There is growing evidence that lycopene can help maintain bone strength. Additionally, the authors carried out a low-quality pilot (small-scale) study with 68 women....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 630 words · Keith Williams

Lyme Vaccines Are Finally Coming, and They May Not Look Like You'd Expect

As climate change shortens winters, warm-weather-loving ticks stay active for longer. More than 475,000 people are diagnosed or treated for Lyme disease each year, according to CDC estimates. But there is no pharmacological way topreventLyme disease from taking hold after a tick biteat least not in humans. Photo Illustration by Lecia Landis for Verywell Health; Getty Images Dogs have been getting vaccinated against Lyme for more than 30 years. That could change very soon....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 529 words · Abigail Taylor