- We can evaluate
- We can evaluate
- We can evaluate
- We can evaluate
- May refer
- We can evaluate
- We can evaluate
- We can evaluate
Conditions & Treatments Library
If you or a loved one needs guidance on a symptom or diagnosis, start here.
Browse by Category
For education only. If you think you’re having an emergency, call 911 or go to the ER.
- We treat
- We treat
- We treat
- We treat
- We treat
- We can evaluate
- We treat
- Education
- Education
- We can evaluate
- We can evaluate
- We treat
- We can evaluate
- We treat
- We can evaluate
- Education
- Education
- We treat
- We can evaluate
- We can evaluate
- We can evaluate
- We can evaluate
- Education
- Education
- Education
- Education
- Education
Selected Condition
Select a topic on the left.
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
Shortness of breath
How we help: We can evaluate
Overview: Shortness of breath means breathing feels hard or like you “can’t get enough air.” It is most often related to a lung or heart problem, but other issues can play a role too.
What you may notice:
- Getting winded with walking, stairs, or chores
- Needing to stop more often to catch your breath
- Breathing faster than normal
- Chest tightness, wheezing, or cough
- Shortness of breath at rest or when lying flat
Common causes: Asthma, COPD, infections, fluid around the lungs, lung scarring, anemia, heart problems, anxiety, being out of shape.
How we evaluate:
- Review when it started, what triggers it, and your health history
- Check oxygen level (rest and walking)
- Breathing tests (spirometry / PFTs)
- Review chest X-ray or CT scan if needed
What you can do now:
- Bring a list of all medicines and inhalers
- Write down when it happens and what makes it worse/better
- Track oxygen readings if you use a pulse oximeter
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Severe or sudden trouble breathing
- Breathing trouble with chest pain, fainting, blue lips/nails, or new confusion
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
Chronic cough
How we help: We can evaluate
Overview: A chronic cough is a cough that lasts 8 weeks or longer in adults. Many chronic coughs have treatable causes, but you should get checked.
What you may notice:
- Cough that won’t go away (dry or with mucus)
- Cough worse at night or after meals
- Throat clearing or hoarse voice
- Cough triggered by talking, laughing, cold air, smoke, or smells
Common causes: Post-nasal drip (nasal drainage), asthma, acid reflux (GERD), COPD, smoking, certain blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors), lingering infection.
How we evaluate:
- Review timing, triggers, and any new medicines
- Check for nasal/sinus symptoms and reflux symptoms
- Breathing tests (spirometry / PFTs)
- Chest X-ray (and CT scan if needed)
What you can do now:
- Bring a medication list (including over-the-counter)
- Write down when the cough is worst (night, meals, outdoors, lying down)
- Avoid smoke, vaping, and strong fragrances
- Stay well-hydrated (helps thin mucus)
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, or coughing up large amounts of blood
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
Wheezing
How we help: We can evaluate
Overview: Wheezing is a high-pitched, whistling sound when you breathe. It often means your airways are narrowed or irritated.
What you may notice:
- Whistling sound when breathing (often when breathing out)
- Chest tightness
- Cough (often worse at night)
- Shortness of breath with activity or triggers
Common causes: Asthma and COPD are common causes. Wheezing can also happen with infections, allergies, irritants, or allergic reactions.
How we evaluate:
- Listen to your lungs and review triggers and timing
- Check oxygen level
- Breathing tests (spirometry; sometimes before/after an inhaler)
- Chest imaging if wheezing is new, persistent, or unexplained
What you can do now:
- Bring your inhalers and tell us how often you use them
- Avoid smoke, dust, and strong scents
- Write down triggers (exercise, cold air, pets, pollen, infections)
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Severe trouble breathing
- Wheezing with swelling of lips/tongue/throat (possible severe allergy)
- Blue lips/face, confusion, or fainting
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
Low oxygen (hypoxemia)
How we help: We can evaluate
Overview: Hypoxemia means the oxygen level in your blood is too low. Low oxygen can be dangerous, especially if it is new or severe.
What you may notice:
- Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
- Fast heartbeat
- Headache
- Unusual tiredness
- Confusion or “brain fog” (especially if severe)
- Blue/gray lips or fingertips (late sign)
Common causes: COPD/emphysema, pneumonia, asthma flare-ups, lung scarring, heart problems, blood clots in the lung, sleep-related breathing problems.
How we evaluate:
- Check oxygen level at rest and with walking
- Sometimes check oxygen during sleep (overnight testing)
- Breathing tests (PFTs) and imaging (X-ray/CT) if needed
- Sometimes blood testing to check oxygen and carbon dioxide
What you can do now:
- If you use a pulse oximeter: warm hands, sit still, remove nail polish if possible
- Know that readings can be less accurate with poor circulation, cold hands, nail polish, and sometimes different skin tones
- Write down readings and symptoms (what you were doing at the time)
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Severe shortness of breath, confusion, fainting, blue/gray lips/face
- Oxygen readings very low with symptoms
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
How we help: May refer
Overview: Hemoptysis means coughing up blood from the lungs or airways. It can be small streaks in mucus or larger amounts. It needs careful evaluation.
What you may notice:
- Blood-streaked mucus
- Pink or red frothy sputum (spit/mucus)
- Cough with chest discomfort, fever, or shortness of breath
Common causes: Bronchitis, pneumonia, COPD flare-ups, bronchiectasis, blood thinners, blood clots, and sometimes cancer. Blood can also come from the nose, mouth, or stomach and look like it is from the lungs.
How we evaluate:
- Ask how much blood, how often, and what medicines you take (including blood thinners)
- Check oxygen level and vital signs
- Chest imaging (often X-ray, sometimes CT)
- Sometimes sputum testing or bronchoscopy (camera test of the airways)
What you can do now:
- Estimate the amount (streaks vs teaspoons vs more) and note how often it happens
- Do not stop blood thinners unless a clinician tells you to
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Coughing up large amounts of blood or repeated bleeding
- Trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, or severe weakness
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
Pleural effusion (fluid around the lung)
How we help: We can evaluate
Overview: A pleural effusion is extra fluid between the lung and the chest wall. This fluid can compress the lung and make breathing harder.
What you may notice:
- Shortness of breath (often worse with activity)
- Cough
- Chest heaviness or discomfort
- Sometimes sharp pain with deep breaths
Common causes: Heart failure, pneumonia/infection, cancer, kidney/liver problems, inflammation, blood clots.
How we evaluate:
- Chest X-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan
- Oxygen check and exam
- Sometimes thoracentesis (removing fluid with a needle) to help you breathe and test the fluid
What you can do now:
- Bring any imaging reports (X-ray/CT)
- Write down fever, recent infection, leg swelling, or cancer history
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Severe breathing trouble, new/worsening chest pain, fainting, blue lips/face
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
Pneumonia recovery & follow-up
How we help: We can evaluate
Overview: Pneumonia is a lung infection. Even after treatment, cough and low energy can last for weeks, especially in older adults. Follow-up helps confirm you are healing and checks for problems.
What you may notice:
- Cough that slowly improves (can last weeks)
- Tiredness and needing extra rest
- Shortness of breath that gradually improves
- Lower appetite for a period of time
Common causes: Bacteria, viruses, aspiration (food/liquid going “down the wrong way”), and complications from chronic lung disease.
How we evaluate:
- Review how you are feeling compared with when you were diagnosed
- Check oxygen at rest and with walking
- Review imaging; a repeat chest X-ray may be recommended in some people (especially if symptoms don’t improve as expected or if there is higher risk for lung cancer)
What you can do now:
- Take medicines exactly as prescribed
- Hydrate, rest, and slowly return to activity
- Ask about vaccines (flu, pneumonia, RSV, COVID) if appropriate
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Worsening shortness of breath, chest pain, new confusion, fainting
- Persistent high fever
- Oxygen staying very low
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
Recurrent pneumonia
How we help: We can evaluate
Overview: Recurrent pneumonia means pneumonia happens more than once. If it keeps coming back, we look for an underlying reason.
What you may notice:
- Repeated episodes of cough, fever, or shortness of breath
- Slow recovery or frequent antibiotic use
- Pneumonia returning in the same part of the lung
Common causes: Aspiration (swallowing problems or reflux), bronchiectasis, COPD, immune system problems, or a blockage in an airway.
How we evaluate:
- Review past pneumonia episodes and imaging
- Chest CT scan to look for structural problems
- Breathing tests (PFTs)
- Sputum testing in some cases
- Swallow evaluation if aspiration is suspected
What you can do now:
- Bring records from prior pneumonia episodes (imaging reports, discharge summaries)
- Tell us if you cough or choke during meals
- Keep dental/oral care strong (can reduce aspiration pneumonia risk)
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Severe breathing trouble, chest pain, confusion, fainting, blue lips/face
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
COPD
How we help: We treat
Overview: COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a long-term lung disease that makes it hard to move air out of the lungs. It includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
What you may notice:
- Shortness of breath with activity
- Ongoing cough (often with mucus)
- Wheezing
- Frequent chest infections
- Low energy
Common causes: Smoking (most common), secondhand smoke, workplace dust/chemicals, and air pollution.
How we evaluate:
- Breathing tests (spirometry / PFTs) to confirm and measure severity
- Oxygen testing (rest, walking, and sometimes sleep)
- Chest imaging when needed
- Review inhaler technique and create an action plan
What you can do now:
- If you smoke, quitting is the most important step
- Bring all inhalers and medication list
- Ask about vaccines and pulmonary rehab
- Stay active within your limits
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Severe breathing trouble
- Trouble speaking in full sentences
- Blue lips/face, confusion, or fainting
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
COPD flare-ups
How we help: We treat
Overview: A COPD flare-up (exacerbation) is a sudden worsening of symptoms. Early treatment often prevents ER visits and hospitalization.
What you may notice:
- More shortness of breath than usual
- More cough or more mucus
- Mucus that becomes thicker or changes color
- More wheezing or chest tightness
- Needing rescue inhaler more often
Common causes: Respiratory infections, smoke/air pollution, weather changes, and missed inhaler doses.
How we evaluate:
- Check oxygen level and breathing effort
- Look for signs of infection or fluid
- Sometimes chest X-ray and lab work
- Adjust inhalers and review your COPD action plan
What you can do now:
- Follow your action plan if you have one
- Track rescue inhaler use and symptoms
- Rest, hydrate, and contact your care team early
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Severe breathing trouble
- Confusion, fainting, blue lips/face
- Symptoms not improving with rescue medicine
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
Emphysema
How we help: We treat
Overview: Emphysema is a type of COPD where the air sacs (alveoli) are damaged. This makes it harder to move air out and get enough oxygen in.
What you may notice:
- Shortness of breath that slowly worsens
- Less stamina with activity
- Sometimes weight loss or fatigue as disease progresses
Common causes: Smoking is the most common cause. Long-term exposure to fumes/dust can also contribute.
How we evaluate:
- Breathing tests (often including diffusion/DLCO)
- Chest CT scan may show emphysema
- Oxygen testing with walking and sometimes sleep
What you can do now:
- Avoid smoke and lung irritants
- Use inhalers as prescribed and confirm your technique
- Ask about pulmonary rehab
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Severe breathing trouble, chest pain, confusion, fainting, blue lips/face
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
Chronic bronchitis
How we help: We treat
Overview: Chronic bronchitis is long-term inflammation of the breathing tubes (bronchi). It often causes a long-lasting cough with mucus and is a form of COPD.
What you may notice:
- Frequent cough (often with mucus)
- Chest congestion
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath with activity
Common causes: Smoking is the most common cause. Long-term exposure to irritants and repeated infections can contribute.
How we evaluate:
- Review cough pattern, mucus amount, and exposures
- Breathing tests (spirometry / PFTs)
- Check for other causes of chronic cough (reflux, post-nasal drip, asthma)
What you can do now:
- Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
- Hydrate if medically safe (helps thin mucus)
- Ask about airway-clearing techniques if mucus is heavy
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Severe breathing trouble, chest pain, confusion, fainting, blue lips/face
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
Bronchiectasis
How we help: We treat
Overview: Bronchiectasis means parts of the airways are widened and damaged. Mucus can build up, leading to repeated infections.
What you may notice:
- Daily cough with a lot of mucus
- Frequent chest infections
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Sometimes coughing up blood (can happen)
Common causes: Past severe infections, immune problems, aspiration, COPD, ABPA, and other inflammatory lung problems. Sometimes a cause is never found.
How we evaluate:
- Chest CT scan (best test to confirm bronchiectasis)
- Sputum cultures to identify bacteria
- Breathing tests (PFTs)
- Bloodwork to check for underlying causes when needed
What you can do now:
- Learn airway clearance (techniques/devices)
- Stay hydrated if safe for you
- Watch for early infection signs (fever, darker/thicker mucus)
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Significant coughing up blood
- Severe breathing trouble, chest pain, fainting, blue lips/face
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
Oxygen therapy
How we help: We can evaluate
Overview: Oxygen therapy gives extra oxygen when blood oxygen levels are too low. Some people need it only during activity or sleep; others need it more often.
What you may notice:
- Better stamina or less shortness of breath when using oxygen correctly
- Dry nose or nose irritation
- Equipment questions (tanks, tubing, concentrator)
Common reasons it is needed: COPD, lung scarring, severe pneumonia recovery, pulmonary hypertension, and other heart/lung diseases that cause low oxygen.
How we evaluate:
- Oxygen testing at rest, with walking, and sometimes overnight
- Set safe oxygen targets and the right flow rate (if needed)
- Review oxygen safety and equipment use
What you can do now:
- Use oxygen exactly as prescribed (don’t change flow without guidance)
- Never smoke near oxygen; keep oxygen away from flames/heat
- Ask about humidification or saline spray if your nose is very dry
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Sudden severe breathing trouble
- Chest pain, confusion, fainting, blue lips/face
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
Adult asthma
How we help: We treat
Overview: Asthma is inflammation and tightening of the airways that can come and go. It can start in adulthood and may be mistaken for “bronchitis.”
What you may notice:
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Cough (often at night)
- Shortness of breath that comes and goes
Common causes: Triggers like allergies, viral colds, smoke/irritants, reflux, and weather changes.
How we evaluate:
- Breathing tests (spirometry), sometimes before/after an inhaler
- Review symptom pattern and triggers
- Adjust medicines and create an asthma action plan
What you can do now:
- Bring all inhalers and show how you use them
- Track how often symptoms happen and what triggers them
- Avoid smoke and strong scents
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Severe breathing trouble
- Rescue inhaler not helping
- Trouble speaking, blue lips/face, confusion, or fainting
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
Asthma triggers
How we help: Education
Overview: Triggers are things that set off asthma symptoms or make them worse. Finding your triggers helps prevent flare-ups.
What you may notice:
- Cough or wheeze after certain exposures
- Symptoms during colds or allergy seasons
- Worse breathing with smoke, strong smells, or cold air
Common triggers: Dust mites, mold, pet dander, pollen, smoke, strong odors, air pollution, viral infections, cold air, exercise, and reflux.
How we evaluate:
- Review patterns and exposures
- Sometimes recommend allergy testing or changes at home/work
- Update your asthma action plan
What you can do now:
- Keep a simple trigger diary
- Reduce indoor allergens when possible
- Avoid smoke and strong fragrances
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Severe asthma symptoms or rescue inhaler not helping
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
Controller vs. rescue inhalers
How we help: Education
Overview: Many people need two types of inhalers.
- Controller inhalers help prevent symptoms by reducing swelling in the airways.
- Rescue inhalers work fast to relax airway muscles and relieve sudden symptoms.
What you may notice:
- Rescue inhaler helps in minutes but does not prevent future symptoms
- Controller inhaler helps over days to weeks when used regularly
- Needing rescue inhaler often can mean asthma is not well controlled
Common mix-ups: Similar-looking inhalers, old prescriptions, or unclear instructions.
How we evaluate:
- Review each inhaler (name, color, and how you use it)
- Check your inhaler technique
- Create a written plan for daily use and flare-ups
What you can do now:
- Bring all inhalers (including old ones)
- Label them at home: “Daily controller” and “Rescue”
- Ask for a written asthma action plan
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Severe breathing trouble or rescue inhaler not helping
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction
How we help: We can evaluate
Overview: This means the airways tighten during or after exercise. It can happen with or without asthma.
What you may notice:
- Cough, wheeze, or chest tightness during/after exercise
- Shortness of breath that feels “too much” for the activity
- Symptoms worse in cold or dry air
Common causes: Underlying asthma, cold/dry air, allergies, recent respiratory infection, air pollution.
How we evaluate:
- Review timing (during vs after activity)
- Breathing tests (sometimes specialized exercise testing)
- Check for asthma or other causes of shortness of breath
What you can do now:
- Warm up slowly before exercise and cool down after
- Cover your mouth/nose in cold air (scarf or mask)
- Ask if a pre-exercise medicine plan is right for you
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Severe breathing trouble during exercise
- Chest pain, fainting, blue lips/face
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
ABPA (allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis)
How we help: We can evaluate
Overview: ABPA is an allergic reaction in the lungs to a common fungus (Aspergillus). It most often happens in people with asthma and can make asthma hard to control.
What you may notice:
- Asthma that suddenly gets worse
- Frequent cough
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Coughing up thick mucus plugs (sometimes brown)
- Fatigue or fever that comes and goes
Common causes: An overactive allergy-type reaction to Aspergillus in susceptible people (often those with asthma).
How we evaluate:
- Blood tests (including allergy markers like IgE and eosinophils)
- Testing for Aspergillus sensitivity
- Chest imaging (CT) to look for mucus plugging or airway damage
What you can do now:
- Track asthma symptoms and mucus changes
- Bring a list of recent steroid use and infections
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Severe breathing trouble
- Significant coughing up blood
- Fainting or blue lips/face
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
Sleep apnea
How we help: We treat
Overview: Sleep apnea is repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where the airway closes off during sleep.
What you may notice:
- Loud snoring
- Gasping, choking, or breathing pauses during sleep (often noticed by a partner)
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
- Daytime sleepiness or trouble focusing
Common causes: Airway shape, weight, aging-related airway relaxation, alcohol/sedatives, family history.
How we evaluate:
- Sleep study (home test or overnight lab test)
- Review symptoms and sleep habits
What you can do now:
- Avoid alcohol close to bedtime
- Try side-sleeping if symptoms are worse on your back
- Bring a list of medicines that can cause drowsiness
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or new confusion
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
Snoring
How we help: We can evaluate
Overview: Snoring happens when air has trouble moving through the nose or throat during sleep. Snoring can be harmless, but it can be a sign of sleep apnea.
What you may notice:
- Loud snoring (often worse on your back)
- Dry mouth in the morning
- Poor sleep for you or your partner
- Sometimes choking/gasping (more concerning)
Common causes: Nasal congestion, alcohol, sleeping on the back, weight, aging-related throat relaxation, and airway anatomy.
How we evaluate:
- Screen for sleep apnea symptoms (breathing pauses, daytime sleepiness)
- Consider a sleep study if needed
What you can do now:
- Avoid alcohol near bedtime
- Try side-sleeping and treat nasal congestion if safe for you
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Severe breathing trouble or chest pain
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS)
How we help: We treat
Overview: OHS happens when breathing is too shallow, leading to low oxygen and high carbon dioxide in the blood. It often occurs together with sleep apnea.
What you may notice:
- Daytime sleepiness and fatigue
- Morning headaches
- Shortness of breath with activity
- Swelling in legs/ankles (sometimes)
- Trouble staying awake or feeling “foggy”
Common causes: Extra weight makes breathing more difficult and can reduce how much air moves in and out of the lungs, especially during sleep.
How we evaluate:
- Sleep study
- Oxygen testing and sometimes blood gas testing (checks carbon dioxide)
- Check for heart strain and fluid retention when needed
What you can do now:
- Use CPAP/BiPAP exactly as prescribed (if you have it)
- Avoid alcohol and sedating medicines unless prescribed and monitored
- Ask about safe weight-loss support
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Severe shortness of breath
- Extreme sleepiness/confusion
- Blue lips/face, chest pain, fainting
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
Daytime sleepiness
How we help: We can evaluate
Overview: Daytime sleepiness means feeling unusually drowsy during the day or falling asleep unintentionally. It can affect safety (especially driving) and often has a treatable cause.
What you may notice:
- Dozing off while reading, watching TV, or sitting quietly
- Trouble concentrating or memory issues
- Morning headaches
- Mood changes or irritability
Common causes: Sleep apnea, not enough sleep, restless legs, medication side effects, depression/anxiety, thyroid problems, and other medical issues.
How we evaluate:
- Review sleep schedule, snoring, and nighttime symptoms
- Review medications
- Sometimes use a short sleepiness questionnaire and/or order a sleep study
What you can do now:
- Do not drive if you are nodding off
- Keep a steady sleep schedule
- Bring a list of medicines and supplements
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Sudden confusion, fainting, severe shortness of breath, or chest pain
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
CPAP: getting started
How we help: Education
Overview: CPAP is a machine that gently blows air to keep the airway open during sleep. It is a common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
What you may notice:
- Better sleep and more energy after consistent use
- Dry nose/mouth at first
- Feeling awkward wearing the mask early on (often improves with practice)
Common challenges: Mask discomfort, air leaks, dryness, nasal congestion, taking the mask off during sleep.
How we evaluate:
- Review CPAP data (usage, leaks, breathing events)
- Adjust settings and troubleshoot comfort issues
What you can do now:
- Practice wearing the mask while awake for short periods
- Use heated humidification if you feel dry
- Ask for help early—small changes often fix problems
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Severe breathing trouble, chest pain, fainting, or severe distress
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
CPAP mask fit & comfort
How we help: Education
Overview: A good mask fit prevents leaks, improves comfort, and helps CPAP work better. There are different mask styles, and most comfort issues can be fixed.
What you may notice:
- Air leaks (noise or air blowing into eyes)
- Dry nose or congestion
- Pressure marks or skin irritation
- Feeling claustrophobic
Common causes: Wrong mask size/style, straps too tight, worn cushion, sleeping position, nasal congestion.
How we evaluate:
- Review where leaks happen and how you sleep
- Adjust fit or switch mask type (nasal pillows, nasal mask, full-face)
- Optimize humidifier settings and nasal care
What you can do now:
- Do not overtighten straps (it can worsen leaks)
- Clean mask regularly to reduce slipping
- Try humidification and saline spray if dry
- Replace worn parts as recommended
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Severe breathing trouble or chest pain
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
Pulmonary nodules
How we help: We treat
Overview: A pulmonary nodule is a small “spot” seen on a chest CT. Most nodules are not cancer, but they need the right follow-up based on size, appearance, and your risk factors.
What you may notice:
- Most people have no symptoms (nodules are often found by accident)
Common causes: Old infections/scars, inflammation, benign growths, and sometimes early lung cancer.
How we evaluate:
- Review the CT report (size, shape, location)
- Compare with older scans (very important)
- Review risk factors (age, smoking history, exposures, family history)
- Plan follow-up imaging or more testing if needed (PET scan or biopsy in selected cases)
What you can do now:
- Gather old chest imaging reports if you have them
- Write down smoking and exposure history
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Coughing up significant blood
- Severe shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
Abnormal chest CT
How we help: We can evaluate
Overview: A chest CT gives detailed pictures of the lungs and chest. “Abnormal” can mean many things—some minor and some serious. The key is matching the finding with symptoms and your history.
What you may notice:
- Sometimes no symptoms (many findings are “incidental”)
- Or symptoms related to the issue (cough, shortness of breath, chest pain)
Common findings: Nodules, emphysema, scarring, infection, fluid, enlarged lymph nodes, airway thickening.
How we evaluate:
- Review the CT report and (when possible) the actual images
- Compare with older imaging to see what is new vs stable
- Decide if you need follow-up CT, breathing tests, lab work, or procedures
What you can do now:
- Bring the CT report and any older imaging reports
- Write down symptoms and when they started
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Severe shortness of breath
- Chest pain, fainting, blue lips/face, new confusion
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
Mediastinal lymph nodes
How we help: We can evaluate
Overview: Mediastinal lymph nodes are lymph glands in the middle of the chest. They can enlarge from infection, inflammation, or (less commonly) cancer.
What you may notice:
- Often no symptoms
- Sometimes cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss, or fatigue (depends on cause)
Common causes: Infections, inflammatory conditions (like sarcoidosis), and cancers such as lymphoma or lung cancer.
How we evaluate:
- Review CT findings and compare prior scans
- Sometimes PET scan depending on the situation
- If tissue is needed, a biopsy may be done with bronchoscopy using ultrasound guidance (EBUS)
What you can do now:
- Bring prior imaging for comparison
- Write down travel and exposure history if relevant
- Track fevers, sweats, and weight changes
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Severe breathing trouble
- Major coughing up blood, chest pain, fainting
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
Lung cancer screening
How we help: We can evaluate
Overview: Lung cancer screening looks for early lung cancer before symptoms start. It is usually done with a yearly low-dose CT scan for people at higher risk (based mainly on age and smoking history).
What you may notice:
- No symptoms—screening is for people who feel well
- A scan may find nodules that need follow-up
Who may qualify (common guideline): Adults age 50–80 with a 20 pack-year smoking history who currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years (screening stops after 15 years smoke-free or if health problems limit benefit).
How we evaluate:
- Confirm eligibility and discuss benefits and downsides (false alarms, follow-up scans)
- Order low-dose CT when appropriate
- Offer smoking cessation support if needed
What you can do now:
- Write down your smoking history (packs per day × years)
- Collect any prior chest imaging
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Screening is not for emergencies—call 911 for severe shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, blue lips/face
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
Lung scarring
How we help: We can evaluate
Overview: Lung scarring (also called pulmonary fibrosis in some cases) means lung tissue becomes stiff. This can make it harder to breathe and harder for oxygen to move into the blood.
What you may notice:
- Shortness of breath with activity
- Dry cough
- Low oxygen with exertion (sometimes)
- Fatigue and reduced stamina
Common causes: Prior infections, autoimmune disease, long-term exposures (dust/mold/chemicals), some medicines, radiation, or unknown causes.
How we evaluate:
- High-resolution CT scan review
- Breathing tests (PFTs), often including DLCO
- Oxygen testing at rest and with walking
- Blood tests for autoimmune disease when appropriate
What you can do now:
- Avoid smoking and lung irritants
- List possible exposures (work, hobbies, mold, birds, dust)
- Ask about pulmonary rehab and vaccines
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Sudden worsening shortness of breath
- Chest pain, confusion, fainting, blue lips/face
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
Pulmonary function test (PFT)
How we help: Education
Overview: PFTs are breathing tests that measure how well your lungs move air and how well oxygen moves from your lungs into your blood.
What you may notice:
- Breathing into a mouthpiece with coaching from staff
- You may feel briefly tired or lightheaded from blowing hard
- Sometimes you use an inhaler during the test to see if breathing improves
Common reasons for the test: Shortness of breath, chronic cough, wheezing, asthma/COPD check, lung scarring evaluation, tracking lung disease over time.
How we evaluate:
- Look for airflow blockage (like COPD/asthma)
- Look for low lung volumes (restriction)
- Look at oxygen transfer (DLCO)
- Use results to guide treatment and follow-up
What you can do now:
- Ask if you should hold certain inhalers before testing
- Avoid a heavy meal right before the test
- Wear comfortable clothing
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Severe chest pain, fainting, or severe breathing trouble during/after the test (rare)
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
Spirometry
How we help: Education
Overview: Spirometry is the most common breathing test. It measures how much air you can blow out and how fast you can blow it out.
What you may notice:
- Deep breath in, then blow out hard and long into a tube
- Usually repeated at least three times for accuracy
- Sometimes repeated after a quick-relief inhaler
Common reasons for the test: Suspected asthma or COPD, chronic cough, wheezing, and monitoring lung function.
How we evaluate:
- Helps identify airflow blockage
- Helps show whether breathing improves after an inhaler
What you can do now:
- Follow instructions about inhalers before the test
- Give your best effort—good technique matters
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Severe chest pain, fainting, or severe breathing trouble (rare)
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
DLCO test
How we help: Education
Overview: DLCO is a breathing test that checks how well oxygen moves from the lungs into the blood. It can help evaluate emphysema, lung scarring, and lung blood vessel problems.
What you may notice:
- Breathing in through a mouthpiece
- Holding your breath briefly
- Breathing out into the machine
Common reasons for the test: Unexplained shortness of breath, emphysema evaluation, lung scarring/fibrosis workup, and tracking disease over time.
How we evaluate:
- Low DLCO can suggest reduced oxygen transfer
- We interpret DLCO along with CT scans and other PFT results
What you can do now:
- Avoid smoking the day of the test (it can affect results)
- Tell your team if you have significant anemia or recent bleeding
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Severe chest pain, fainting, or severe breathing trouble during/after the test (rare)
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
6-minute walk test
How we help: Education
Overview: This test measures how far you can walk in 6 minutes while we monitor oxygen level, heart rate, and symptoms. It helps check stamina and oxygen needs with activity.
What you may notice:
- Walking at your own pace in a hallway for 6 minutes
- You can slow down or stop if needed
- Finger oxygen monitor during the test
Common reasons for the test: COPD, lung scarring, pulmonary hypertension evaluation, checking oxygen needs with activity, and tracking progress over time.
How we evaluate:
- Distance walked
- Oxygen level changes with exertion
- How hard breathing feels during walking
What you can do now:
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Use your usual cane/walker if you normally use one
- Bring or wear prescribed oxygen if instructed
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or fainting during/after the test (rare—testing is supervised)
Medical disclaimer: For education only.
Oxygen testing
How we help: Education
Overview: Oxygen testing checks if your oxygen level is safe at rest, during walking, and/or during sleep. This helps decide if oxygen therapy is needed and what setting is appropriate.
What you may notice:
- Finger clip oxygen monitor (pulse oximeter)
- Walking test to see if oxygen drops with activity
- Sometimes overnight monitoring while you sleep
Common reasons for the test: Shortness of breath, COPD, lung scarring, after pneumonia, and suspected sleep-related breathing problems.
How we evaluate:
- Whether oxygen stays in a safe range during daily activities and sleep
- Whether you need oxygen and at what flow rate
What you can do now:
- If checking at home, know that pulse oximeters can be less accurate in certain situations (poor circulation, cold hands, nail polish, and sometimes different skin tones)
- Write down readings and symptoms
When to get urgent help (Call 911):
- Severe breathing trouble, chest pain, confusion, fainting, blue lips/face
- Very low readings with symptoms
Medical disclaimer: For education only.