Flu shot is an influenza vaccine which provides immunity against the disease and reduces mortality. Anybody from 6 months old to elderly persons can be vaccinated. It is effective in people having increased risk of suffering from influenza complications.

Asthma is a condition characterized by constriction of the bronchi resulting in obstruction of air flow through the lungs. During an asthma attack if the inhaler is not handy, sit down and relax and inhale through the nose and exhale through mouth slowly.

Stridor refers to a high pitched abnormal musical sound which is often caused due to the blockage of the voice box. Stridor or noisy breathing is more frequently observed in children as they have a smaller air passage.

Bronchitis does not remain contagious after the symptoms subside and the sputum turns to white after finishing antibiotics treatment. Prevent its spread by using a mask if infected and also cover your mouth while coughing.

Fungal pneumonia is an acute inflammation of the lung parenchyma caused by opportunistic fungi or endemic fungus. Symptoms include dry cough, fever with chills, blood in sputum, chest pain while breathing and pain in joints.

Wheezing is one of the most common symptoms associated with Asthma. It refers to the high pitched sound made by the air when it is exhaled through the narrow or obstructed air passage caused due to asthma.

Breath sounds originate from the airway passages and are produced due to the turbulence in the airway. Velocity of the air results in vibrations which are heard in the form of breath sounds through stethoscope.

Pneumonia is a treatable disease in the modern age, but without immediate medical attention, it can be serious. Bacterial pneumonia complications include difficulty in breathing, accumulation of fluid and inflammation of the lungs.

Also referred to as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), surfactant deficiency is a breathing disorder that affects newborns. The condition is rare among full term infants but is often observed in premature infants.

Asbestos poisoning often happens to people exposed to asbestos fiber for long periods. It is mainly caused due to inhalation of asbestos fibers. Symptoms include chronic dry coughing, sneezing, tightening of the chest and swelling of face.

Breathing trouble is an uncomfortable feeling and serious problem caused due to many respiratory disorders or other systemic diseases. Sleep apnea, asthma, emphysema, bronchitis are some of causes for troubled breathing at night.

Chronic airway obstruction is a pulmonary condition, characterized by obstruction of upper and lower air passages into the lung. Smoking is the cause of about 90% cases of chronic airway disease and other common cause is air pollution.

Reactive airway disease is a condition associated with wheezing and allergic reaction and is often confused with asthma. It is caused due to inflammation and swelling of air passages, resulting in increased production of sputum.

Pulmonary fibrosis is scaring of lungs caused due to chronic inflammation, chronic infections and exposure to harmful agents. Prognosis and life expectancy are poor and majority of patients survive for less than five years.

Bronchiectasis involves the complete damage of bronchial tubes. The damage prevents the production of mucus required for keeping the tubes elastic. Causes include recurrent lower respiratory tract infections.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome or ARDS causes signs like extreme breathlessness, rapid breathing and low BP. Treatments are mechanical ventilation and antibiotics.

Sphenoid sinusitis complications are chronicity of the complaints. Treatment for the causes is avoiding the triggers, such as, pollutants, smoke and perfumes.

Natural remedies for slow thyroid are acupressure and drinking plenty of water. Treatment for sluggish thyroid symptoms like exhaustion and weight gain is consuming a wholesome diet.

Interstitial pulmonary fibrosis is a condition, where there is scarring and thickening of lung tissue. Fibrosis of the lungs is caused due to repeated injuries to lung tissues. It results in lungs becoming firm, hard and airless.

Treatment for hypersensitivity pneumonitis or extrinsic allergic alveolitis is to reduce exposure to dust by wearing masks, corticosteroids. Diagnosis is bronchoscopy and X-ray.