Allergies and hay fever Archive

Early symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be subtle and progress slowly. They include shortness of breath, chronic cough, fatigue, increased mucus or phlegm, and intermittent wheezing or chest tightness.

People may cough more at night or in the morning due to phlegm or throat irritation that affects the airways when they’re lying flat. Coughing helps clear mucus and other secretions that collect there.

Blood tests can show recent nicotine use, how heavily you’ve been exposed, and why traces may still appear days after your last cigarette.

In most cases, bee, wasp, or hornet stings can be treated with simple remedies. For example, placing a cold pack on the sting site helps reduce swelling. Applying over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream helps relieve swelling and itching, too. Taking an antihistamine—such as fexofenadine (Allegra) or loratadine (Claritin)—also eases itching. If symptoms persist for a few days, it’s time to call a doctor. If a severe allergic response develops—indicated by difficulty breathing or hives—it’s crucial to call 911 for help and get an injection of epinephrine as soon as possible.

Stuffy nose and sneezing caused by allergies can narrow airways and disrupt sleep, sometimes fueling snoring and even sleep apnea. Targeted treatment may help.

As a sunken chest becomes more noticeable with age, shortness of breath, stamina limits, and heart or lung compression may emerge.

Lung scarring from pulmonary fibrosis can cause breathlessness and cough. Learn about symptom relief and newer treatment options.

A lung nodule on imaging can stem from scars, infection, or cancer. Learn how doctors judge the risk and decide between watching, testing, or removal.

Experts say many over-the-counter cough medicines are ineffective, and that those suffering from a cold-related cough should take an antihistamine with a nasal decongestant.

A persistent cough that lasts longer than a few weeks can be worrisome, but for nonsmokers, the most common causes include asthma, bronchitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and medication for high blood pressure.