Asthma is a chronic lung disease which narrows and inflames your airways. If you are having any cough, chest tightness, difficulty breathing during or after exercise, you may have asthma.  While mostly controllable, asthma does have the potential to complicate other health conditions, reduce quality of life, and even be fatal when left untreated.

Lung cancer is caused by a growth of abnormal cells in the lungs. These groups of cells are known as a tumor. As the tumor grows, the abnormal cells destroy the healthy lung tissue around them. This will impair the normal function of the lungs.

Pulmonary fibrosis is when your lungs are damaged or scarred. The scarred lung tissue cannot be repaired and it causes a tissue buildup. This  buildup leads to the lungs having to work harder than normal.

Pulmonary hypertension is a blood pressure that is high in the blood vessels that go to the lungs. It can eventually cause damage to the right side of your heart. The walls of the vessels become thick, allowing very little blood to flow through.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is known as COPD, which is a progressive inflammatory lung disease that blocks the airways. This can cause coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. COPD leads to a decline over time, in health or function of the lungs.

Pulmonary hypertension is a condition characterized by high blood pressure in the lungs. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including heart and lung diseases, certain medications, and genetic conditions. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and lightheadedness. Treatment options include medications, oxygen therapy, and in severe cases, lung transplantation. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious condition that occurs when a blood clot, also known as a thrombus, travels to the lung and blocks one of the vessels. This can happen if a clot forms in a deep vein, most commonly in the legs, and then breaks loose and travels to the lungs. PE can cause symptoms such as sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and rapid heartbeat. If left untreated, PE can be fatal. Risk factors for PE include immobility, recent surgery, certain medical conditions, and certain medications. Treatment may include anticoagulant medications, clot dissolving drugs (thrombolytics), and in severe cases, surgery. The key of the treatment is to prevent recurrence, and the use of anticoagulants is very common.

Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition characterized by the abnormal widening and scarring of the airways, leading to increased mucus production and recurrent infections. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, genetic conditions, and immune disorders. Symptoms can include persistent cough, sputum production, shortness of breath, and recurrent lung infections. Treatment may include antibiotics, bronchodilators, mucolytic agents, and in some cases, surgery. The main goal of treatment is to prevent lung infections, improve airway clearance and to prevent exacerbations. Additionally, physical therapy, lung rehabilitation, and oxygen therapy may be recommended to improve symptoms and lung function.

Respiratory failure is a serious condition in which the body is not able to get enough oxygen into the body or remove enough carbon dioxide from it. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including lung diseases, injuries, infections, and other medical conditions. There are two types of respiratory failure: acute and chronic. Acute respiratory failure occurs suddenly and is usually caused by a severe infection or injury, while chronic respiratory failure develops over time and is usually caused by a chronic lung disease. Symptoms of respiratory failure can include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fatigue, confusion, and cyanosis (blue-tinged skin). Treatment options will depend on the underlying cause of the respiratory failure, and may include oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, medications, and other supportive care. In some cases, a lung transplant may be considered for patients with chronic respiratory failure.

The evaluation for oxygen therapy typically includes a thorough medical history, physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests. The medical history will include information about the patient’s symptoms, past medical history, and current medications. The physical examination will focus on the patient’s lung function and oxygen levels, which may be measured using a pulse oximeter. Diagnostic tests that may be used to evaluate the patient for oxygen therapy include:

• Blood gas analysis: This test measures the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gases in the blood.
• Chest x-ray: This test can help identify any structural abnormalities in the lungs.
• Pulmonary function tests (PFTs): These tests measure how well the lungs are able to move air in and out.
• CT scan: This test can help identify any structural abnormalities in the lungs, such as emphysema or bronchiectasis.
• Cardiac tests: Some lung conditions, such as heart failure, can cause respiratory failure. A cardiac test can help evaluate the function of the heart.