Lung Disease & Respiratory Health Center

Medical Reference Related to Lung

131. Thoracentesis
     

     Thoracentesis is a procedure to remove fluid from the space between the lungs and the chest wall called the pleural space.

132. Lung Biopsy
     

     A lung biopsy removes a small piece of lung tissue for diagnostic tests.

133. Sputum Cytology
     

     Sputum cytology examines a sample of sputum (mucus) under a microscope to determine whether abnormal cells are present. Sputum is not the same as saliva. Sputum is produced in the lungs and in the airways leading to the lungs.

134. Sputum Culture
     

     A sputum culture is a test to detect and identify bacteria or fungi that are infecting the lungs or breathing passages. Sputum is a thick fluid produced in the lungs and in the airways leading to the lungs.

135. Mediastinoscopy
     

     Mediastinoscopy is a surgical procedure to examine the inside of the upper chest between and in front of the lungs (mediastinum).

136. Pneumonia - Medications
     

     Doctors use antibiotics to treat pneumonia caused by bacteria. Your doctor chooses an antibiotic after considering your age, your symptoms, how severe your pneumonia is, and other factors.

137. Pneumonia - Symptoms
     

     Pneumonia symptoms caused by bacteria in otherwise healthy people younger than 65 usually come on suddenly. Pneumonia symptoms often start during or after an upper respiratory infection, such as influenza or a cold.

138. Tests for Lung Infections - Topic Overview
     

     Other tests for lung infections,such as pneumonia and acute bronchitis,may include: Blood tests or cultures. Blood tests may help determine whether antibodies to a specific organism that can cause pneumonia are present or whether specific viruses,such as influenza (flu) or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV),are present. A test for blood urea nitrogen (BUN) can help tell how serious an ...

139. Pneumonia - Exams and Tests
     

     Your doctor will usually diagnose pneumonia by using your medical history, a physical exam, and a chest X - ray. Based on the medical history and physical exam, your doctor may start your treatment right away without doing other tests. The need for more t

140. Pneumonia - Treatment Overview
     

     Doctors use antibiotics to treat pneumonia caused by bacteria, the most common cause of the condition. You usually will continue to take antibiotics for 5 to 14 days, although you may take them longer if you have an impaired immune system.