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Bröst och lungor

The respiratory system contains the lungs, windpipe and diaphragm, among other structures and organs. You'll have learned all about this in biology classes at school, but since then many just taking breathing for granted. However, a cough or wheeze could be a sign of worse things to come.

Two pairs of hands holding white paper lungs cut-out against pale gree background.

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Utvalda artiklar

Bröstinfektion

Bröst och lungor

Bröstinfektion

av Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP

Hands cupping lung symbol against a blue background.

Bröst och lungor

Astma

av Dr Doug McKechnie, MRCGP

Pneumoni

Bröst och lungor

Pneumoni

av Dr Mohammad Sharif Razai, MRCGP

Kronisk obstruktiv lungsjukdom

Bröst och lungor

Kronisk obstruktiv lungsjukdom

av Dr Toni Hazell, FRCGP

Astma

Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways that causes breathing difficulties. When exposed to triggers, the airway linings swell, excess mucus is produced, and the surrounding muscles tighten, making breathing difficult.

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Andningssvårigheter

Difficulty breathing is the subjective feeling of being unable to get enough air or having to work too hard to breathe. It can feel like chest tightness, gasping, or an inability to take a full breath. Severe breathing problems require emergency medical attention.

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Bröstinfektioner

Chest and lung infections (often called lower respiratory tract infections) occur when viruses, bacteria, or fungi invade your airways or lung tissue. The most common types are bronchitis and pneumonia.

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Bröstsmärta

Chest pain refers to any discomfort, ache, or pressure felt anywhere between the neck and the upper abdomen. While frequently associated with heart issues, it can also originate from respiratory, gastrointestinal, muscular, or psychological conditions.

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COPD

COPD is a progressive lung condition that makes it hard to breathe. It is an umbrella term for long-term respiratory diseases, primarily emphysema (damage to the air sacs) and chronic bronchitis (inflamed, mucus-filled airways).

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Hosta

A cough is a natural reflex to clear your airways of irritants, mucus, or foreign particles. It is usually caused by a viral infection, allergies, or environmental irritants. A cough lasting over three weeks should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

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Lung conditions

Lung conditions are broadly classified by how they affect breathing and the respiratory system. They can damage the airways, the tiny air sacs (alveoli) responsible for gas exchange, or the surrounding lung tissue and blood vessels.

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