Healthy Living

We want you to live a healthy and productive life. In this section, we’ve accumulated information from various sources, including respiratory therapist experts from the American Association for Respiratory Care, to help you minimize problems of living with lung disease, maximize your health and energy, and prevent future lung conditions.

Lungs and Respiration

Not only is the Mayo Clinic one of the most highly regarded medical centers in the nation, it also has its own top-notch health site. This is a great place to find cutting edge, condition-specific information, reviewed by actual Mayo Clinic medical professionals.

lung cancer disease

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is cancer that starts in the lungs. Cancer is a disease where cancerous cells grow out of control, taking over normal cells and organs in the body.

treatments for lung cancer

Lung Cancer Treatment

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Treatment for lung cancer depends upon a variety of factors. The most important factors are the histopathologic (diseased tissue) type of lung cancer and the stage of the cancer.

Once the stage of the lung cancer has been determined, the oncology team and the patient work together to develop a treatment plan. It is important for lung cancer patients to discuss the value of different forms of therapy with their oncologist. Other factors that affect lung cancer treatment include the patient's general health, medical conditions that can affect treatment (such as chemotherapy), and tumor characteristics.

Characteristics of the lung tumor are used to help separate patients into two groups: patients who are at low risk for cancer recurrence and patients who are at high risk for cancer recurrence. Specific prognostic—disease-forecasting—factors are used to place patients in either of these groups. In particular, the histopathologic groupings of small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) versus non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) may be used to better predict a patient's prognosis and expected response to therapy.

Surgical resection (cutting away) of the tumor generally is indicated for cancer that has not spread beyond the lung. Surgery for lung cancer may be conducted using a variety of techniques. Thoracotomy, which is performed throught the chest wall, and median sternotomy, which is performed by cutting through the breastbone, are standard methods used for lung cancer surgery.

Alternative approaches include anterior limited thoractomy (ALT), which is performed on the frontal chest using a small incision; anterioraxillary thoracotomy (AAT), which is performed on the frontal chest near the underarm; and posterolateral thoracotomy (PLT), which is performed on the back/side region of the trunk.

ALT, in particular, is less invasive than standard thoractomy—that is, this procedure involves less disturbance of the body than large incisions or other intrusive measures. ALT may result in less blood loss during and after surgery, less postoperative drainage, and less postoperative pain than standard thoracotomy.

Recently, surgeons have developed other less invasive procedures for the removal of cancerous lung tissue. For example, video-assisted thoracoscopy (VAT), also known as video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), involves using a video camera to help visualize and operate on the lung within the chest cavity. The surgical incisions made during VAT are much smaller than those required for thoracotomy or sternotomy.

However, some physicians caution that VAT does not allow complete lung examination to identify and remove metastases that are not detected by preoperative chest x-ray. VAT is perhaps most appropriate for Stage 1 and Stage 2 cancers that require lobectomy (surgical removal of a lung lobule) with lymphadenectomy (removal of one or more lymph nodes) and for peripheral (outer edge) lung tumors that can be removed by wedge resection. In such cases, follow-up is required to establish a long-term prognosis.

Computed tomography (CT) scans also have been added to VAT technology to improve lung cancer surgery. Experts have found that percutaneous (through the skin) CT-guided localization wires can help to identify tumorous lung nodules. In this way, wires are used to assist VAT in cases that require sublobectomy resection (partial removal of a lung lobe).

Unfortunately, surgical procedures can cause a condition called lymphocytopenia—low number of lymphocytes (white blood cells) in the blood—which is linked to shorter survival times among patients with advanced lung cancer. Lymphocytopenia may be related to a deficiency in interleukin-2 (IL-2), a hormone that controls the activity of T lymphocytes (thymus-dependent lymphocytes). Preoperative treatment with recombinant human interleukin-2 (rhIL-2) may help to prevent the decrease in lymphocytes that occurs after surgery for operable lung cancer.

If the tumor is aggressive and/or widespread, chemotherapy, radiotherapy (radiation therapy), and other therapies may be used in addition to or instead of surgery to treat lung cancer.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) often is used to treat inoperable lung cancer. Photodynamic therapy involves the injection of a light-activated drug (e.g., photofrin/polyhaematoporphyrin, lumin). Then, during bronchoscopy (examination of the airways using a flexible scope), the lung tumor is illuminated by a laser fiber that transmits light of a specific wavelength. At that time, the laser light is used to destroy the sensitized tumor tissue. Skin photosensitivity (light sensitivity) is a side effect of PDT.


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The curative potential of PDT is the most exciting aspect of this therapy in lung cancer patients whose tumors are occult (hidden, unseen) on chest x-ray. The tissue-sparing effects of PDT may be particularly important for patients who have limited lung function.

Electrosurgery is surgery performed using a needle, bulb, or disk electrode. Nd-YAG laser therapy (neodymium-yttrium/argon laser that concentrates high-energy electromagnetic radiation to destroy tissue), cryotherapy (destruction of tissue using extreme cold), and brachytherapy (treatment with ionizing radiation) are additional tumor debulking, or size-reducing, techniques that may be performed during bronchoscopy. These methods are especially useful for obstructive, inner cavity (intraluminal) lung tumors.

Radiotherapy, also known as radiation therapy, is a treatment method that uses high-energy, ionizing radiation (e.g., gamma rays) to kill cancer cells. Ionizing radiation is produced by a number of radioactive substances, such as cobalt (60Co), radium (228Ra), iodine (131I), radon (221Rn), cesium (137Cs), phosphorus (32P), gold (198Au), iridium (192Ir), and yttrium (90Y). Radiotherapy may be applied to shrink a tumor that is later removed by surgery, to relieve symptoms, or to destroy malignant cells in a tumor that cannot be removed surgically.

Because cancer cells usually multiply faster than most normal body tissues, they are especially affected by radiation, which prevents cell division and the formation of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid; human genetic material). Other bodily tissues that divide rapidly, such as hair and skin, are also particularly vulnerable to radiotherapy.

Side effects of radiotherapy include hair loss and skin disorders, such as erythema (skin redness due to blood vessel congestion), itching (puritis), desquamation (sloughing-off of outer skin layers), pain, shrinking (atrophy), increased pigmentation, and swelling (edema).

Radiation also can cause the following:

* Anorexia (loss of appetite)
* Changes in taste perception
* Damage to the fetus (in women who are pregnant)
* Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
* Increased risk for infection
* Malaise
* Nausea
* Vomiting

Radiosurgery, also called stereotactic radiosurgery or radiation surgery, is a type of external radiation therapy that may be used to treat inoperable lung cancer. In this treatment, a single large dose of radiation is administered precisely to the tumor, causing little damage to healthy tissue. In spite of its name, stereotactic radiosurgery is not a surgical procedure. The CyberKnife® System is a type of radiosurgery that may be used in patients who have lung cancer.

Forecasting the Course of Disease: Lung Cancer Prognosis
Overall, fewer than 10% of people with primary lung cancer are alive 5 years after diagnosis. But 5-year survival rates may be as high as 35–40% among patients who undergo surgical resection for cancer that has not spread beyond the lung. General estimates of stage-specific median survival times—the point at which 50% of patients are still living—are as follows:

Stage 1a —more than 60 months (> 5 years)
Stage 1b —about 36 months (3 years)
Stage 2a —about 24 months (2 years)
Stage 2b —about 20 months (< 2 years)
Stage 3a —about 15 months (< 1.5 years)
Stage 3b —about 12 months (1 year)
Stage 4 —about 8 months (< 1 year)

Recent findings indicate that 5-year survival rates approach 85% among patients who are younger than 30 years of age and have surgically removable lung cancers (Mizushima et al., Cancer 85:1730-33, April 1999). Researchers believe that genetic mutations may be responsible for differences in survival rates between older and younger people with lung cancer.

Nearly half of limited-stage SCLC patients who have been treated aggressively are alive after 2 to 3 years. By contrast, untreated patients with localized disease show median survivals of approximately 3 to 4 months. Extensive-stage SCLC patients who undergo comfort care have expected median survivals of 4 to 6 weeks. (Note: these findings are based on a group of patients and may not be true for any one patient).

lung cancer info

Lung Cancer

Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD

* What is cancer of the lung?
* How common is lung cancer?
* What causes lung cancer?
* What are the types of lung cancer?
* What are the signs and symptoms of lung cancer?
* How is lung cancer diagnosed?
* What is staging of lung cancer?
* How is lung cancer treated?
* What is the prognosis (outcome) of lung cancer?
* How can lung cancer be prevented?
* Lung Cancer At A Glance
* Patient Discussions: Lung Cancer - Describe Your Experience

Doctor to Patient
Why Does Lung Cancer Occur in Non-Smokers?

Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD

The dangers of secondhand smoke While cigarette smoking is an undisputed cause of lung cancer, not all cases of lung cancer occur in smokers or former smokers. Each year, over 170,000 Americans develop lung cancer, and approximately ten per cent of lung cancers, or 17,000 cases, occur in non-smokers. Although not every non-smoker suffering from lung cancer will have an identifiable risk factor for development of the disease, a number of conditions and circumstances have been identified that will increase a non-smoker�s chance of developing lung cancer.

Passive smoking, or the inhalation of tobacco smoke from other smokers sharing living or working quarters, is an established risk factor for the development of lung cancer. Non-smokers who reside with a smoker have a 24% increase in risk for developing lung cancer when compared with other non-smokers. Each year, up to 3,000 lung cancer deaths are estimated to occur in the U.S. that are attributable to passive smoking. For more, please read the Dangers Secondhand Smoke article.
Learn about other causes of lung cancer »

Top Searched Lung Cancer Terms:
non small cell lung cancer, survival rates, smoking, adenocarcinoma, facts, small cell lung cancer
Doctor to Patient

What is cancer of the lung?

Cancer of the lung, like all cancers, results from an abnormality in the body's basic unit of life, the cell. Normally, the body maintains a system of checks and balances on cell growth so that cells divide to produce new cells only when needed. Disruption of this system of checks and balances on cell growth results in an uncontrolled division and proliferation of cells that eventually forms a mass known as a tumor.

Tumors can be benign or malignant; when we speak of "cancer," we refer to those tumors that are considered malignant. Benign tumors can usually be removed and do not spread to other parts of the body. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, grow aggressively and invade other tissues of the body, allowing entry of tumor cells into the bloodstream or lymphatic system and then to other sites in the body. This process of spread is termed metastasis; the areas of tumor growth at these distant sites are called metastases. Since lung cancer tends to spread or metastasize very early in its course, it is a very life-threatening cancer and one of the most difficult cancers to treat. While lung cancer can spread to any organ in the body, certain organs -- particularly the adrenal glands, liver, brain, and bone -- are the most common sites for lung-cancer metastasis.

The lung is also a very common site for metastasis from tumors in other parts of the body. Tumor metastases are made up of the same type of cells as the original, or primary, tumor. For example, if prostate cancer spreads via the bloodstream to the lungs, it is metastatic prostate cancer in the lung and is not lung cancer.

Lung Cancer Picture
Picture of lung cancer

The principal function of the lungs is the exchange of gases between the air we breathe and the blood. Through the lung, carbon dioxide is removed from the bloodstream and oxygen from inspired air enters the bloodstream. The right lung has three lobes, while the left lung is divided into two lobes and a small structure called the lingula that is the equivalent of the middle lobe. The major airways entering the lungs are the bronchi, which arise from the trachea. The bronchi branch into progressively smaller airways called bronchioles that end in tiny sacs known as alveoli where gas exchange occurs. The lungs and chest wall are covered with a thin layer of tissue called the pleura.

Lung cancers can arise in any part of the lung, but 90%-95% of cancers of the lung are thought to arise from the epithelial, or lining cells of the larger and smaller airways (bronchi and bronchioles); for this reason, lung cancers are sometimes called bronchogenic carcinomas or bronchogenic cancers. Cancers can also arise from the pleura (the thin layer of tissue that surrounds the lungs), called mesotheliomas, or rarely from supporting tissues within the lungs, for example, blood vessels.

facts about lung cancer

Facts About Lung Cancer

How common is lung cancer in women? Lung cancer is the largest single cause of cancer deaths in the United States. For years, men were at higher risk for lung cancer because of higher smoking rates. However, with more women smoking, lung cancer surpassed breast cancer in 1987 as the leading cause of cancer deaths among women. Over the last two decades, lung cancer deaths have increased 150 percent in women, compared to an increase of about 20 percent in men. In fact, with all outside factors being equal, women have a greater risk of developing lung cancer than men. Several studies have suggested that estrogen may help lung cancers to grow, increasing the risk of lung cancer developing in women. What causes lung cancer? Smoking is by far the leading risk factor for lung cancer. Tobacco smoke causes more than eight out of 10 cases of lung cancer. The longer a person has been smoking and the more packs per day smoked, the greater the risk. If a person stops smoking before lung cancer develops, the lung tissue will slowly return to normal. Cigar and pipe smoking are almost as likely to cause lung cancer as is cigarette smoking. People who do not smoke but who breathe the smoke of others (second-hand smoke) also have a higher risk of lung cancer. Second-hand smoke is the third leading cause of preventable death in America, yet nearly half of all non-smoking Americans are still regularly exposed to it. Non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke at home or work, increase their risk of developing lung cancer by 20 percent to 30 percent. Asbestos is another risk factor. People who work with asbestos have a higher risk of getting lung cancer. If they also smoke, the risk is greatly increased. Arsenic and radon, as well as other cancer-causing agents in the workplace, are also risk factors. Other factors that increase a person’s risk include having had radiation therapy to the lung; personal and family history; diet; and air pollution. What is the current treatment for lung cancer? The best way to avoid death from lung cancer is never to smoke or to stop smoking. Once lung cancer is diagnosed, there are several treatment options, including radiation, various chemotherapies and surgery. Survival rates have improved for non-small cell lung cancer because of advances in combination radiation/chemotherapy treatment. However, small cell lung cancer (most often found in people who smoke cigarettes) is still very difficult to treat. Small cell is the most aggressive of lung cancers, and many patients have advanced disease by the time it is diagnosed. Small cell lung cancer is responsive to both chemotherapy and radiation, yet nearly all these patients eventually relapse and need additional treatment. There is a clear need for more effective treatments for lung cancer. New advances in research have recently led to new drugs that can protect normal cells from being destroyed from chemotherapy. Early detection remains the key to successful therapy. If you have a history of chronic coughing, coughing up blood, chest pain, shortness of breath, hoarseness or wheezing, on-going problems with bronchitis or pneumonia, swelling of the neck and face, loss of appetite or weight loss, or fatigue, you should be evaluated by your physician as soon as possible. Lung cancer is not the only smoking-related cause of death in women. The World Health Organization states that at least 25 percent of women smokers will die of smoking-related disease such as cardiovascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). How can I prevent lung cancer? The best way to prevent lung cancer is to avoid smoking. If you currently smoke, ask your health care provider to assist you in finding resources to help you quit smoking. It is also important to try to avoid second-hand tobacco smoke, radon, asbestos and pollution, which can increase a person's risk of developing lung cancer. Controlling other lung diseases, such as tuberculosis can help prevent lung cancer, since there is evidence that lung cancer tends to develop in scarred areas of the lung. Finally, eating a good diet with lots of fruits and vegetables also may help prevent lung cancer.

smoking causes lung cancer

Smoking and lung cancer
In most people, lung cancer is related to cigarette smoking. Although some people who have never smoked get lung cancer, smoking causes 9 out of 10 cases.

Here are some facts about smoking and lung cancer

• The more you smoke, the more likely you are to get lung cancer but it is the length of time you have been a smoker that is most important
• Filtered and low tar cigarettes might not increase your risk quite so much, but most smokers cancel this out by taking more, deeper puffs or smoking more cigarettes
• As soon as you stop smoking, your risk of lung cancer starts to go down
• Passive smoking (breathing in other people's cigarette smoke) increases the risk of lung cancer, but it is still much less than if you smoke yourself

It is almost impossible to work out the risk of occasional smoke exposure to second hand smoke for non smokers (passive smoking). We know that the risk of lung cancer for passive smokers goes up the more cigarette smoke they are exposed to. Overall, people exposed to environmental tobacco smoke at work or at home have their risk of lung cancer increased by about a quarter compared to people who are not exposed to environmental tobacco smoke. Heavy exposure to environmental tobacco smoke at work has been shown to double the risk of lung cancer.

Cigarette smoking is the main cause of lung cancer. But pipe and cigar smokers are still much more likely to get lung cancer than non smokers. (They are also much more likely to get cancer of the mouth or lip.)

In the past, lung cancer has always been more common in men than women. Now, as more women smoke, it is almost as common in women.

emphysema

Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity (increased pulmonary compliance) of the lung tissue caused by destruction of structures feeding the alveoli, owing to the action of alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency. This causes the small airways to collapse during forced exhalation, as alveolar collapsibility has decreased. As a result, airflow is impeded and air becomes trapped in the lungs, in the same way as other obstructive lung diseases. Symptoms include shortness of breath on exertion, and an expanded chest. However, the constriction of air passages isn't always immediately deadly, and treatment is available.

Signs of emphysema include pursed-lipped breathing, central cyanosis and finger clubbing. The chest has hyper resonant percussion notes, particularly just above the liver, and a difficult to palpate apex beat, both due to hyperinflation. There may be decreased breath sounds and audible expiratory wheeze. In advanced disease, there are signs of fluid overload such as pitting peripheral edema. The face has a ruddy complexion if there is a secondary polycythemia. Sufferers who retain carbon dioxide have asterixis (metabolic flap) at the wrist.

Quit Smoking Now

The Brave Attempt to Stop Smoking
Perhaps, you have heard a lot of people say that smoking is an old habit that dies hard. Smoking can become very addictive, and once a smoker becomes dependent on its substance, he will definitely lose most of his strength to steer clear from such addiction. Despite all the reminders of advertisements and all the warnings given by medical professionals regarding the harmful effects of smoking to one’s health, a lot of people are still lured by the aroma of a burning cigarette; and before they know it, they are already too hooked on smoking to quit it. And then, for any reason, they will begin to stop smoking, but then they will feel too weak to fight the urge to smoke again.

Quit Smoking now!


Smokers may say that they will stop smoking in due time. But when really is the right time to stop smoking? Don’t they know that the longer they prolong their addiction, the harder it shall be for them to quit it? Why wait for tomorrow, when you are already a victim now? In waiting, you are just waiting for the consequences of your actions to become more serious than it already is. Listen to what health practitioners are saying; take the brave attempt to quit smoking now.

In quitting, your tool winning tool is your willpower and determination. People may tell you how to go about the quitting process, but it is really your focus that will help you get through the rehabilitation. Just remember that it is never going to be a quick change, it would definitely require you to work hard for your goal. Do not look for the easy way out, keep in mind that you should do it slowly but surely.

Set your goals, and take note of the reasons why you are finally stopping. Emphasize on the benefits that you will get when you are finally a non-smoker instead of using all its harmful effects to scare you into quitting. The reward is a better motivation than the punishment. And as you set your goals, remember that there are trials as you quit smoking, such as the withdrawal stage, and this may be toughest part. You should be prepared when these symptoms occur.

You should plan activities that would keep your mind of smoking. Enjoy sports, or pamper yourself by going to the spa, or watching movies. Try to see how much productive you can be by doing all these things than just smoking. The money you are spending is well spent as well, and it is not just wasted on a bad vice. For the time being, hang out with your friends who are not smoking and surround yourself with an environment that would really make your forget about smoking.

Bear in mind that you are the key to the success of your battle against smoking. It is your determination that will push you to reach your goal. No matter how much people remind you to stop smoking, it is always you who has the last say. So, you should stay focused and determined.

And, you should know that if you are planning to stop smoking, now is the best time. Today is better than tomorrow, and this will certainly make your future a lot brighter and healthier. Do it now, be brave enough to stop smoking.

Stop Smoking

We all know that smoking is bad. We all know that the most common refrain for improving lung health is “don’t smoke.” But knowing these things is sometimes not enough to help a smoker take those steps to a lifestyle free of tobacco.

There are many resources to help. In this section we provide you with some of the basic information you need to make a decision to stop smoking and some places to get help.

Whether you find your healthy inspiration here or elsewhere, we’d just like to remind you that indeed your lung health depends upon you not smoking.

Healthy Living

We want you to live a healthy and productive life. In this section, we’ve accumulated information from various sources, including respiratory therapist experts from the American Association for Respiratory Care, to help you minimize problems of living with lung disease, maximize your health and energy, and pr

About The Lung Health Promotion Centre

The Centre is committed to providing accessible, evidence-based, holistic education and support for health professionals. We believe this approach is essential to maintaining quality health care education. This empowers health professionals to promote self-management principles for people with chronic respiratory illness resulting in improved health outcomes.

New Course Discounts:

In 2009, the Centre is offering the following course discounts....

• Early Bird Discount:
  10% off total course fees when paid in full at least 4 weeks prior to the course date.
• Multiple Course Bookings:
  Receive the following discounts when you pay in full for 2 or more courses at the same time: $20 off any 1 day program $35 off any 2 or more days program

Exchanging Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide

The primary function of the respiratory system is to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. Inhaled oxygen enters the lungs and reaches the alveoli. The layers of cells lining the alveoli and the surrounding capillaries are each only one cell thick and are in very close contact with each other. This barrier between air and blood averages about 1 micron (1/10,000 of a centimeter) in thickness. Oxygen passes quickly through this air-blood barrier into the blood in the capillaries. Similarly, carbon dioxide passes from the blood into the alveoli and is then exhaled.

Oxygenated blood travels from the lungs through the pulmonary veins and into the left side of the heart, which pumps the blood to the rest of the body (see Biology of the Heart and Blood Vessels: Function of the Heart). Oxygen-deficient, carbon dioxide-rich blood returns to the right side of the heart through two large veins, the superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava. Then the blood is pumped through the pulmonary artery to the lungs, where it picks up oxygen and releases carbon dioxide (see Biology of the Heart and Blood Vessels: Function of the Heart).
Animation

Gas Exchange Between Alveoli and Capillaries
Gas Exchange Between Alveoli and Capillaries

To support the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, about 6 to 10 liters of air per minute are brought in and out of the lungs, and about three tenths of a liter of oxygen is transferred from the alveoli to the blood each minute, even when the person is at rest. At the same time, a similar volume of carbon dioxide moves from the blood to the alveoli and is exhaled. During exercise, it is possible to breathe in and out more than 100 liters of air per minute and extract 3 liters of oxygen from this air per minute. The rate at which oxygen is used by the body is one measure of the rate of energy expended by the body. Breathing in and out is accomplished by respiratory muscles (see Biology of the Lungs and Airways: Diaphragm's Role in BreathingFigures).



Gas Exchange Between Alveolar Spaces and Capillaries
Gas Exchange Between Alveolar Spaces and Capillaries

The function of the respiratory system is to exchange two gases: oxygen and carbon dioxide. The exchange takes place in the millions of alveoli in the lungs and the capillaries that envelop them. As shown below, inhaled oxygen moves from the alveoli to the blood in the capillaries, and carbon dioxide moves from the blood in the capillaries to the air in the alveoli.

Three processes are essential for the transfer of oxygen from the outside air to the blood flowing through the lungs: ventilation, diffusion, and perfusion. Ventilation is the process by which air moves in and out of the lungs. Diffusion is the spontaneous movement of gases, without the use of any energy or effort by the body, between the gas in the alveoli and the blood in the capillaries in the lungs. Perfusion is the process by which the cardiovascular system pumps blood throughout the lungs. The body's circulation is an essential link between the atmosphere, which contains oxygen, and the cells of the body, which consume oxygen. For example, the delivery of oxygen to the muscle cells throughout the body depends not only on the lungs but also on the ability of the blood to carry oxygen and on the ability of the circulation to transport blood to muscle.

Last full review/revision August 2006 by Joseph D. Brain, ScD

Lung Health Image Library

The Lung Health Image Library (LHIL) is a comprehensive collection of several thousand high and low resolution photographs related to lung health worldwide.

Photographs can be effective tools in advocacy and communication efforts, and LHIL images might be useful for journalists, public health planners, international and community-based NGO staff, and others. Images may be used for any non-commercial purpose, provided that proper credit is given.

Most of the current images in the library relate to tuberculosis, but the World Lung Foundation actively seeks images of other lung health topics, such as asthma, air pollution, and tobacco.

Comments? We want the LHIL to be as accessible and as useful as possible for colleagues working throughout the world on lung health, particularly those working in low-income countries. If you have suggestions relating to LHIL set-up, accessibility, and utility, please email us at: imagelibrary@worldlungfoundation.org

Search the WLF Image Library
Submit an Image to the WLF Library
Other Health Reporting and Health Image Resources

Health Reporting Resources and Tools

Other Image Libraries

Anti-Tobacco Image and Media Resources
Contact the Lung Health Image Library

World Lung Foundation
61 Broadway, 6th Fl.
New York, NY 10006
Email: imagelibrary@worldlungfoundation.org

The Lung Health Image Library incorporates and builds on a TB image library started by the Stop TB Partnership.

The Pacific Lung Health Centre

is an academic clinical program located at St. Paul's Hospital, dedicated to the care for patients with lung disease. All the members of the PLHC are active members of the University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine.

Swine Flu, Mexico Lung Illness Heighten Pandemic Risk

Disease trackers are asking U.S. hospitals to help follow a new strain of swine flu and are trying to determine whether it’s related to hundreds of illnesses and 57 deaths in Mexico.

A previously unseen variant of H1N1 swine influenza has sickened at least seven people in California and Texas, the Atlanta-based U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said yesterday. The World Health Organization said 57 people died among more than 800 in the Mexico City region who developed flu-like symptoms in the past month.

Lung health

Respiratory function to strengthen the lungs, oxygen can improve the body, improve immunity. "Breathing meditation" is a good exercise lung health.

Breathing meditation concrete steps are as follows: to be on his hands flat on the knees, waist upright, light eyes closed. First from the nasal breathing slowly, so that the lower lung full of air, gently at the same time to summon the lower abdomen, and there is a conscious idea of inhalation and the air has reached the next accumulation of the abdomen (that is, a sense of gas). In the inspiratory process, because of thoracic lift up, move down the diaphragm, chest inflated, so that gas is up to the upper part of the lung, and on the brink of expansion to the most. This process takes about 5,6 seconds.

To maintain a sense of air and then 5 seconds (through practice to achieve 10 seconds or 10 seconds or more), so that the lungs have time to absorb all the oxygen.

Then slowly exhaled, ribs and chest and gradually return to its original location. At the beginning of the course of the next inspiratory time being until the 23 seconds pause, and then re-breathing. Repeated 10 times such a motion can be. As long as the exercises every day, and gradually develop the habit on a regular basis, to enhance respiratory function in the lungs.

"Breathing meditation" are from my country of ancient medicine, guided meditation and health, such as extracted from the reactive power. Through posture adjustment, breathing exercises, physical and mental relaxation, attention and imagination of concentration, the effect of health care received. This is because in the process of deep breathing, exercise the lungs. Chinese medicine has long told us, "all gas all belong to the lung, the lung is the origin of gas." At the same time, breathing meditation can improve heart function of the gastrointestinal tract is also a very good massage.

Lung Health Advocacy Day in Illinois' Capitol

Rep. Dan Reitz,
Gloria Linnertz,
Governor Pat Quinn

April 23 was Lung Health Advocacy Day in my state capitol, Springfield, IL sponsored by the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago (RHAMC); and I was delighted to be invited to attend and involved again this year. Approximately 30 advocates shared their stories with our Illinois representatives and senators throughout that day and the previous evening during a dinner at the Governor’s mansion. Our message to the legislators was generally a request for legislative action to improve the lung health of the citizens of Illinois with the support and sponsorship of specific bills. The organization and effort by RHAMC to arrange for this communication between the legislators and their constituents is invaluable!

Dan Reitz, my representative was the cheif sponsor of the radon bills which were introduced in the House and passed successfully to the Senate. Radon bills before the senators include HB4223, HB1088 and HB2439 which address recommending schools to be tested for radon, requiring approval for radon testing devices by IEMA and establishing a task force to make recommendations for radon control methods in newly constructed homes. I had a few brief moments to share my husband’s story with Governor Pat Quinn, Senator Maggie Hunter and Senator Mark Maloney. My senator, Dave Luechtefeld, is sponsoring HB4223, Senator Iris Martinez has taken over chief sponsorship of HB 2439 and Senator Jackie Collins is sponsoring HB1088.

I managed to drop by the offices of several senators to leave my card and a Cancer Survivors Against Radon brochure requesting support and sponsorship for the radon bills in the senate. My message is that approximately 25,000 people in the U.S. die of lung cancer each year from radon gas (1,200 in Illinois). This is preventable. The legislators have the opportunity to use their power to support bills that will help educate our citizens about this silent killer and to help save lives. Our citizens and our legislators are not aware of the deadly power of radon and it is up to us to teach them. We can win the war on lung cancer through PREVENTION! Radon gas can be prevented. Hopefully I will be able to meet with Governor Pat Quinn to seek further action against radon.

Lung Health: What is an Asthma Attack

Lung Health: What is an Asthma Attack?
Asthma attacks are one of the most prevalent situations in my medical practice today. By definition an asthma attack is An asthma attack, is any shortness of breath which interrupts the asthmatic's well-being and requires either medication or some other form of intervention for the asthmatic to breathe normally again. Basically the cardiac system is interrupted by obstructed airways.

A recent ashtma attack has been described to me as running a sprint with tiny lungs. I cannot even imagine how troublesome that could be. I remember that I used to have mild asthma when I was a child. As I got older, I started weight training, sprinting, and eating vegan meals, and this really helped to stop all symptoms. I have never had trouble again. I often times see other people who have had acute asthma attacks suffer through the episode and go on with their day as if nothing happened.


When people panic, they tend to be less logical and they end up overlooking the simple and basic solutions to an asthma attack. In case of an emergency, the first thing you should remember is to stay calm and maintain a peaceful mind to give room for more sensible thought. If you panic, you can make the asthma attack much worse than it really should be. The best thing overall is to calm down and relax as much as possible. Please look at my previous article entitled: How to Easily Control Asthma the Natural Way.

One thing I advise my patients is to eat a wide variety of raw fruits and vegetable. As you have seen in my previous articles, I cannot stress enough how strong a healthy body is against virtually any ailment. Another thing I advise to help fight asthma attacks is to exercise with weights and cardiovascular activities. These can include light weight lifting and jogging.

Overall, asthma attacks can really be a troublesome thing to deal with. I have personally suffered one myself, but as a medical doctor I can say that you really need to take precautions before it hits you. Please consider the information above as personal and my perspective. Use your own judgment and do some research.
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