Types of Cough: Chronic Cough Vs. Acute Cough

Typically, there are two types of cough: a chronic cough and an acute cough. These two types of cough can indicate very different things, so we wanted to take the time to dive a little into the difference between the two, and explain the easy way in which you can tell the two apart.

5 Pneumonia Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About

While the infection is common and treatable, pneumonia can be really bad news for people with weakened immune systems, children, and people over the age of 65. These at-risk groups are usually encouraged to practice strict hygiene codes, or get a flu shot which can prevent pneumonia. Here are 5 pneumonia facts you probably didn’t know about.

5 Pulmonary Hypertension Groups You Should Know About

The medical world has recognized five different classifications of pulmonary hypertension which, we’re sure, makes the diagnosis pretty confusing for patients. That’s why we've prepared this list to help educate patients on what makes each group different, from both a diagnosis and treatment perspective.

Cystic Fibrosis Testing: How It Works

Getting a cystic fibrosis diagnosis early in life can really improve a person’s quality of life, as well as their life expectancy. But, how does cystic fibrosis testing work? At the Pulmonary Associates of Tampa Bay, our pulmonary specialists rely on 6 different diagnostic tests for cystic fibrosis. Read more to find discover how we get a cystic fibrosis diagnosis.

Travel Guide To 6 Cities With Best Air Quality In 2018

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Traveling is probably one of life’s most enjoyable pastimes and it’s something that most of us look forward to every year. Whether its a short day trip, a weekend getaway, or a month-long getaway, there’s just something about visiting a new location (or rediscovering an old one) that improves our overall sense of happiness and fulfillment.

Unfortunately, for people who suffer from pulmonary conditions, traveling can be just a tad bit more challenging. If you have a lung condition, the air quality of the location to which you are traveling is a big deal and it can mean the difference between total enjoyment, and absolute hell.

That is why we’ve put together a short travel guide of U.S. cities with best air quality. The up-to-date list accounts for ozone pollution, year-round particle pollution, and short-term particle pollution. In no particular order, here are the 6 cities with best air quality in the U.S.

1. Bellingham, WA.

Bellingham air quality is definitely among the best in the country. The coastal city is in Washington state near the Canadian border, and despite how cold and perhaps uninviting that sounds, it’s actually very comfortable in the summer! The city is big on outdoor activities so your lungs will definitely thank you. If you go, you can check out Mount Baker for some ski runs, or go hiking at Whatcom Falls Park or Sehome Hill Arboretum.

2. Burlington, VT.

Burlington is a city in northwestern Vermont, on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain. The lake is a great destination for getting some fresh air as you go sailing, fishing, cycling, or lighthouse-sighting. The city also boasts Mount Mansfield where you can go mountain climbing, hiking, skiing, and plenty else!

3. Casper, WY.

This city in central Wyoming is a great spot for history lovers and outdoor-seekers alike. Some of its museums include the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center which features the life of pioneers, the Nicolaysen Art Museum which features contemporary art, the Tate Geological Museum, and Fort Casper, a reconstructed 1865 military post. For outdoors activities, Casper Mountain offers waterfalls and ski slopes.

4. Honolulu, HI.

The beautiful island capital is quite popular but manages to maintain great air quality for all who live and visit there. If you plan on visiting Honolulu, be sure to enjoy it from the beach. We’re talking snorkeling, scuba diving, or simply relaxing by the shore.

5. Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL.

If you’re looking to stay local but still enjoy a great getaway with good, fresh air quality all you have to do is cross over to the other coast and visit Brevard county’s three cities: Palm Bay, Melbourne, and Titusville. Once there you can pay a visit to the Kennedy Space Center, the Canaveral National Seashore or the Indian River.

6. Wilmington, NC.

Wilmington is a port city in North Carolina, where it enjoys close access to beaches and a long Riverwalk within the city’s Historic District. As for tourist-y things, you should be sure to check out their Airlie Gardens, a private garden turned public, and the USS North Carolina, a WWII battleship exhibit.

As you can tell, there’s plenty of spots for you to vacation and things to do at these 6 cities with best air quality. The best part? You won't put your lung condition on edge! Whether air quality affects your symptoms of asthma or you simply want to make sure that your destination has few sources of air pollution,  make sure you visit the cleanest cities in the U.S.

5 Tips For Eliminating Asthma Triggers When Gardening

Springtime gardening can provoke a lot of unwanted symptoms of asthma and may even trigger an asthma attack. If you suffer from asthma but want to enjoy gardening, there are ways you can take to avoid running into any of your asthma triggers. Don’t let asthma stop you from enjoying the great outdoors — or even just your backyard. Here are 5 tips for eliminating asthma triggers when gardening.

Sleep Hygiene Tips For National Better Sleep Month

If you’re struggling with your sleep, why not take some time to celebrate National Better Sleep Month this May, by following a few simple tips that we think should help you snooze better? There’s no better time! Here are 5 sleep hygiene tips on how to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Asthma And Allergy Awareness Month: Here’s What You Can Do To Help

May is Asthma And Allergy Awareness Month, which means that it’s also peak season for pollen and other allergens. As a clinic that serves patients with pulmonary conditions, we’d like to take some time to share how this Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month we can all do a bit to help spread awareness and expand the campaign against asthma and allergies. Here are 3 ways we think you could help.

The Signs and Symptoms Of Cystic Fibrosis

Today, most children are tested for cystic fibrosis by the time they're one month old. But, for those of us who were not screened at a young age, it’s especially important to recognize the signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis. If you think that you or someone you know may be suffering from cystic fibrosis, here are some of the signs and symptoms to look out for, as well as some information on the condition.

Understanding The Differences Between Central Sleep Apnea and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Despite its commonality — affecting about 22 million Americans — sleep apnea is still not well-understood. Many don’t even realize that there are two different kinds of sleep apnea: central and obstructive. Each is caused by different factor, and without proper diagnosis, they can lead to serious health problems. That’s why it’s so important to understand the differences between central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea. 

Understanding The Signs And Symptoms Of Insomnia

Insomnia is a common sleep issue for many adults and most of us can agree: a few extra Z’s in our life could do a great deal of good. In which case, let’s take a look at treatment options available to those looking to address the signs and symptoms of their insomnia. 

Restless Leg Syndrome Myths You Can Kick To The Curb

One of ten Americans suffer from Willis-Ekborn Disease, more commonly known as restless leg syndrome (RLS). Yet, the sleep disorder is often discredited and therefore goes undiagnosed. Despite what you may have heard, RLS is a serious sleep disorder that can negatively impact your life. Here are some common restless leg syndrome myths that you can ditch today. 
 
 

National Sleep Awareness Week: 5 Tricks For A Better Night's Sleep

Daylight Savings Time begins next Sunday, which for most of us means losing an hour of sleep. Spring’s wind-back on the clocks is notorious for throwing people off their sleep schedule and ruining everyone’s internal clock, as well as their mood. This is why the National Sleep Foundation has deemed March 11 - 17 as National Sleep Awareness Week.To help you adjust, we’ve gathered some tips and steps that you can take to make this year’s time shift a little easier. 

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Your Insomnia

Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, affecting 6 to 10 percent of the world’s population. Despite its commonality, though, the sleep disorder often goes undiagnosed and/or untreated. If you suspect that your sleeping problems are becoming chronic, or if you have been diagnosed with insomnia, then you probably ought to know about the dangers of ignoring treatment and how insomnia can affect you long term.

9 Questions To Ask Your Pulmonologist At Your First Appointment After An Abnormal Chest Scan

If your chest scan came back a little abnormal, your pulmonologist will probably want you to return for another appointment. While the news may be a little worrying, going back for a follow-up appointment after receiving an abnormal chest scan is also the right moment to ask any questions you have about your symptoms and your concerns. By arming yourself with the best possible arsenal to obtain information, you will be better equipped to handle any diagnosis.

The Importance Of A Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program For People With Lung Diseases

Pulmonary rehabilitation is for anyone with experiences chronic breathing problems such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), sarcoidosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or cystic fibrosis. The rehabilitative treatment option usually includes exercise training, nutritional counseling, education on your lung disease and how to manage it, energy-conserving techniques, breathing strategies, psychological counseling, and/or group support. 

The Difference Between Asthma And COPD

Asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) are two of the most common kinds of lung disease. Given that the main symptoms for both of them are coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, it’s often difficult to identify which condition you have. Despite their similarity in symptoms, both Asthma and COPD have some very distinguishable differences that allow for them to be easily told apart. Read more to learn what those are!

 

10 Ways Visiting Our Sleep Disorder Center Can Help

Visiting a sleep disorder center or staying overnight for sleep research studies might seem uncomfortable, awkward, or downright annoying, but it a very easy, informative, and beneficial process that can potentially improve your ability to fall asleep and/or stay asleep, as well as diagnose any unknown sleeping disorders that you might be suffering from.