If you have COPD or cystic fibrosis, you may be taking a prescription expectorant, or your doctor may have suggested an over-the-counter expectorant, such as Mucinex® (Guaifenesin). But did your doctor explain the expectorant's purpose to you? What does an expectorant do and how does it help you breathe easier? Learn about expectorants and how they help to clear the airways and allow for better breathing.

If you've been exposed to someone with tuberculosis, how long should you wait before undergoing TB testing? Is there a wait time for undergoing TB testing after exposure? Do you need to get tested for TB again at a later date to be sure you don't have tuberculosis? Find out about TB transmission and if you must wait to undergo TB testing after a known exposure to someone with infectious tuberculosis. Read more...

Tuberculosis Testing:

How Often Should I Undergo Tuberculosis Testing?

How the Mantoux / PPD Tuberculosis Skin Test is Performed

False-Positive Tuberculosis Skin Test Result

Excessive TB Testing

False-Negative Tuberculosis Skin Test Result

Is It Possible to Have An Allergic Reaction to the TB Test?

Is Tuberculosis Testing Safe During Pregnancy?

More Tuberculosis Questions Answered >>

Holidays bring family time, togetherness, and sometimes stress and illness (if you're not careful)! Although Easter isn't one of the most stressful holidays of the year, if you're preparing a meal for a large family or traveling to a family member's or a friend's home, you may find yourself feeling a bit stressed. It's important to know your limits and to know when you need to call your doctor. Find out how to take care of yourself through the Easter holiday so you can enjoy family together time and not pay the price later by coming down sick.

Related: Healthy Home, Healthy You Daily Tips

When Spring arrives, it's time to do your Spring cleaning. However, just the thought of cleaning your home probably leaves you breathless. Without help, Spring cleaning can land you in the hospital if you're not careful. These 10 spring cleaning tips will help you get your cleaning done without leaving you breathless.

Spring Cleaning Resources:

Spring Cleaning Checklist

Spring Cleaning the Frugal Way

5 Tips To Get Your Teen To Help With Spring Cleaning

Spring Cleaning Blues

About Lung Diseases has many resources available to people with lung disease. Besides the many articles, health management guides, advice column, health tips, and buyer's guides, About Lung Diseases also offers many free email courses and health screening quizzes. See our full list of free email courses and health screening quizzes.

Looking for a particular lung disease? Check the Lung Disease Index. If it's just signs and symptoms you are looking for, use the Signs and Symptoms Quick Search.

From the About Lung Diseases Forum: "Hi my name is Janet. I am a 64 year old female and an 18 year breast cancer survivor. I have just been told that I have lung cancer...from the reading of a chest X-ray and a CT scan. I am told I have a 4 cm mass in the upper right lung and that the lymph nodes between the lungs appear to be swollen. Obviously, I am scared. I am being referred to The James Cancer Hospital at Ohio State University. Just wondering if someone can help me understand what kind of tests to expect, etc. Actually, just need a shoulder right now. Thanks." Give Janet1942 a shoulder to lean on. Register free for the About Lung Diseases Forum and introduce yourself.

Lung Cancer Screening - The Debate Over Full-Body CAT Scans
The debate over the use of CAT scans for detecting lung cancer has become heated yet again. The CAT scan is the most popular lung cancer screening because of its ability to detect lung cancer in its early stages. Some medical professionals claim CAT scans can detect cancer before symptoms even appear.

Because of the capabilities of the CAT scan, many people are seeking full-body CAT scans in an effort to detect cancer that may be present anywhere throughout the body. However, there is much debate over full-body CAT scans and their ability to detect cancer early on.

Read more about the debate over full-body CAT scans.

Related: What is a CAT scan?

Jack0627, a poster in the About Lung Diseases forum, writes: "What has happened to Primatene Mist? I've had asthma my whole life (67 Years) and epinephrine was in the doctor prescribed inhaler I was using. When Primatene Mist came out in the early 60's, it had the same labeling info as what I was using, BUT at only 1/3 of the cost. I started using it and have continue for all these years with no side effects. I've been able to live my life my way. Why should I have to go back to expensive doctor prescribed medications that don't work as effectively as Primatene Mist? I've been thru the Oklahoma Allergy Clinic and 4 years of immune shots as a child, did the nebulizer bit and the inhaler." Read about why Primatene Mist was removed from the drug store shelves.

Walking pneumonia (aka community-acquired pneumonia) is a term used to describe pneumonia that is not severe enough to warrant hospitalization. Since its symptoms are similar to that of a common cold, it may be dismissed as a cold without a definitive diagnosis from a medical doctor. So what is the difference between walking pneumonia and the common cold? Find out the answer to this question and learn more about the signs and symptoms of pneumonia and the common cold.

Related:
What is Pneumonia?
Walking Pneumonia Explained
Viral Pneumonia
Causes of Pneumonia
Community-Aquired Pneumonia
Is it Just a Common Cold?
Difference Between Pneumonia and Bronchitis

Packing for Your Hospital Stay
A long hospital stay is never fun, to say the least. But, if you pack the right things, you can at least enjoy some of the comforts of home. Use the hospital packing checklist to help you ensure you've packed all your necessities for your hospital stay.



Related:

The Importance of Getting A Second Opinion

Why HMO Members Should Get Second Opinions

Getting A Second Opinion of Pathology Test Results

How To Check A Doctor's Credentials