Clinical Trials Related to Pulmonology
Pulmonology is the study and treatment of the respiratory system. Pulmonologists treat everything COPD/emphysema, to asthma to tuberculosis. Pulmonologists have expertise in infectious, structural, and inflammatory respiratory disorders. Sometimes this extends to the cardiovascular system.
Participate in a clinical trial to help find alternative treatment options for pulmonary conditions.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing. Asthma symptoms may be triggered by allergens or other, non-allergic stimuli, such as respiratory tract infections, cold air, or tobacco smoke. If you have asthma your airways are always inflamed. They become even more swollen and the muscles around the airways can tighten when something triggers your symptoms. This makes it difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs, causing symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and/or chest tightness.
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by long-term breathing problems and poor airflow. The main symptoms include shortness of breath and cough with sputum production. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are older terms used for different types of COPD. Tobacco smoking is the most common cause of COPD, with factors such as air pollution and genetics playing a smaller role.
Lung Infection
MAC lung disease is an infection caused a group of bacteria called Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). MAC includes two closely related species, Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare, and may also be referred to as MAI. MAC is one of a large group of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), and the most common cause of NTM lung disease in the U.S.
Lung Nodules
A lung nodule (or mass) is a small abnormal area that is sometimes found during a CT scan of the chest. These scans are done for many reasons, such as part of lung cancer screening, or to check the lungs if you have symptoms.
Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis is permanently dilated airways caused by chronic bronchial inflammation secondary to inappropriate clearance of various micro-organisms and recurrent infections in the airways.
