Lungs, Breathing & Sleep

Health problems that affect breathing or sleep can lead to fatigue and lethargy that disrupt your daily routine. Understand your lungs and respiratory system—and what you can do to help yourself.

Deep sleep—cleansing for the brain

A good, long snooze allows your brain to purge waste products such as beta-amyloid, a protein associated with dementia.

Patient Story

The vestiges of war

Vietnam veteran Patrick Wilson, a former smoker, underwent surgery for lung cancer—only to learn he had an enlarged aorta, too.

Is your inhaler eco-friendly?

Researchers say greener alternatives can reduce the user's carbon footprint, delivering as much benefit as recycling or cutting out meat.

1 in 3 kids are sleep-deprived

Children ages 6 to 12 should be getting at least nine hours of sleep each night—but 12 would be better.

Patient Story

‘They caught it early’

A first-in-the-U.S. biopsy that combined three leading-edge technologies identifies stage 1 lung cancer, which makes all the difference for 81-year-old Mac Brown.

The difference an hour makes

A children’s sleep specialist offers tips for helping your children adjust their internal clocks for daylight saving time.

Sleep apnea linked to blindness risk?

Study: Severe cases of the sleeping disorder are associated with a diabetic eye disease that may lead to vision loss.

Patient Story

‘She doesn’t let anything stop her’

Soft-spoken and strong-willed, Lilly Gordon is enjoying life as a typical high schooler these days—and she's not letting cystic fibrosis get in the way.

E-cig industry under scrutiny

Governments take action and health officials sound the alarm about a vaping epidemic among youth.

Think you have the flu? 

There's a time for bed rest and a time to see the doctor. And then there's a time to head to the ER.

Patient Story

‘Our only salvation’

A lung transplant saved his life. Now, he is determined to make the most of his second chance.

How to battle a sinus infection

A neti pot, a flu vaccination and a heap of healthy food—just a few ways you can help ward off trouble.