The diaphragm is a muscle that separates the chest and abdominal cavities. Paralysis of this muscle is uncommon. Causes and risk factors include cancer, traums and neuromuscular disorders. Treatment options run from observation to ...

Detailed information about peak flow measurement, a quick test to measure air flowing out of the lungs.

Pharyngitis and tonsillitis are infections that cause inflammation. If the tonsils are mainly affected, it is called tonsillitis. If the throat is mainly affected, it is called pharyngitis. These infections are spread by close contact ...

Pleural biopsy is a procedure to remove a tissue sample from the membrane that surrounds the lungs called the pleura.

Pneumoconiosis is a lung disease caused by breathing in certain kinds of dust particles that damage your lungs. It's often called a work-related lung disease.

Pneumonia is an infection of one or both of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or chemical irritants. It is a serious infection or inflammation in which the air sacs fill with pus and other liquid.

Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs. It can be mild or serious. Pneumonia is generally more common in children younger than 5 years old.

A pneumothorax is an air leak in the lungs. It's when air from the lungs leaks into the chest area.

Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is high blood pressure in the lungs. It's a rare lung disorder in which the blood vessels in the lungs narrow and the pressure in the pulmonary artery rises far above normal levels. Pulmonary ...

Pulmonary angiogram is an X-ray image of the blood vessels of the lungs.

A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot that develops in a blood vessel in the body (often in the leg). It then travels to a lung artery where it suddenly blocks blood flow.

Emphysema is a chronic lung condition in which the air sacs (alveoli) may be destroyed, narrowed, collapsed, stretched, or overinflated. Pulmonary emphysema is part of a group of lung diseases called COPD. Here's what you need to know.

Pulmonary interstitial emphysema (PIE) is when air gets trapped in the tissue outside the tubes and air sacs of the lungs. It affects newborn babies. PIE is fairly common in neonatal intensive care units.

Sarcoidosis is a rare disease caused by inflammation. Sarcoidosis in the lungs is called pulmonary sarcoidosis. It causes small lumps of inflammatory cells in the lungs. These lumps are called granulomas and can affect how the lungs work.

Pulse oximetry is a test used to measure the oxygen level (oxygen saturation) of the blood. It is an easy, painless measure of how well oxygen is being sent to parts of your body furthest from your heart, such as the arms and legs.