House dust mite allergy
House mite allergy is a hypersensitive reaction to proteins in the excretion of dust mites. The protein attacks the respiratory passages causing hay fever and asthma. It will aggravate atopic dermatitis in people who have a tendency to this ... [... more]
Net Doctor |
Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is the most common serious respiratory infection among babies. It causes inflammation of the bronchioles - the smallest airways in the lungs. Bronchiolitis is caused by a virus - in the majority of cases one called the respiratory ... [... more]
BBC |
Rubella
Rubella is a viral infection also known as German measles. It used to be very common among children, but is much rarer now the MMR vaccine is routine. Rubella is caused by a virus that is spread by droplets inhaled into the respiratory tract. It ... [... more]
BBC |
Whooping cough in children
Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is an infection mostly affecting the respiratory system, and particularly causing bronchitis. But thanks to routine immunisation whooping cough is now uncommon. Decades ago whooping cough was common among ... [... more]
BBC |
Asthma - reducing your exposure to triggers
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes sufferers to have repeated attacks of: Dr Angela Simpson, specialist registrar respiratory medicine Most people with asthma have few symptoms between attacks, but some people have severe asthma and ... [... more]
Net Doctor |
Coping with smoker's lung (chronic bronchitis)
Smoker's lung is a chronic inflammation of the lungs. It is also known as chronic bronchitis, emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It causes the respiratory passages to be swollen and irritated, increases mucus production ... [... more]
Net Doctor |
Snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)
Snoring is noise produced from the soft palate and other parts of the upper respiratory tract. It is most common in men, especially older, middle-aged and obese men. Snoring can be very annoying for a partner who is kept awake by the noise. ... [... more]
Net Doctor |
Chest infection
Chest infections include a variety of illnesses ranging from mild respiratory illness to life-threatening conditions including: Chest infections are very common. Often a specific cause cannot be identified but bacteria and viruses are usually ... [... more]
NHS Direct |
Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a serious and highly contagious disease caused by bacteria called Corynebacterium diptheriae. This disease affects the upper respiratory tract (nose, throat, voice box and upper windpipe) and occasionally, the skin. It can affect ... [... more]
NHS Direct |
Hay fever and perennial allergic rhinitis
Hay fever, otherwise known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction to airborne substances such as pollen that get into the upper respiratory passages - the nose, sinus, throat - and also the eyes. The name hay fever is misleading ... [... more]
Net Doctor |
Tixylix Baby Syrup
This medicine contains glycerol. Glycerol has demulcent properties (soothing) and may possibly block sensory cough receptors in the respiratory tract. It is used for the relief of dry, tickly coughs in children from three months to five years of age. [... more]
Net Doctor |
Coughing
Coughing is a reflex action started by stimulation of sensory nerves in the lining of the respiratory passages - the tubes we use to breathe. Dr Stuart Crisp, specialist registrar and Dr Gavin Petrie, consultant chest physician When a person ... [... more]
Net Doctor |
