Health Topics

Find information on health topics
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Breathing

Most cases of shortness of breath are due to heart or lung conditions. Your heart and lungs are involved in transporting oxygen to your tissues and removing carbon dioxide, and problems with either of these processes affect your breathing.

Press Room

Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy offered in Eau Claire

The first of its kind in Northwest Wisconsin, this advanced technology allows pulmonologists to examine tiny airways in the lungs, detecting lung cancer in its earliest stages when it's easier to trea...

February 10, 2023

Hometown Health Blog

What to know about breathing issues due to wildfires, smoke

Smoke from wildfires can pose a health risk when ultrafine particles are inhaled deep into the lungs. Monitor air quality, and learn how to protect yourself if you're in an affected area.

June 9, 2023

4 common questions about robotic-assisted bronchoscopy

Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy maps out the airways in the lungs and safely gets to previously unreachable spots. Read four common questions about the technology and how it betters lung cancer outcomes.

Ali Zaied, M.D. By Ali Zaied March 7, 2023

Is the extreme cold bad for your lungs?

The icy grip of winter is blanketing much of the U.S. Learn how bitter cold temperatures affect the lungs and what you can do to protect yours when outdoors.

Aryan Shiari, M.D. By Aryan Shiari January 27, 2023

Radon: The odorless, invisible threat

Elevated levels of radon are the No. 1 cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers. So it's vital to test your home to discover if radon abatement is needed. Learn more about this invisible health hazard.

Elizabeth Morton PAC By Elizabeth Morton January 20, 2023

Using robotic technology to diagnose, stage lung cancer

Lung cancer is the No. 1 cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. A new procedure acts like a robotic GPS system to diagnose lung cancer in its earliest stages when it's easier to treat.

Adel Zurob, M.D. By Adel Zurob January 20, 2023
Ali Zaied, M.D. By Ali Zaied January 20, 2023

You are 'here': A smoker's guide to quitting

If you're a smoker, you may be ready to quit but need a guide for how to get from the "here" of smoking to the "there" of not smoking. Here's how to get started on your smoke-free journey.

Patrick Bigaouette MD By Patrick Bigaouette November 10, 2022

COVID-19 patient recovering after hospitalization, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support

A busy, otherwise healthy young man, J.P. Nunez also happens to be the youngest patient requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for COVID-19 at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Here's his journey.

February 18, 2021

Trying to catch your breath? What's normal, when to see your doctor

Few sensations are as frightening as not being able to get enough air. Although healthy people occasionally may experience it, persistent shortness of breath is a sign of a medical problem.

June 26, 2020

Lung cancer hard to catch, early screening helps

If you smoke, today is a great day to quit. But, really, any day is a great day to quit. It's not easy, but is worth it because it lowers your chance of developing lung cancer. Learn about a screening tool designed to detect lung cancer at the earliest stages when it's more likely to be effectively treated.

Jamil Taji MD By Jamil Taji November 21, 2019

Breathing easier after TAVR heart surgery

Dorothy Ganong of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, was referred by her allergist to see a pulmonologist when medications and breathing treatments weren't helping her labored breathing. Fortunately, her pulmonologist listened to her concerns and symptoms, and felt it was her heart that needed attention.

July 24, 2017

Why cleaning your positive airway pressure (PAP) supplies is important

Daily cleaning of supplies is important in keeping your airway open while you sleep by maintaining a good seal between your face and the mask. Find out why.

January 8, 2016

Move away from the 'dark side' of sleep apnea with new CPAP masks

Darth Vader would be envious. Long gone are the days of loud and bulky CPAP machines, and it's time you turned away from the dark side.

August 13, 2015