Chronic bronchitis is defined as a persistent cough that produces phlegm for at least three months a year for at least two consecutive years. The walls of the air sacs have either been destroyed by cigarette smoke or have been instructed to over-extend by a genetic deficiency. Treatment includes medications to help with breathing and, for some people, surgical procedures. Since COPD often enlarges the lung, removing the diseased portion reduces the lung s size and allows more room for the lung to function properly. Lung reduction surgery is now being done at the Fairview University Medical Center for several of these diseases.
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women.
Cigarette smoking is the primary risk factor. The most predominant sign of lung cancer is a persistent cough with phlegm that contains blood. A chest x-ray can reveal tumors on lungs. Treatment for lung cancer is difficult and generally ineffective. The most successful strategies include surgery whereby the diseased portion of the lung is removed.