Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, but early detection saves lives. Thanks to low-dose CT (LDCT) screening, doctors can now find lung cancer at earlier, more treatable stages. However, not everyone needs this screening—guidelines help identify who will benefit most.

According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), adults should consider annual lung cancer screening if they meet these criteria:

✅ Aged 50 to 80 years
✅ Have a 20-pack-year smoking history (for example, smoking one pack a day for 20 years)
✅ Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years

Low-dose CT scans are painless and take only a few minutes. Unlike standard chest X-rays, LDCT is much better at detecting small lung nodules before they cause symptoms. In large studies, this screening has been shown to reduce lung cancer deaths by up to 20%.

If you qualify, yearly screening can become part of your preventive care plan. It’s important to talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits. While LDCT can detect cancer early, it may also find nodules that are not cancerous, leading to additional tests or procedures.

For people who do not meet the screening criteria, routine screening is generally not recommended. However, any persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, or shortness of breath should always be evaluated right away.

At Pulmonary & Medicine Associates, we help you understand your lung cancer risk and whether screening is right for you. If you’re eligible, we’ll guide you through each step—from scheduling your scan to follow-up care—so you feel informed and supported.

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Early detection could save your life.

The post Lung Cancer Screening Guidelines: Are You Eligible? appeared first on Pulmonary And Medicine Associates.

Over the past decade, vaping has become a popular alternative to traditional smoking, especially among teens and young adults. Marketed as a “safer” option, e-cigarettes and vaping devices have been linked to an alarming rise in lung injuries. This condition, known as EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury), is now recognized as a serious public health concern.

EVALI can develop rapidly, often within days to weeks of using a vaping product. Patients typically experience symptoms like shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, fever, fatigue, nausea, or vomiting. In severe cases, the condition can progress to respiratory failure requiring hospitalization and intensive care.

One of the most concerning aspects of EVALI is that the damage often occurs without warning. Many patients are otherwise healthy individuals who don’t realize the risks involved with vaping, especially when using products containing THC, vitamin E acetate, or other additives.

Medical experts believe that inhaling these oils and chemicals can cause intense inflammation in the lungs, resulting in impaired oxygen exchange. Over time, this inflammation can lead to scarring and long-term breathing difficulties.

Preventing EVALI begins with awareness. If you or a loved one vapes, it’s essential to understand that no vaping product is truly safe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises avoiding all e-cigarette and vaping products, especially those from informal or unregulated sources.

If you experience any unexplained respiratory symptoms and have a history of vaping, see a healthcare provider right away. Early detection and supportive treatment can improve recovery and prevent further complications.

At Pulmonary & Medicine Associates, our team specializes in diagnosing and treating lung conditions, including vaping-related injuries. We’re here to help you breathe easier, safely quit smoking or vaping, and protect your long-term health.

The post The Rise of Vaping-Related Lung Injuries: What You Need to Know appeared first on Pulmonary And Medicine Associates.