Learn the most common causes of a pleural effusion, including heart failure, infection, and other conditions that lead to fluid buildup.
John Landry, BS, RRT
John Landry is a registered respiratory therapist from Memphis, TN, and has a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology. He enjoys using evidence-based research to help others breathe easier, live healthier, and improve their overall quality of life.
Top 10 Warning Signs Your Lungs Are Failing (2026)
Learn the warning signs your lungs are failing, from shortness of breath and fatigue to cyanosis, and know when to seek medical care.
Can You Get Pneumonia From the Rain? (2026)
Learn whether rain can cause pneumonia, what really leads to lung infections, and how cold, wet exposure may affect your immune system.
Why Do Smoothies Make Me Cough? (2026)
Learn why smoothies may make you cough, including common triggers like cold temperature, thick texture, and ingredient sensitivities.
Head Trauma: Overview and Relevance to Respiratory Care
Learn what head trauma is, how it impacts the brain, and why respiratory therapists are essential for airway and ventilatory management.
Can Allergies Affect Your Lungs? (2026)
Learn how allergies can affect your lungs, trigger asthma, and cause breathing problems, plus tips to protect your respiratory health.
Intercostal Muscles: Clinical Relevance in Respiratory Care
Learn about intercostal muscles, their role in breathing, and why they are essential for ventilation and respiratory care practice.
Can You Use a Humidifier Without a Filter? (2026)
Learn whether you can use a humidifier without a filter, which types allow it, and how it affects air quality, maintenance, and health.
Laryngopharynx: Structure and Function in Respiratory Care
Learn what the laryngopharynx is, its functions, and why it is important for airway protection and respiratory care.
Oropharynx: Structure and Function in Respiratory Care
Learn the structure and function of the oropharynx and its role in airway protection, swallowing, and respiratory care.
Nasopharynx: Structure and Function in Respiratory Care
Learn the structure and function of the nasopharynx and why it plays a vital role in airway management and respiratory care.
Carina: A Critical Landmark in Respiratory Care (2026)
Learn what the carina is, where it’s located, and why it’s a critical airway landmark for safe intubation and respiratory care.
Vagus Nerve: Role in Respiratory Function and Clinical Care
Learn how the vagus nerve regulates breathing, airway reflexes, and heart rate, and why it is essential in respiratory care and therapy.
Airborne Precautions in Respiratory Care: An Overview (2026)
Learn about airborne precautions, their role in infection control, and why they are essential for respiratory therapists and patient safety.
Droplet Precautions in Respiratory Care: An Overview (2026)
Learn about droplet precautions, their role in infection control, and why they are essential for respiratory therapists and patient safety.
Contact Precautions in Respiratory Care: An Overview (2026)
Learn about contact precautions, their role in infection control, and why they are essential for respiratory therapists and patient safety.
Standard Precautions in Respiratory Care: An Overview (2026)
Learn about standard precautions, their role in infection control, and why they are essential for respiratory therapists and patient safety.
Can the Lungs Repair Themselves? (2026)
Learn whether the lungs can repair themselves, how lung healing works, and what factors influence recovery after injury or damage.
Dry Drowning vs. Wet Drowning: What’s the Difference? (2026)
Learn the differences between dry and wet drowning, including symptoms, causes, and why rapid treatment is vital for survival and recovery.
Near Drowning: Pathophysiology and Respiratory Management
Learn about drowning, its pathophysiology, respiratory complications, and management strategies for improving patient outcomes.