In general, a person takes a breath nearly 25,000 times. Lungs are the important part of human respiratory system. While breathing, the lungs take oxygen from the air. After absorbing enough oxygen, the lungs pump it through air sacs and airways. The oxygen is then transferred into the bloodstream and carried via blood vessels to reach the heart.
Doctors use the phrase ‘lung diseases’ to describe any disorders related to the respiratory system. Also, common lung diseases come under the following categories,
- Airway diseases – the condition makes it difficult to breathe. Airway diseases block the airflow in and out of the lungs through the airways.
- Lung tissue diseases – the condition affects the working of the lungs. Lung tissue disease blocks the oxygen diffusing from the airways to the bloodstream.
- Lung circulation disease – the condition affects the way blood circulates from the heart to the rest of the body parts.
Most Lung diseases fall under the above three categories.
Figure out the 5 most common lung diseases and their treatments
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Asthma
Asthma is a common disease on the lung disease list. It’s a common disease and affects anyone without any age benchmarks. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition treated with different medications. Taking proper medications and treatment will help you live an active life with asthma.
The symptoms of asthma may vary widely and it can be severe. Constant cough is the most common symptom of asthma. Other symptoms of lung disease include sleep disturbance, difficulty in breathing, and difficult to concentrate. While scientists couldn’t find the exact cause of asthma, it’s generally caused due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors.
The major treatment for lung disease is using an inhaler that allows you to breathe in medicine. In severe cases, doctors recommend tablets and other treatments.
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Bronchitis
The inflammation of bronchial tubes results in bronchitis. Thus, the air passage narrows resulting in severe cough. Bronchitis is usually an infection and the patient recovers within a few days. But, if it’s left untreated, it may develop into pneumonia. Pneumonia is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
The common causes of chronic bronchitis are exposure to air pollution, dust, toxic gases, and smoking tobacco.
The symptoms of lung disease include chest discomfort, swelling in ankles, and weight loss.
Bronchitis can be acute or chronic based on the severity. Doctors recommend antibiotics at home. If the condition worsens, consult a doctor for better treatment.
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COPD
COPD is an umbrella term that encompasses an array of respiratory problems. COPD causes an inability to exhale or breathlessness. The lung disease remains undetected due to the lack of symptoms. Usually, the disease affects those in their 30s or 40s.
The major cause of COPD is cigarette smoking. Further smoking worsens the patient’s quality of life.
Bronchodilator therapy is the COPD lung disease treatment. It opens the airways for easy breathing and pulmonary rehabilitation. Consult the best pulmonology hospital for high-quality COPD treatment.
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Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is yet another common lung disease today.
It’s divided into two major types,
Small cell lung cancer and
Non-small cell lung cancer.
The common lung cancer Adenocarcinoma usually occurs in the outer section of the lungs. Most lung cancers are the aftereffects of cigarette smoking. Not only smoking but secondhand smoke also has a similar effect.
Lung cancer treatment options include lifestyle changes, surgery, and other treatments. Doctors evaluate the patient for any side effects and monitor the cancer-related symptoms.
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Cystic fibrosis
It’s a life-threatening lung disease that damages both lungs and the digestive system. A defective gene develops a thick mucus which in return clogs the airways and tubes. The mucus not only affects the lungs but creates a block in the pancreas preventing enzymes to break down.
The symptoms of lung disease include frequent lung disease, chronic cough, poor growth rate in children, and salty-tasting skin.
Diagnose cystic fibrosis with genetic screening, blood test, and sweat chloride test. There is no cure for this lung disease but few treatments can improve the quality and length of life.
Final thoughts on lung disease!
Lung diseases are critically reducing the ability to breathe. It’s a fatal disease. There are different tests to diagnose the lung disease. Proper diagnosis ensures early detection. It helps in deciding the treatment for lung disease. Moreover, follow a healthy lifestyle and have frequent medical check-ups to assess your health status.
If you experience any breathing-related difficulties, consult the best pulmonology hospital. Early detection prevents severe lung diseases. So, live happily with healthy lungs!