5 common lungs diseases and their symptoms

Pulmonology | Posted on 09/06/2024 by Dr. Harshil Alwani

Introduction

Lung diseases have become very prevalent in the past few decades due to the increase in air pollution and toxicity in the air. Lung cancer is shockingly the second leading cause of death across the globe. Lung diseases can be caused by any kind of problem in the function of the lungs that obstructs its pathway or hampers its function. 

The term lung disease refers to a broad category of illnesses that can have a substantial effect on breathing and general health. Anybody can be affected by these illnesses, which can change our breathing and quality of life, ranging from pneumonia and lung cancer to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 

Understanding these diseases is essential for prompt diagnosis and efficient treatment. To arm you with the knowledge so that you can breathe more easily and healthily, we will examine several lung problems, their symptoms, and treatment options for lung diseases in this blog. If you or your loved one have any related symptom, book your appointment with one of the best pulmomnologist in Jaipur at CK Birla Hospitals to ensure safety and achieve the desired results. 

What Are Lung Diseases? 

A wide range of conditions affect the lungs, which are vital organs involved in breathing and blood oxygenation. These conditions are pneumonia, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma. These are examples of these disorders, which can range in severity from moderate to severe. The symptoms of lung disorders, which include exhaustion, coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath, can be caused by inflammation, lung tissue destruction, or airflow obstruction. Early detection and treatment are essential for preserving respiratory health because the causes can vary greatly and include hereditary factors, smoking, environmental toxins, and infections.

What Are the Types of Lung Diseases?

Lung diseases are categorised into several different types. However, the five most common lung diseases involve:

• Asthma: Asthma is one of the most commonly found pulmonary diseases that has affected millions of people across the globe. In this kind of disease, the air pathway becomes swollen and narrow which makes breathing difficult, as the person is not able to get enough air. Usually, people who have asthma get asthmatic attacks when they are exposed or triggered when they come in contact with pollution, smoke, pet hair, etc. The symptoms include wheezing cough, breathlessness, fatigue, dizziness, unconsciousness, anxiety, etc.
• Bronchiectasis: Bronchiectasis is a type of lung disease in which the bronchi or the airways get affected. The bronchi becomes thick and swollen which prevents the lung from functioning efficiently. Further, it produces excessive mucus that causes infection, obstructs the air pathway, and even chokes in severe cases. Some of the symptoms include fever, chills, chest pain, breathlessness, fatigue, blood in the cough, yellow mucus in the cough, whistling sound while breathing, panic attack, etc
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is another very common lung disease in which the air pathway gets damaged over time. Constant damage to the lungs produces unusual mucus and it ultimately clogs the airways leading to difficulty in breathing. Excessive smoking is one of the prime causes of COPD; it is a very progressive disease and it gets worse over time which might lead to lung cancer. Some of the common symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease include shortness of breath, coughing up a lot of mucus, tightness in the chest, and difficulty in breathing due to obstruction of air pathways.
• Pulmonary Fibrosis: Pulmonary fibrosis is a type of lung disease that causes scarring of the lungs which makes absorption of oxygen difficult in the bloodstream as a result it affects both the function of the lungs and the heart. Some of the signs or symptoms of Pulmonary fibrosis might include shortness of breath, fatigue, dry cough, shallow breathing joint, muscle pain, etc.
• Pulmonary hypertension: Pulmonary hypertension is the most common circulation disease that occurs due to excessive pressure. In this, the blood vessels get damaged due to the high blood pressure that puts a lot of pressure on the heart to pump harder as the blood vessels become stiff and narrow. Common symptoms include oedema which is swelling of feet, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, lightheadedness, heart palpitation, etc.

What Are the Causes of Lung Diseases? 

Various factors might contribute to lung disorders, frequently depending on the individual’s condition. Here are these factors:

• Smoking: The main contributor to several lung conditions, such as lung cancer and COPD.
• Environmental Pollutants: It involves extended exposure to dust, asbestos, or industrial chemicals.
• Infections: Viral, fungal, and bacterial infections that cause diseases including tuberculosis and pneumonia.
• Genetics: Hereditary disorders that make people more susceptible to lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis.
• Allergens: This involves asthma attacks and other respiratory disorders triggered by factors like mould or pollen.

How Are Lung Diseases Diagnosed?

Lung disorders are diagnosed using a multidisciplinary approach that includes a physical examination, a history of the patient, and several diagnostic procedures.

• Medical History: Healthcare professionals involve extensive inquiry into lifestyle, risk factor exposure, and symptoms of the patient.
• Physical Examination: Evaluation of general health, lung sounds, and breathing patterns.
• Imaging tests: MRIs, CT scans, and chest X-rays to reveal abnormalities in the lungs.
• Pulmonary Function Tests: PFTs, or pulmonary function tests, assess lung function and airflow.
• Blood tests: They help determine infections and measure oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.
• Bronchoscopy: A flexible tube equipped with a camera is used to directly examine the airways.

What Are the Treatment Options for Lung Diseases?

Depending on the nature and severity of the ailment, many treatment methods are available for lung illnesses. However, a variety of strategies is frequently used in good management:

• Medication: Antibiotics, antivirals, corticosteroids, bronchodilators, or other medications to treat underlying infections and relieve symptoms.
• Oxygen therapy: It is the process of raising blood oxygen levels by giving more oxygen.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation: It’s a program that uses breathing exercises, education, and physical activity to improve lung function.
• Surgery: In extreme cases, treatments like lung transplants, lung volume reductions, or the removal of ill tissue might be required.
• Lifestyle Modifications: To control symptoms and stop the condition from becoming worse, give up smoking, eat a balanced diet, and exercise frequently.

Conclusion 

Lung disorders comprise a broad spectrum of conditions that can have a substantial effect on respiratory health and general quality of life. To properly manage these disorders, early detection, precise diagnosis, and suitable treatment are necessary. Through the adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviours, prompt medical attention, and adherence to prescribed therapies, people can enhance their ability to control symptoms and enhance lung function. Proactive steps and continued communication with healthcare specialists are essential to maintaining respiratory health and avoiding complications.

FAQ

Is Asthma a Genetic Disease?

Yes, asthma has a hereditary component, which means that it runs in families. People who have allergies or asthma in their family are more prone to get the disease. However, asthma symptoms can also be significantly triggered by environmental factors such as pollution, allergens, and respiratory infections. 

Can COPD Be Cured?

There is no known cure for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), its symptoms can be controlled. Medication, pulmonary rehabilitation, and lifestyle modifications are treatment options that can help manage symptoms, reduce the rate of disease progression, and enhance quality of life. Effective COPD management requires early diagnosis and quick treatment.

How to Reverse Pulmonary Hypertension Naturally?

It is difficult to naturally reverse pulmonary hypertension, but lifestyle modifications can aid in managing the condition. These changes involve regular exercise, eating a heart-healthy diet, cutting back on salt, quitting smoking, and controlling stress. Nonetheless, medical care is frequently required, therefore speaking with a healthcare professional is crucial for a thorough management strategy.