There are several diseases that affect the lungs, making it difficult to breath and hampering your ability to live a normal, productive life. Some diseases can be genetically inherited and many are caused by environmental factors. It is important to pay attention to symptoms that affect your ability to breathe and have medical attention if you notice issues related to your lungs.
Some of the common lung issues that affect people regularly include those stemming from infections. The flu, bronchitis, and pneumonia are all lung issues that can be treated with antibiotics and other medications. While many people develop these infections seasonally from other people, treatment is necessary or other, more serious lung issues can result. Tuberculosis is also an infection where bacteria attack the lungs and can cause injury to other areas of the body. Many infections in the lung are highly contagious to others through fluid exchange after coughing, sneezing, or other close contact.
Chronic lung conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma may not be as common as infections but they are just as serious. For some suffering from COPD, supplemental oxygen may be needed on a daily basis just to ensure proper breathing. Asthma attacks if left untreated can be deadly. Those with asthma will likely need breathing treatments and will need to keep an inhaler on their person in case of emergencies.
Lung cancer will need regular care and treatment. Those in respiratory distress due to these serious lung issues can ultimately suffer respiratory failure, resulting in death. The more serious lung conditions affecting one’s ability to breathe will likely require medical intervention from a lung specialist known as a pulmonologist. Lung cancer is known to be one of the most common types of cancer in the US for both men and women.
Lung issues can be a condition you were born with or they can result from environmental factors including work conditions, smoking, and exposure to toxins in your home. Breathing issues should never be ignored. Common lung symptoms also include coughing up colored mucus or blood and any sign of concern should be immediately brought to a medical professional for evaluation.
