Lung Diseases

Lung Diseases Q & A

What are lung diseases?

Lung diseases affect the way you breathe. Millions of people in the United States have a lung disease, which is the third most common cause of death in the US. 

Lung diseases consist of airway diseases, lung tissue diseases, lung circulation diseases, and combinations of these types of lung diseases. Treatment can offer you symptom relief and reduce the risk of complications.

What are common lung diseases?

Common lung diseases you or a loved one might encounter at some point during your lifetime include:

• Asthma
• COPD
• Influenza
• Pneumonia
• Tuberculosis
• Lung cancer
• Collapsed lung
• Bronchitis
• Emphysema
• Chronic bronchitis
• Blocked lung arteries
• Interstitial lung disease
  
  

Complications associated with untreated lung diseases can include respiratory infections, severe breathing problems, heart problems, high blood pressure, and depression.

What are the risk factors for lung diseases?

While anybody can develop a lung disease, certain factors increase your risk of experiencing one. Examples include smoking, occupational exposure to chemicals, dust, or burning fuel fumes, some medications, and certain chronic diseases. Genetic factors also play a role in lung disease development. 

What are the symptoms of lung diseases?

Common signs and symptoms associated with lung diseases include:

• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Other breathing problems
• A chronic cough
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Ankle or feet swelling
  
  

Untreated lung diseases can cause respiratory failure or even death in some cases. See the specialist at Chiefland Health Center at the first sign of a lung disease.

How does my doctor diagnose lung diseases?

To find out if you have a lung disease and to develop an effective treatment, your pulmonologist reviews your symptoms and medical history. They check your blood pressure, pulse, and other vital signs, and complete a physical examination, paying close attention to your breathing.

Your doctor may recommend you undergo blood tests, asthma and allergy testing, additional lung function tests, CT scans, MRIs, X-rays, or other imaging procedures. They might suggest a lung biopsy in some cases.

What are common lung disease treatments?

Your personalized lung disease treatment depends on the type of disease you have and its severity. Your pulmonologist may recommend the following:

• Healthy eating
• Regular exercise
• Not smoking
• Avoiding workplace irritants
• Oxygen therapy
• Ventilation therapy
• Pulmonary rehabilitation
• Oral medications
• Inhalers
• Lung transplants
• Other surgical procedures
  
  

Your doctor follows up with you periodically to ensure your lung disease treatment works effectively. In severe cases of a lung disease, you might require hospitalization.

Don’t live with breathing problems due to lung diseases when help is within reach at Chiefland Health Center. Schedule an appointment over the phone or online today.