Diseases referred to as respiratory disorders affect the organs and tissues in the lungs and airway systems, making breathing and gas exchange challenging.
The large and small windpipes are the starting point for the airway systems, which then travel to the lungs. The upper and lower respiratory system are distinguished between these systems. Both acute and chronic respiratory illnesses are considered respiratory conditions. Influenza, pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COAD) and lung cancer are the most prevalent respiratory illnesses.
Obstructive Lung Disease
Obstructive lung disease, also known as a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), affects the lungs’ airways and air sacs (alveoli). Airflow from the lungs is reduced as a result of airways that narrow or become blocked.
People who suffer from obstructive pulmonary disease might experience the sensation of trying to exhale through a straw. Due to the trapped air, the lungs may enlarge over time. The signs of COPD include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, increased mucus and shortness of breath. Treatment options include prescription drugs, inhalers, oxygen use, breathing exercises, breathing retraining, surgery and lung transplants.
This disease includes –
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is an air sac disease that is passed down through families and can result in lung and liver disease. Emphysema can develop in those who have this condition.
Lung irritants and allergens aggravate asthma by enlarging, constricting and tightening the airways.
The damage, scarring and widening of the large airways, known as bronchiectasis, are brought on by recurrent airway swelling or infection. Frequent lung infections are a possibility for those who have this disease.
Damaged and inflamed airways as a result of chemical particles, lung infections or inflammation in lung transplant recipients are known as bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome. Scarring results from this, blocking the lungs’ airways.
Chronic bronchitis is characterised by recurrent infections that lead to chest tightness, inflamed airways, increased mucus production and shortness of breath. Among the possible treatments are oxygen use, steroids and antibiotics. If you have had these episodes a few times a year for two years or longer, you are said to have chronic bronchitis. Smoking is the main contributor to chronic bronchitis.
Cystic fibrosis, a condition that develops in the lungs, digestive tract and other parts of the body, is passed down through families.
Emphysema is a condition where the air sacs become overinflated and lose their elasticity. This results in breathlessness and air embarrassment.
Restrictive lung diseases
Interstitial lung disease, another name for restrictive lung disease, may have an impact on lung tissue by causing lung tissue scarring, swelling or tissue thickening. This prevents the lungs from expanding entirely. The lungs have a harder time exhaling carbon monoxide and absorbing oxygen. Molecules of oxygen and carbon dioxide have a difficult time moving through the lung tissue for the exchange of gases.
Scoliosis or a side curve in the spine and obesity are two additional conditions that could prevent lungs from fully expanding and be categorised as restrictive lung disease. Shortness of breath, especially with exertion, and fatigue are signs of restrictive lung disease activity, chest constriction and more mucus. Medicines to reduce swelling or the disease’s progression may be used as treatments.
This was a brief note on lung diseases. The next suggested topic to explore would be carbohydrates function. Learn about this topic in detail to understand the importance of including carbohydrates in everyday life.