Knowledge of the basic concepts of human anatomy and physiology allows us to understand many of the symptoms, complications and treatment measures taken during common and dangerous pulmonary diseases.
Pulmonary tuberculosis
Pulmonary tuberculosis, formerly called consumption, in past centuries was considered one of the most dangerous infectious diseases, which is reflected in many literary and musical works known throughout the world. This disease became particularly widespread among the poor, whose poor nutrition and hygienic conditions contributed to its occurrence and spread. The causative agent of tuberculosis is highly resistant mycobacteria, discovered more than 100 years ago by the founder of modern bacteriology, Robert Koch (which is why in many countries tuberculosis is also called “Koch’s disease”). Tuberculosis can affect more than just the lungs. It is undoubtedly one of the most serious diseases.
Penetrating into the lungs, bacteria first create a focus of inflammation, destroy tissue there and slowly multiply, also affecting the lymph nodes. The body resists the penetration of bacteria, as if enclosing them in capsules. The dying tissue becomes calcified. Most often, the antibodies formed under favorable conditions (good physical condition) are enough to cope with newly penetrating bacteria, otherwise they become winners in the lung lesion. From this primary source, new pathogens enter the body, taking root in other alveoli of the lung and infecting other areas. The body's protective capacity decreases. As a result of softening, cavities (cavities) appear in the lung tissue, sometimes damaging blood vessels and causing heavy bleeding. As the disease progresses, the patient becomes increasingly weak (consumption). Of course, tuberculosis has not yet been completely defeated, but such severe, untreatable processes are now almost rare. Every year (in the GDR - transl.) the number of patients requiring treatment for this disease does not exceed 6,000 people. This result became possible thanks to the general improvement of social conditions, and also, undoubtedly, thanks to the consistent implementation of preventive vaccinations with a weakened tuberculosis strain, starting from a very early age (BCG vaccinations). From the first weeks of a child’s life, they contribute to the formation of protective substances in his body. Before an infant comes into contact with tuberculosis pathogens (and this possibility, due to a decrease in the number of carriers, is becoming less and less), his body already has specific antibodies in sufficient quantities. And yet, in diseases that have become less common, there is a hidden danger: they have become forgotten. But tuberculosis has not yet completely disappeared. Outbreaks of this disease can occur primarily in older people as their body's defenses weaken. Signs of tuberculosis may be profuse sweating during sleep (slight increase in temperature), persistent cough with sputum production, decreased performance, etc. In such cases, the results of simple x-ray examinations and sputum samples subjected to special processing in order to
Cultivation of individual bacteria quickly brings clarity to the current situation. Currently, tuberculosis treatment is carried out using very effective and reliable methods. Today, for the purpose of therapy, they almost never resort to stopping the activity of one of the halves of the lungs (pneumothorax).
Lung cancer
Lung cancer (more precisely, bronchial cancer) is currently one of the diseases causing the greatest concern. Along with stomach cancer and various forms of gynecological cancer, it is the most common type of cancer. The results of numerous experiments undoubtedly prove that smoking is one of the main causes of this form of cancer. According to statistics, 90% of patients with bronchial cancer are heavy smokers (the rest, as a rule, are exposed to passive tobacco smoke when smoking!). Undoubtedly, other environmental factors also play a role in the occurrence of cancer. But in comparison with smoking tobacco, they, of course, are of secondary importance - a person dying from lightning is hardly consoled by the thought that he avoided catching a cold after a thunderstorm. The incidence of lung cancer is on the rise and has a surprising correlation with smoking habits. Previously rare cases of bronchial cancer in women are becoming increasingly common. It is assumed that the main influencing factor is tar products generated when a cigarette burns (as well as cigarettes, cigars, and pipes!). In experiments with animals, these foods regularly caused cancer. Hundreds of similar substances are already known, and the most effective of them is benzpyrene from tobacco smoke. During the entire period of smoking, an intensive smoker inhales 10 kg of tar! Its products change the cells of the bronchial walls - they become cancerous, begin to grow violently, displacing
healthy and penetrating as metastases to other areas. Growing around the bronchi, they block the internal lumen and turn off entire areas from the breathing process. Blood vessels are destroyed. Stagnation of sputum occurs, which entails very complex and varied complications.
Unfortunately, and this is truly regrettable, bronchial cancer, like cancer of other localizations, in its early stage does not cause pain. Pain does not force the patient to go to the doctor. Early detection of the disease is a prerequisite for its possible surgical treatment. However, the symptoms of the early stage of the disease are uncharacteristic: a prolonged cough, blood in the sputum, decreased performance, weight loss - all these are not specific symptoms already mentioned in connection with tuberculosis. Therefore, X-ray examinations and regular medical monitoring are of great importance. It must be said frankly that sometimes it makes no sense to operate on a tumor detected by X-ray. That is why you should not miss scheduled x-ray examinations. Emerging cancer gives a person a chance - in the initial stage it develops relatively slowly. This chance must be used. The best and, in fact, the only chance to significantly reduce the risk of cancer is consistency in behavior when quitting smoking.
Inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia)
It would be more correct to use the word “inflammation” in the plural, since there are a large number of varieties of this disease.
Several decades ago, when there were no antibiotics, pneumonia was considered one of the dangerous complications that often meant death. Children were especially victims of this disease, because In childhood, pneumonia is especially severe, affecting one half of the lung (lobar pneumonia) or a large number of segments. As a rule, pneumonia occurs as a result of a bacterial inflammatory process that occurs in certain areas of the lung. The occurrence of bacterial inflammation is facilitated by foreign bodies that cause blockage of the bronchi (“aspiration pneumonia”), mucus stagnation, etc. In affected areas of the lung, inflammation causes fluid and cells to accumulate (soak). Air access to the pulmonary alveoli is blocked. Purulent foci may appear in the lungs, and pathogens begin to affect other individual areas of the lung tissue (bronchopneumonia of adults).
In most cases, the disease is severe with high fever, painful sensations, attacks of suffocation, sweating, coughing attacks, the formation of copious sputum, weak cardiac activity, etc. In children, pneumonia can occur within a few hours, accompanied by life-threatening deterioration in health.
Causes of complications in lung disease: if a connection occurs between a branch of the bronchus and the pleural fissure, pneumothorax may occur as a result of the entry of air (above). If pus enters the pleural fissure from the bronchial tree, empyema develops (in the center). Air bubbles around the branches of the bronchus are called pneumoceles. They are easily susceptible to infection.
Naturally, a child’s lung is smaller in size and, accordingly, has smaller reserves, so the protective reaction in children proceeds differently than in adults. If you suspect pneumonia, you should immediately call a doctor (“trembling of the wings of the nose” in an infant occurs as a result of more intense respiratory activity due to the failure of parts of the lung tissue). Other diseases can occur similarly to the symptoms of pneumonia: tuberculosis is also a specific form of the inflammatory process. Like almost all infectious diseases, anthrax, etc., has a damaging effect on the lungs. Inflammation of the lungs can be treated with antibiotics. If necessary, the decrease in gas exchange area can be compensated by breathing oxygen. In older people, pneumonia in most cases is less severe. In this age group, suspicion of pneumonia may arise precisely during a prolonged recovery from other diseases and difficulty breathing in the absence of elevated temperature.
Using even a stethoscope, a doctor can determine the presence of pneumonia. An x-ray helps make the correct diagnosis. Very often, pneumonia occurs as a result of unreasonable behavior. The occurrence of such a dangerous complication in an existing infection is precisely facilitated by additional hypothermia and excessive stress. Pneumonia can also cause toxic dust and harmful gases to enter the body through the respiratory tract. If you suspect that such substances have entered the body, you must immediately resort to medical control, because the reaction can sometimes occur only after a few hours (for example, volatile phosphorus compounds, nitrous gas, irritating toxic substances).
Pleural effusion, pleurisy
The mechanisms of occurrence and consequences of these diseases have already been mentioned on page 176. “Wet” pleurisy is most often a consequence of tuberculosis, but it can also be caused by irritation of the pleura as a result of cancer or pneumonia. Increased fluid accumulation can also occur for other reasons: uremia, liver disease leading to a decrease in the formation of blood protein, injury, and many others. etc. Therefore, the so-called inflammation of the pleura (“pleurisy”) is not a disease that occurs for only one reason. It should be emphasized once again that “wet” pleurisy during breathing may not be accompanied by pain, as is often imagined. More typical with such effusion is shortness of breath, which occurs due to the accumulation of several liters of fluid in each half of the chest. The formation of effusion can also occur with heart defects that impede blood flow towards the heart. In this case, the inflammatory process is not the cause of the effusion. The fluid contains a small amount of protein (transudate) and is similar in composition to plasma. The discharge caused by the inflammatory process (exudate) contains a significantly larger amount of protein substances that can settle in the form of clots. The consequence of pleurisy can be the fusion of both layers of the pleura, complicating the mobility of the lung, and sometimes due to friction, causing pain (dry pleurisy, pleural adhesions). Pleurisy- a common form of complications resulting from pneumonia and other pulmonary diseases.
Bronchial asthma
Bronchial asthma (unlike cardiac asthma, which is accompanied by the same severe attacks of suffocation with a sharp decrease in the performance of the left heart) is an extremely severe and burdensome disease. A patient suffering from asthma is strongly subjectively affected by the fear of death from suffocation during an attack, the frequent repetition of asthmatic phenomena and the insufficient duration of the effect of therapy. The causes of asthma are varied. Often they are allergens found in the environment (household dust, animal hair, medications, pollen), which, with the appropriate predisposition, contribute to the occurrence of asthmatic attacks. So-called internal allergens (bacteria and their metabolic products in areas of inflammation) can also cause asthma. This may include climatic factors, mental stress, hormonal imbalance, or the presence of an as yet unexplained tendency to such allergic reactions. The body reacts to the allergen with spasms of the muscles of the small bronchioles, resulting in swelling of the bronchial mucosa and the release of rather sticky mucus. Already known symptoms appear: suffocation, difficulty in exhaling (due to narrowing of the bronchioles), accompanied by whistling sounds, cough with the release of clear mucus. During severe asthma attacks, the patient tends to adopt a sitting position that allows the accessory respiratory muscles of the trunk to make breathing somewhat easier. In later stages of the disease, the swelling of the lungs that occurs during an attack can become chronic and turn into emphysema, further complicating the breathing process.
Treatment of bronchial asthma should only be carried out by a doctor. It is impossible to make do with general recommendations here, because establishing the causes of the disease requires extensive professional experience. If the cause is known (for example, animal fur), then recurrence of attacks is prevented by eliminating the factor that causes the predisposition (eliminating the animal).
Pulmonary edema
This acute, severe disease is mostly a consequence of weakness of the left side of the heart (as in cardiac asthma). It occurs as a result of the fact that the blood pumped into the lungs by the right half of the heart cannot flow out of them unimpeded. In this case, the pulmonary capillaries act like filters through which blood plasma leaks into the alveoli of the lungs. Due to the accumulation of fluid in the alveoli, breathing becomes very difficult, because... liquid significantly complicates gas exchange. There is a kind of “internal drowning” that occurs. This serious illness can also occur with uremia, disturbances in the protein and water balance of the body, penetration of toxic substances through the respiratory tract, etc. The most obvious symptoms of this disease, along with shortness of breath, are fear of suffocation and bubbling sounds with each breathing movement. Foamy sputum when coughing attracts attention. If you become ill, you must immediately seek medical help.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is the most common disease. Due to the fact that in most cases it occurs harmlessly and without any special complaints, it is often considered not even a disease, but is considered a symptom and cause of prolonged cough (“smoker’s catarrh”). Acute bronchitis, caused by bacteria, viruses, and chemical or physical environmental irritants, is well known as a bad cold or acute respiratory illness. Its symptoms are cough, sputum, chest pain, and fever. It can cause the flu or go away in about two weeks. Chronic bronchitis, on the contrary, does not go away even after the acute stage. According to the World Health Organization classification, it is classified as an independent inflammatory disease of the bronchi, accompanied by cough, sputum production, and difficulty breathing. It lasts at least 3 months a year for at least two years. The occurrence of chronic bronchitis is promoted by smoking, frequent infectious diseases of the respiratory tract, exposure to dust, constant exposure to drafts, increased sensitivity of the bronchial mucosa and other factors. The main symptoms are a prolonged cough with sputum production. Chronic bronchitis can cause complications (inflammation and emphysema, asthma, etc.). Even if acute bronchitis in adults occurs without pain, it is necessary to take into account the possibility of complications and a constant decrease in the body’s protective capacity that occurs due to the impact of the remaining infection. Even with typical symptoms of bronchitis, one cannot ignore the possibility of another disease (for example, a tumor, pneumonia). Bronchitis is of particular importance in childhood, which requires long-term medical supervision (dispensary).
Bronchiectasis
Saccular expansions of the small branches of the bronchi may be a consequence of chronic bronchitis or congenital disorders. A very large amount of secretions accumulates in such dilated bronchi, which leads to difficulty in regular air circulation. With bronchiectasis, especially in the morning, an extremely large amount of sputum is produced. A not entirely pleasant, but quite accurate description of this phenomenon is given in the medical literature - “discharge of sputum with a full mouth.” The reasons that cause changes in the body during this disease can contribute to the occurrence of pneumonia, bleeding from the lungs, blood poisoning, inflammation of the brain and other complications.
Emphysema
These changes in lung tissue have already been mentioned several times. Excessive swelling of the lungs, accompanied by an increase in the volume of air in the pulmonary alveoli, may lead a person unfamiliar with the process of gas exchange to think that such an abnormality of breathing turns into a special advantage, because if there is a lot of air in the lungs, then, they say, there is a lot of it for gas exchange . This idea is incorrect. Excessive “bloating” of the lungs and wrinkling of the walls of the alveoli causes a sharp reduction in the exchange area. The air in the lungs does not receive sufficient circulation and with each breathing movement a large volume of unrenewed air remains in them. Together with what is inhaled, it increases the volume of the mixture, which has a low oxygen content, which causes a gradual increase in the feeling of suffocation, characteristic primarily of the so-called obstructive emphysema, because the internal lumen of the bronchioles narrows like a valve. When the lungs are swollen, the load on the heart also increases, because the resulting air cushion causes a narrowing of the pulmonary vessels. To overcome the resistance in this case, the heart needs to increase the amount of work.
Emphysema and bronchitis often accompany each other. This complication can be prevented by doing gymnastics, breathing exercises and consistent treatment of inflammatory processes in the lungs. Of course, a one-time walk in the forest, even with “deep ventilation breathing,” will not give significant positive results, however, periodic intensification of the respiratory process (sports!) helps ventilation of all parts of the lungs. Prevention of emphysema is also more effective than treatment.
"Flu infection"
The mention of this disease in the chapter “Lung Diseases” is due to necessity. Typically, “colds” do not affect the lungs, but the upper respiratory tract. Catarrh of the respiratory tract begins - and this is a favorite topic of examination of doctors - in the nose, not the mouth. After all, breathing is usually done through the nose, and only when nasal breathing is difficult do they switch to mouth breathing. Viruses, bacteria and other harmful environmental factors primarily affect the nasal mucosa. In the nasal cavity, the inhaled air is “preheated” and moistened, so when breathing through the mouth, due to the absence of such factors, the risk of damage to the deeper respiratory tract increases. Apparently, every reader with an acute infectious disease of the respiratory tract is well aware of the manifestations of a complex of symptoms of an influenza infection, which, unfortunately, is often simply called the flu. These are a runny nose, hoarseness, cough, sore throat, possible fever, and painful sensations.
Hypothermia contributes to the occurrence of this infection. However, it is not correct to consider cold as the cause of the disease, just as the name “cold” is not entirely correct. By reflex, hypothermia (including, for example, the legs) causes a narrowing of blood vessels, which helps reduce the reflection of heat. In the mucous membrane, the blood vessels narrow, through which less blood passes. The body’s protective ability against microbes, “waiting” on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract for the moment to penetrate inside the body, decreases. The body's vigilance seems to be lulled to sleep. This is how a “cold” begins. It is also typical that clear, frosty days are less conducive to such infectious diseases than cold but wet weather, which promotes the reproduction and survival of microbes (on expeditions to the Pole, participants almost did not suffer from infectious diseases). In the initial period, all acute infections are very harmless, although at times the patient’s general well-being deteriorates significantly. When you fall ill with an infectious disease, you should not play the hero and, neglecting the temperature and runny nose, infect your colleagues, instead of isolating yourself from others for several days during the acute infectious phase of the disease. Pathogens are transmitted through droplets of sputum (coughing, sneezing). Shaking hands also resembles an involuntary “vaccination”, because As a result of such involuntary contact, pathogenic microbes can be transmitted.
These infectious diseases are not identical to viral influenza, although in the acute phase it occurs, accompanied by similar symptoms. However, the flu is by no means a harmless disease. Each epidemic is accompanied by deaths, the causes of which are complications from the cardiovascular system, or complications in the form of pneumonia.
Hardening the body, gymnastics, staying in the fresh air, food rich in vitamins, sufficient sleep, appropriate clothing - these are preventive measures against “colds” and true flu. They seem to train the mucous membrane and blood vessels, creating the prerequisites for successfully resisting pathogenic microbes. Preventive vaccinations are carried out against viral flu. But they are not effective against all its types and therefore they should be repeated (1-2 times a year). There are no vaccinations against “colds,” since they can be caused by hundreds of different pathogens. You should not complain about the ineffectiveness of the influenza vaccine if the result is an infectious disease (although not the flu!). In “flu” weather, the protective effect is often attributed to alcohol (grog), but this is not true, although alcohol helps to dilate blood vessels. By causing the illusion of warming and excessively dilating blood vessels, it contributes to additional hypothermia of the body. It is precisely in the morning after a heavy alcoholic libation that a disease can occur. A “clogged” nose with a runny nose is a consequence of swelling of the mucous membrane, which interferes with nasal breathing, which can result in complaints (headaches). Reducing swelling is achieved by using spray and drops for a runny nose. Sometimes this is an urgent need, but one should be careful not to use them too often, because - as already mentioned - a decrease in blood supply to the mucous membrane allows pathogens to enter the body and can even cause destruction of the mucous membrane itself. The side effects of medications also become clear if their causative processes are known. The use of a spray for a runny nose to reduce swelling of the mucous membrane cannot replace the treatment of the causes of acute respiratory disease, but can only eliminate one of its symptoms. The same applies to so-called "flu pills" - painkillers that do not cure the flu, but only help to bear some of its burdensome symptoms.
Emphysema– a chronic lung disease characterized by the expansion of small bronchioles (the terminal branches of the bronchi) and the destruction of the partitions between the alveoli. The name of the disease comes from the Greek emphysao - to swell. Air-filled voids form in the lung tissue, and the organ itself swells and increases significantly in volume.
Manifestations of emphysema– shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, cough with a small amount of mucous sputum, signs of respiratory failure. Over time, the chest expands and takes on a characteristic barrel shape.
Reasons for the development of emphysema divided into two groups:
- Factors that impair the elasticity and strength of lung tissue are inhalation of polluted air, smoking, congenital deficiency of alpha-1-antitrypsin (a substance that stops the destruction of the walls of the alveoli).
- Factors that increase air pressure in the bronchi and alveoli are chronic obstructive bronchitis, blockage of the bronchus by a foreign body.
Risk of developing the disease some categories are higher than other people:
- Congenital forms of pulmonary emphysema associated with whey protein deficiency are more often detected in residents of Northern Europe.
- Men get sick more often. Emphysema is detected at autopsy in 60% of men and 30% of women.
- People who smoke have a 15 times higher risk of developing emphysema. Passive smoking is also dangerous.
Anatomy of the lungs
Lungs- paired respiratory organs located in the chest. The lungs are separated from each other by the mediastinum. It consists of large vessels, nerves, trachea, and esophagus.Each lung is surrounded by a two-layer membrane, the pleura. One of its layers fuses with the lung, and the other with the chest. Between the sheets of pleura there remains a space - the pleural cavity, in which there is a certain amount of pleural fluid. This structure helps the lungs stretch during inhalation.
Due to anatomical features, the right lung is 10% larger than the left. The right lung consists of three lobes, and the left lung has two. The lobes are divided into segments, which in turn are divided into secondary lobules. The latter consist of 10-15 acini.
The hilum of the lung is located on the inner surface. This is the place where the bronchi, artery, and veins enter the lung. Together they form the root of the lung.
Lung functions:
- ensure blood saturation with oxygen and removal of carbon dioxide
- participate in heat exchange due to liquid evaporation
- secrete immunoglobulin A and other substances to protect against infections
- participate in the transformation of the hormone angiotensin, which causes vasoconstriction
- bronchi, through which air enters the lungs;
- alveoli, where gas exchange occurs;
- blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the lungs and back to the heart;
- Trachea and bronchi- called the respiratory tract.
The trachea at the level of 4-5 vertebrae is divided into 2 bronchi - right and left. Each of the bronchi enters the lung and forms a bronchial tree there. The right and left are the bronchi of the 1st order; at the place of their branching, the bronchi of the 2nd order are formed. The smallest are bronchi of the 15th order.
Small bronchi branch, forming 16-18 thin respiratory bronchioles. Alveolar ducts depart from each of them, ending in thin-walled vesicles - alveoli.
Bronchial function– ensure the passage of air from the trachea to the alveoli and back.
Structure of the bronchi.
- Cartilaginous base of the bronchi
- large bronchi outside the lung consist of cartilaginous rings
- large bronchi inside the lung - cartilaginous connections appear between the cartilaginous half-rings. Thus, the lattice structure of the bronchi is ensured.
- small bronchi - cartilage looks like plates, the smaller the bronchus, the thinner the plates
- the terminal small bronchi do not have cartilage. Their walls contain only elastic fibers and smooth muscles
- Muscular layer of the bronchi– smooth muscles are arranged circularly. They provide narrowing and expansion of the lumen of the bronchi. At the site of the branching of the bronchi there are special bundles of muscles that can completely block the entrance to the bronchus and cause its obstruction.
- ciliated epithelium, lining the lumen of the bronchi, performs a protective function - protects against infections transmitted by airborne droplets. Small villi remove bacteria and small dust particles from distant bronchi into larger bronchi. From there they are removed when coughing.
- Lung glands
- single-celled glands that secrete mucus
- small lymph nodes connected to larger lymph nodes in the mediastinum and trachea.
- Cartilaginous base of the bronchi
- Alveolus – a bubble in the lungs, entwined with a network of blood capillaries. The lungs contain more than 700 million alveoli. This structure allows you to increase the surface area in which gas exchange occurs. Atmospheric air enters the bubble through the bronchi. Through the thinnest wall, oxygen is absorbed into the blood, and carbon dioxide is released into the alveoli during exhalation.
The area around the bronchiole is called the acinus. It resembles a bunch of grapes and consists of branches of the bronchioles, alveolar ducts and the alveoli themselves
- Blood vessels. Blood enters the lungs from the right ventricle. It contains little oxygen and a lot of carbon dioxide. In the capillaries of the alveoli, the blood is enriched with oxygen and releases carbon dioxide. After this, it collects in the veins and enters the left atrium.
Causes of emphysema
The causes of emphysema are usually divided into two groups.
- Impaired elasticity and strength of lung tissue:
- Congenital α-1 antitrypsin deficiency. In people with this abnormality, proteolytic enzymes (whose function is to destroy bacteria) destroy the walls of the alveoli. While normally α-1 antitrypsin neutralizes these enzymes within a few tenths of a second after their release.
- Congenital defects in the structure of lung tissue. Due to their structural features, the bronchioles collapse and the pressure in the alveoli increases.
- Inhalation of polluted air: smog, tobacco smoke, coal dust, toxic substances. The most dangerous in this regard are cadmium, nitrogen and sulfur oxides emitted by thermal power plants and transport. Their smallest particles penetrate the bronchioles and are deposited on their walls. They damage the ciliated epithelium and vessels feeding the alveoli and also activate special cells, alveolar macrophages.
They help increase the level of neutrophil elastase, a proteolytic enzyme that destroys the walls of the alveoli.
- Hormonal imbalance. An imbalance between androgens and estrogens impairs the ability of bronchiole smooth muscles to contract. This leads to stretching of the bronchioles and the formation of cavities without destruction of the alveoli.
- Respiratory tract infections: chronic bronchitis, pneumonia. Immune cells, macrophages and lymphocytes, exhibit proteolytic activity: they produce enzymes that dissolve bacteria and the protein that makes up the walls of the alveoli.
In addition, clots of sputum in the bronchi allow air into the alveoli, but do not release it in the opposite direction.
This leads to overfilling and overstretching of the alveolar sacs.
- Age-related changes associated with poor circulation. In addition, older people are more sensitive to toxic substances in the air. With bronchitis and pneumonia, lung tissue recovers worse.
- Increased pressure in the lungs.
- Chronic obstructive bronchitis. The patency of the small bronchi is impaired. When you exhale, air remains in them. With a new breath, a new portion of air enters, which leads to overstretching of the bronchioles and alveoli. Over time, disturbances occur in their walls, leading to the formation of cavities.
- Occupational hazards. Glassblowers, wind players. A feature of these professions is an increase in air pressure in the lungs. The smooth muscles in the bronchi gradually weaken, and blood circulation in their walls is disrupted. When you exhale, all the air is not expelled; a new portion is added to it. A vicious circle develops, leading to the appearance of cavities.
- Blockage of the lumen of the bronchus a foreign body leads to the fact that the air remaining in the segment of the lung cannot escape out. An acute form of emphysema develops.
Mechanism of lung damage in emphysema- Stretching of bronchioles and alveoli - their size doubles.
- Smooth muscles are stretched, and the walls of blood vessels become thinner. The capillaries become empty and the nutrition in the acinus is disrupted.
- Elastic fibers degenerate. In this case, the walls between the alveoli are destroyed and cavities are formed.
- The area in which gas exchange occurs between air and blood decreases. The body experiences oxygen deficiency.
- The enlarged areas compress healthy lung tissue, further impairing the ventilation function of the lungs. Shortness of breath and other symptoms of emphysema appear.
- To compensate and improve the respiratory function of the lungs, the respiratory muscles are actively involved.
- The load on the pulmonary circulation increases - the vessels of the lungs become overfilled with blood. This causes disturbances in the functioning of the right side of the heart.
Types of emphysema
There are several classifications of pulmonary emphysema.According to the nature of the flow:
- Acute. It develops during an attack of bronchial asthma, a foreign object entering the bronchi, or sudden physical exertion. Accompanied by overstretching of the alveoli and swelling of the lung. This is a reversible condition but requires urgent medical attention.
- Chronic. Develops gradually. At an early stage, the changes are reversible. But without treatment, the disease progresses and can lead to disability.
By origin:- Primary emphysema. An independent disease that develops in connection with the congenital characteristics of the body. It can even be diagnosed in infants. It progresses quickly and is more difficult to treat.
- Secondary emphysema. The disease occurs against the background of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. The onset often goes unnoticed, and symptoms intensify gradually, leading to decreased ability to work. Without treatment, large cavities appear that can occupy an entire lobe of the lung.
By prevalence:
- Diffuse form. The lung tissue is uniformly affected. Alveoli are destroyed throughout the lung tissue. In severe forms, a lung transplant may be required.
- Focal form. Changes occur around tuberculosis foci, scars, in places where a blocked bronchus approaches. Manifestations of the disease are less pronounced.
- Panacinar emphysema(vesicular, hypertrophic). All acini in the lung lobe or the whole lung are damaged and swollen. There is no healthy tissue between them. The connective tissue in the lung does not grow. In most cases there are no signs of inflammation, but there are manifestations of respiratory failure. Formed in patients with severe emphysema.
- Centrilobular emphysema. Damage to individual alveoli in the central part of the acinus. The lumen of the bronchioles and alveoli expands, this is accompanied by inflammation and mucus secretion. Fibrous tissue develops on the walls of damaged acini. Between the changed areas, the parenchyma (tissue) of the lungs remains intact and performs its function.
- Periacinar(distal, perilobular, paraseptal) - damage to the extreme parts of the acinus near the pleura. This form develops with tuberculosis and can lead to pneumothorax - rupture of the affected area of the lung.
- Okolorubtsovaya– develops around scars and areas of fibrosis in the lungs. Symptoms of the disease are usually mild.
- Bullous(bubble) shape. In place of the destroyed alveoli, bubbles form, ranging in size from 0.5 to 20 cm or more. They can be located near the pleura or throughout the lung tissue, mainly in the upper lobes. Bullae can become infected, compress surrounding tissue, or rupture.
- Interstitial(subcutaneous) - characterized by the appearance of air bubbles under the skin. The alveoli rupture, and air bubbles rise through the lymphatic and tissue gaps under the skin of the neck and head. Bubbles may remain in the lungs, and when they rupture, spontaneous pneumothorax occurs.
- Compensatory– develops after removal of one lobe of the lung. When healthy areas swell, trying to take up the vacant space. Enlarged alveoli are surrounded by healthy capillaries, and there is no inflammation in the bronchi. The respiratory function of the lungs does not improve.
- Senile– caused by age-related changes in the vessels of the lungs and the destruction of elastic fibers in the wall of the alveoli.
- Lobarnaya– occurs in newborns, more often boys. Its appearance is associated with obstruction of one of the bronchi.
Symptoms of emphysema
Diagnosis of emphysema
Examination by a doctor
If symptoms of pulmonary emphysema appear, consult a therapist or pulmonologist.
Instrumental methods for diagnosing pulmonary emphysema
- Radiography- a study of the condition of the lungs using X-rays, as a result of which an image of the internal organs is obtained on film (paper). A general X-ray of the chest is taken in a direct projection. This means that the patient faces the device during the shooting. An overview image allows you to identify pathological changes in the respiratory organs and the extent of their spread. If the image shows signs of disease, then additional tests are prescribed: MRI, CT, spirometry, peak flowmetry.
Indications:
- Once a year as part of a preventive examination
- prolonged cough
- dyspnea
- wheezing, pleural friction noise
- decreased breathing
- pneumothorax
- suspected emphysema, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, pulmonary tuberculosis
- breastfeeding period
- the lungs are enlarged, they compress the mediastinum and overlap each other
- affected areas of the lung appear excessively transparent
- expansion of intercostal spaces during active muscle work
- the lower edge of the lungs is drooping
- low aperture
- reduction in the number of blood vessels
- bullae and areas of tissue airing
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lungs- a study of the lungs based on the resonant absorption of radio waves by hydrogen atoms in cells, and sensitive equipment records these changes. MRI of the lungs provides information about the condition of large bronchi, vessels, lymphoid tissue, the presence of fluid and focal formations in the lungs. Allows you to obtain sections 10 mm thick and view them from different positions. To study the upper parts of the lungs and areas around the spine, a contrast agent called gadolinium is injected intravenously.
Disadvantage: air prevents accurate visualization of small bronchi and alveoli, especially at the periphery of the lungs. Therefore, the cellular structure of the alveoli and the degree of destruction of the walls are not clearly visible.
The procedure lasts 30-40 minutes. During this time, the patient must lie motionless in the magnetic tomograph tunnel. MRI does not involve radiation, so the study is permitted for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Indications:
- there are symptoms of the disease, but no changes can be detected on an x-ray
- tumors, cysts
- suspicion of tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, in which small focal changes are formed
- enlarged intrathoracic lymph nodes
- abnormal development of the bronchi, lungs and their vessels
- presence of a pacemaker
- metal implants, staples, fragments
- mental illnesses that do not allow lying for a long time without moving
- patient weight over 150 kg
- damage to alveolar capillaries at the site of destruction of lung tissue
- circulatory disorders in small pulmonary vessels
- signs of compression of healthy tissue by expanded areas of the lung
- increase in pleural fluid volume
- increase in the size of the affected lungs
- cavities-bulls of different sizes
- low aperture
- Computed tomography (CT) of the lungs allow you to obtain a layer-by-layer image of the structure of the lungs. CT is based on the absorption and reflection of X-rays by tissues. Based on the data obtained, the computer creates a layer-by-layer image with a thickness of 1mm-1cm. The study is informative in the early stages of the disease. When a contrast agent is administered, CT provides more complete information about the condition of the pulmonary vessels.
During a CT scan of the lungs, the X-ray emitter rotates around the patient lying motionless. The scan lasts about 30 seconds. The doctor will ask you to hold your breath several times. The whole procedure takes no more than 20 minutes. Using computer processing, X-ray images taken from different points are summarized into a layer-by-layer image.
Flaw– significant radiation exposure.
Indications:
- if symptoms are present, no changes are detected on the x-ray or they need to be clarified
- diseases with the formation of foci or diffuse damage to the lung parenchyma
- chronic bronchitis, emphysema
- before bronchoscopy and lung biopsy
- decision on the operation
- allergy to contrast agent
- extremely serious patient condition
- severe diabetes mellitus
- renal failure
- pregnancy
- patient weight exceeding the capabilities of the device
- an increase in the optical density of the lung to -860-940 HU – these are airy areas of the lung
- expansion of the roots of the lungs - large vessels entering the lung
- dilated cells are noticeable - areas of alveolar fusion
- reveals the size and location of bullae
Lung scintigraphy – injection of labeled radioactive isotopes into the lungs, followed by a series of images taken with a rotating gamma camera. Preparations of technetium - 99 M are administered intravenously or in the form of an aerosol. The patient is placed on a table around which the sensor rotates.
Indications:
- early diagnosis of vascular changes in emphysema
- monitoring the effectiveness of treatment
- assessment of lung condition before surgery
- suspected lung cancer
- pregnancy
- compression of lung tissue
- disturbance of blood flow in small capillaries
- Spirometry – functional study of the lungs, study of the volume of external respiration. The procedure is carried out using a spirometer device, which records the amount of air inhaled and exhaled.
The patient puts into his mouth a mouthpiece connected to a breathing tube with a sensor. A clamp is placed on the nose to block nasal breathing. The specialist tells you what breathing tests need to be performed. And an electronic device converts the sensor readings into digital data.
Indications:
- breathing disorder
- chronic cough
- occupational hazards (coal dust, paint, asbestos)
- smoking experience over 25 years
- lung diseases (bronchial asthma, pneumosclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- tuberculosis
- pneumothorax
- hemoptysis
- recent heart attack, stroke, abdominal or chest surgery
- increase in total lung capacity
- increase in residual volume
- decreased vital capacity of the lungs
- reduction in maximum ventilation
- increased resistance in the airways during exhalation
- reduction in speed indicators
- decreased compliance of lung tissue
Peak flowmetry - measurement of maximum expiratory flow to determine bronchial obstruction.Determined using a device - a peak flow meter. The patient needs to tightly clasp the mouthpiece with his lips and exhale as quickly and forcefully as possible through his mouth. The procedure is repeated 3 times with an interval of 1-2 minutes.
It is advisable to perform peak flow measurements in the morning and evening at the same time before taking medications.
Disadvantage: the study cannot confirm the diagnosis of pulmonary emphysema. The exhalation rate decreases not only with emphysema, but also with bronchial asthma, pre-asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Indications:
- any diseases accompanied by bronchial obstruction
- evaluation of treatment results
Symptoms of emphysema:
- reduction in expiratory flow by 20%
- Determination of blood gas composition – a study of arterial blood during which the pressure in the blood of oxygen and carbon dioxide and their percentage, the acid-base balance of the blood are determined. The results show how effectively the blood in the lungs is cleared of carbon dioxide and enriched with oxygen. For research, a puncture of the ulnar artery is usually done. A blood sample is taken from a heparin syringe, placed on ice, and sent to the laboratory.
Indications:
- cyanosis and other signs of oxygen starvation
- breathing disorders due to asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema
- oxygen tension in arterial blood is below 60-80 mm Hg. st
- blood oxygen percentage less than 15%
- increase in carbon dioxide tension in arterial blood over 50 mm Hg. st
- General blood test - a study that includes counting blood cells and studying their characteristics. For analysis, blood is taken from a finger or from a vein.
Indications- any diseases.
Contraindications does not exist.
Deviations for emphysema:
- increased number of red blood cells over 5 10 12 / l
- increased hemoglobin level over 175 g/l
- increase in hematocrit over 47%
- decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate 0 mm/hour
- increased blood viscosity: in men over 5 cP, in women over 5.5 cP
Treatment of emphysema
Treatment of pulmonary emphysema has several directions:- improving the quality of life of patients - eliminating shortness of breath and weakness
- prevention of the development of heart and respiratory failure
- slowing the progression of the disease
- complete cessation of smoking
- exercise to improve ventilation
- taking medications to improve the condition of the respiratory tract
- treatment of the pathology that caused the development of emphysema
Treatment of emphysema with medications
| Group of drugs | Representatives | Mechanism of therapeutic action | Directions for use |
| α1-antitrypsin inhibitors | Prolastin | The introduction of this protein reduces the level of enzymes that destroy the connective fibers of lung tissue. | Intravenous injection at the rate of 60 mg/kg body weight. 1 time per week. |
| Mucolytic drugs | Acetylcysteine (ACC) | Improves the removal of mucus from the bronchi, has antioxidant properties - reduces the production of free radicals. Protects the lungs from bacterial infection. | Take 200-300 mg orally 2 times a day. |
| Lazolvan | Liquefies mucus. Improves its removal from the bronchi. Reduces cough. | Used orally or inhaled. Orally during meals, 30 mg 2-3 times a day. In the form of inhalations using a nebulizer, 15-22.5 mg, 1-2 times a day. |
|
| Antioxidants | Vitamin E | Improves metabolism and nutrition in lung tissues. Slows down the process of destruction of the walls of the alveoli. Regulates the synthesis of proteins and elastic fibers. | Take 1 capsule per day orally. Take courses for 2-4 weeks. |
| Bronchodilators (bronchodilators) Phosphodiesterase inhibitors Anticholinergics | Teopek | Relaxes the smooth muscles of the bronchi, helps to expand their lumen. Reduces swelling of the bronchial mucosa. | The first two days take half a tablet 1-2 times a day. Subsequently, the dose is increased - 1 tablet (0.3 g) 2 times a day every 12 hours. Take after meals. The course is 2-3 months. |
| Atrovent | Blocks acetylcholine receptors in the bronchial muscles and prevents their spasm. Improves external respiration indicators. | In the form of inhalations, 1-2 ml 3 times a day. For inhalation in a nebulizer, the drug is mixed with saline solution. | |
| Theophyllines | Long-acting theophylline | It has a bronchodilator effect, reducing systemic pulmonary hypertension. Increases diuresis. Reduces fatigue of the respiratory muscles. | The initial dose is 400 mg/day. Every 3 days it can be increased by 100 mg until the required therapeutic effect appears. The maximum dose is 900 mg/day. |
| Glucocorticosteroids | Prednisolone | Has a strong anti-inflammatory effect on the lungs. Promotes the expansion of bronchi. | Used when bronchodilator therapy is ineffective. At a dose of 15–20 mg per day. Course 3-4 days. |
Therapeutic measures for emphysema
- Transcutaneous electrical stimulation diaphragm and intercostal muscles. Electrical stimulation with pulsed currents with a frequency of 5 to 150 Hz is aimed at facilitating exhalation. At the same time, the energy supply to the muscles, blood and lymph circulation improves. In this way, fatigue of the respiratory muscles, followed by respiratory failure, is avoided. During the procedure, painless muscle contractions occur. The current strength is dosed individually. The number of procedures is 10-15 per course.
- Oxygen inhalation. Inhalation is carried out for a long time, 18 hours a day. In this case, oxygen is supplied to the mask at a rate of 2–5 liters per minute. In case of severe respiratory failure, helium-oxygen mixtures are used for inhalation.
- Breathing exercises- training of the respiratory muscles, aimed at strengthening and coordinating the muscles during breathing. All exercises are repeated 4 times a day for 15 minutes.
- Exhale with resistance. Exhale slowly through a cocktail straw into a glass filled with water. Repeat 15-20 times.
- Diaphragmatic breathing. On the count of 1-2-3, take a strong, deep breath, drawing in your stomach. On the count of 4, exhale - inflating your stomach. Then tense your abdominal muscles and cough loudly. This exercise helps to expel mucus.
- Lying push-up. Lying on your back, bend your legs and clasp your knees with your hands. As you inhale, draw in lungs full of air. As you exhale, stick your stomach out (diaphragmatic exhalation). Straighten your legs. Tighten your abs and cough.
When is surgery needed for emphysema?
Surgical treatment for emphysema is not often required. It is necessary when the lesions are significant and drug treatment does not reduce the symptoms of the disease. Indications for surgery for emphysema:
- shortness of breath leading to disability
- bullae occupying more than 1/3 of the chest
- complications of emphysema - hemoptysis, cancer, infection, pneumothorax
- multiple bullae
- permanent hospitalizations
- diagnosis of severe pulmonary emphysema
- inflammatory process – bronchitis, pneumonia
- asthma
- exhaustion
- severe chest deformity
- age over 70 years
Types of operations for emphysema
- Lung transplant and its variants: lung transplantation together with a heart; transplantation of a lung lobe. Transplantation is performed in case of large diffuse lesions or multiple large bullae. The goal is to replace the diseased lung with a healthy donor organ. However, the waiting list for transplantation is usually too long and problems with organ rejection may arise. Therefore, such operations are resorted to only as a last resort.
- Reduced lung volume. The surgeon removes the most damaged areas, approximately 20-25% of the lung. At the same time, the function of the remaining part of the lung and respiratory muscles improves. The lung is not compressed, its ventilation is restored. The operation is performed in one of three ways.
- Minimally invasive technique (thoracoscopy) under the control of video equipment. 3 small incisions are made between the ribs. A mini-video camera is inserted into one, and surgical instruments are inserted into the others. The affected area is removed through these incisions.
- Bronchoscopic surgery. A bronchoscope with surgical equipment is inserted through the mouth. The damaged area is removed through the lumen of the bronchus. Such an operation is possible only if the affected area is located near large bronchi.
Opening the chest. The doctor removes the affected lobe and places stitches to seal the lung. Then a suture is placed on the chest.
Is hospitalization necessary to treat emphysema?
In most cases, patients with emphysema are treated at home. It is enough to take medications according to the schedule, follow a diet and follow the doctor’s recommendations.Indications for hospitalization:
- sharp increase in symptoms (shortness of breath at rest, severe weakness)
- the appearance of new signs of illness (cyanosis, hemoptysis)
- ineffectiveness of the prescribed treatment (symptoms do not decrease, peak flow readings worsen)
- severe concomitant diseases
- newly developed arrhythmias
- difficulties in establishing a diagnosis;
Nutrition for emphysema (diet).
Therapeutic nutrition for pulmonary emphysema is aimed at combating intoxication, strengthening the immune system and replenishing the patient’s high energy costs. Diets No. 11 and No. 15 are recommended. Basic principles of diet for emphysema
- Increasing calorie content to 3500 kcal. Meals 4-6 times a day in small portions.
- Proteins up to 120 g per day. More than half of them must be of animal origin: animal and poultry meat, liver, sausages, fish of any kind and seafood, eggs, dairy products. Meat in any culinary preparation, excluding excessive frying. All complications of pulmonary emphysema are life-threatening. Therefore, if any new symptoms appear, you should immediately seek medical help.
- Pneumothorax. Rupture of the pleura surrounding the lung. In this case, air escapes into the pleural cavity. The lung collapses and becomes unable to expand. Fluid accumulates around it in the pleural cavity, which needs to be removed. Severe chest pain appears, intensifying with inhalation, panic fear, rapid heartbeat, the patient takes a forced position. Treatment must be started immediately. If the lung does not expand within 4-5 days, surgery will be required.
- Infectious complications. Decreased local immunity increases the sensitivity of the lungs to bacterial infections. Severe bronchitis and pneumonia often develop, which become chronic. Symptoms: cough with purulent sputum, fever, weakness.
- Right ventricular heart failure. The disappearance of small capillaries leads to an increase in blood pressure in the vessels of the lungs - pulmonary hypertension. The load on the right parts of the heart increases, which become overstretched and wear out. Heart failure is the leading cause of death in patients with emphysema. Therefore, at the first signs of its development (swelling of the neck veins, pain in the heart and liver, swelling), it is necessary to call an ambulance.
The prognosis for pulmonary emphysema is favorable under a number of conditions:- complete cessation of smoking
- prevention of frequent infections
- clean air, no smog
- good nutrition
- good sensitivity to drug treatment with bronchodilators.
The lungs are the main organ of the human respiratory system and consist of the pleura, bronchi and alveoli united into acini. In this organ, gas exchange of the body takes place: carbon dioxide, unsuitable for its vital functions, passes from the blood into the air, and oxygen received from the outside is carried through the bloodstream throughout all systems of the body. The basic function of the lungs may be impaired due to the development of any disease of the respiratory system or as a result of their damage (wound, accident, etc.). Lung diseases include: pneumonia, abscess, emphysema,.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is a lung disease associated with inflammation of the bronchi, the constituent elements of the pulmonary bronchial tree. Most often, the cause of the development of such inflammation is the penetration of a viral or bacterial infection into the body, lack of proper attention to throat diseases, and the ingestion of large amounts of dust and smoke into the lungs. For most people, bronchitis does not pose a serious danger; complications of the disease usually develop in smokers (even passive smokers), people with weakened immune systems, chronic heart and lung diseases, the elderly and young children.
The clinical picture of incipient acute bronchitis coincides with the clinical picture of a common cold. First of all, a cough appears, then a cough occurs, first dry, then with sputum discharge. An increase in temperature may also occur. If left untreated, the inflammation can spread to the entire lung and cause pneumonia. Treatment of acute bronchitis is carried out with the use of anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drugs, expectorants, and drinking plenty of fluids. If the cause of the disease is a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. Chronic bronchitis does not develop against the background of an incompletely cured acute form, as is the case with many diseases. Its cause may be prolonged irritation of the bronchi by smoke and chemicals. This pathology occurs in smokers or people working in hazardous industries. The main symptom of chronic bronchitis is a cough with sputum. The elimination of the disease is facilitated by changing lifestyle, quitting smoking, and ventilating the work area. To get rid of symptoms, bronchodilators are prescribed - special drugs that help expand the airways and make breathing easier by inhalation. During exacerbation, treatment with antibiotics or corticosteroids is recommended.
Alveolitis
Alveolitis is an inflammation of lung tissue with its subsequent degeneration into connective tissue. This disease should not be confused with alveolitis, which occurs after poor-quality tooth extraction. The main cause of the development of the inflammatory process in the lungs can be: allergies, infections, inhalation of toxic substances. The disease can be recognized by such signs as: headache and muscle pain, fever, aching bones, chills, shortness of breath, cough. Lack of treatment for pulmonary alveolitis leads to the development of respiratory failure. Measures to eliminate the main signs of the disease depend on the cause of its occurrence. In case of allergic alveolitis, the patient’s interaction with the allergen should be excluded and an antiallergic drug should be taken. At elevated temperatures, it is recommended to take antipyretics; in case of severe cough, antitussives and expectorants. Quitting cigarettes promotes rapid recovery.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that occurs independently or as a complication of certain diseases of the respiratory system. Some types of pneumonia do not pose a danger to humans, while other types can be fatal. Lung infection is most dangerous for newborns due to their still immature immunity. The main symptoms of the disease are: high fever, chills, chest pain that gets worse with a deep breath, dry cough, blue lips, headaches, excessive sweating. The most common complications of pneumonia include: inflammation of the lining of the lungs (pleurisy), abscess, difficulty breathing, pulmonary edema. Diagnosis of the disease is based on the results of a chest x-ray and blood test. Treatment can be prescribed only after its causative agent has been identified. Depending on what caused the pneumonia (fungus or virus), antifungal or antibacterial drugs are prescribed. In case of extreme heat, it is recommended to take antipyretic drugs (no more than three days in a row). Respiratory failure developing as a result of an infectious lesion of the lungs requires oxygen therapy.
Lung abscess
An abscess is an inflammation of a separate area of the lung with the accumulation of a certain amount of pus in it. The accumulation of pus in the lung in most cases is observed against the background of the development of pneumonia. Predisposing factors may be: smoking, alcohol abuse, taking certain medications, tuberculosis, drug addiction. Signs of the development of the disease are: severe cough, chills, nausea, fever, sputum with minor blood. The fever that occurs with a lung abscess usually cannot be relieved with conventional antipyretics. The disease requires treatment with large doses of antibiotics, since the drug must penetrate not just into the body, but also into the very source of inflammation and destroy its main pathogen. In some cases, drainage of the abscess is required, that is, removal of pus from it using a special syringe needle inserted into the lung through the chest. If all measures to eliminate the disease have not brought the desired result, the abscess is removed surgically.
Emphysema
Pulmonary emphysema is a chronic disease associated with impairment of the basic function of the lungs. The cause of the development of this pathology is chronic bronchitis, which results in disruption of the processes of breathing and gas exchange in the human lungs. The main symptoms of the disease: difficulty breathing or its complete impossibility, blue discoloration of the skin, shortness of breath, widening of the intercostal spaces and supraclavicular area. Emphysema develops slowly, and at first its symptoms are almost invisible. Shortness of breath usually occurs only in the presence of excessive physical exertion; as the disease progresses, this symptom is observed more and more often, then it begins to bother the patient, even when he is in a state of complete rest. The result of the development of emphysema is disability. Therefore, it is very important to start treatment at the initial stage of the disease. In most cases, patients are prescribed antibiotics, drugs that dilate the bronchi and have an expectorant effect, breathing exercises, and oxygen therapy. Full recovery is possible only if you follow all the doctor’s instructions and stop smoking.
Pulmonary tuberculosis
Pulmonary tuberculosis is a disease caused by a specific microorganism - Koch's bacillus, which enters the lungs along with the air containing it. Infection occurs through direct contact with a carrier of the disease. There are open and closed forms of tuberculosis. The second occurs most often. The open form of tuberculosis means that the carrier of the disease is able to excrete its pathogen along with sputum and transmit it to other people. With closed tuberculosis, a person is a carrier of the infection, but is not able to transmit it to others. The signs of this form of tuberculosis are usually very vague. In the first months from the onset of infection, the infection does not manifest itself in any way; much later, general weakness of the body, fever, and weight loss may appear. Treatment for tuberculosis should be started as early as possible. This is the key to saving a person’s life. To achieve optimal results, treatment is carried out using several anti-tuberculosis drugs at once. Its goal in this case is the complete destruction of the Koch bacillus present in the patient’s body. The most commonly prescribed drugs are ethambutol, isoniazid, and rifampicin. Throughout the entire period of treatment, the patient is in an inpatient setting at a specialized department of a medical clinic.
Most life forms on planet Earth use oxygen every day, created by bacteria and plants billions of years ago. Organisms have adapted to use it in different ways. The most original method is used by animals living on land. To effectively absorb oxygen, nature has created special organs - the lungs. For reliability, all such organisms have two identical organs to provide cells and tissues with oxygen. Over thousands of years of evolution, the human lungs have acquired a large margin of safety. However, even in modern conditions, these organs often suffer from a variety of ailments.
Human pulmonary respiration
Man, like other land animals, uses the lungs to extract oxygen from the air. For these two organs, nature has provided powerful protection - the skeleton of the chest, consisting of twelve pairs of ribs and a spine. Between the two lungs is the heart, which distributes oxygen to all cells and tissues every second. Air enters each lung through a system of tubes of varying diameters - the bronchial tree. The main bronchi are a direct continuation of the trachea.
The bronchial tree is an important part of the lungsInside the lung, each bronchus is divided successively into two smaller tubes. The smallest bronchi are connected to a cluster of alveoli - air-bearing globules entangled in a network of pulmonary capillaries. The exchange of oxygen between the blood and atmospheric air occurs directly in the alveoli. Each such vesicle contains two types of cells. The first ones directly carry out gas exchange - alveolocytes of the first type. Cells of the second type secrete surfactant, a substance that maintains the alveoli in a straightened state.
Acinus includes alveoli and vessels The respiratory surface of the lungs is huge. However, even the most trained athletes can only hold their breath for a few minutes. The brain is most sensitive to lack of oxygen. It is here that the regulator of the entire process is located - the respiratory center. Its nerve cells react sensitively to oxygen deficiency and excess carbon dioxide in the blood. That is why a person’s consciousness is not obliged to constantly control inhalation and exhalation.
The miracle of the respiratory system - video
The respiratory muscles help the lungs inhale and exhale air. They are located in two layers between adjacent ribs. The diaphragm plays an important role in the breathing process. This large muscle is stretched with tendons at the border of the chest and abdominal cavity. In exceptional cases, breathing difficulties alert the muscles of the neck, back and chest.
Muscles help the breathing process Lung diseases are very diverse. They can affect all parts of the organ, including the alveoli, bronchial tree and vasculature. The reasons may also be different. Each ailment has been studied in detail by modern medicine, and effective treatment methods have been developed.
Classification of pulmonary diseases
There are several types of pulmonary diseases:
- Based on the time of onset of the first symptoms, several types of pulmonary diseases are distinguished:
- congenital;
- purchased.
- Based on the nature of the cause, they are distinguished:
- According to localization they distinguish:
- bronchial diseases - bronchitis, bronchial asthma;
- diseases of the lung tissue - pneumonia, alveolitis;
- pathology of the pulmonary vessels - and embolism.
- Based on the predominance of certain symptoms, they are distinguished:
- According to the type of pulmonary disease, they are distinguished:
- acute diseases. Such pathologies lead to recovery after some time;
- chronic diseases. These ailments occur with a series of exacerbation and subsidence of symptoms.
- According to the degree of distribution, they are distinguished:
Causes and development factors
Twentieth-century medicine achieved its greatest successes in the study of hereditary diseases. Decoding human genes has made it possible to find out the exact causes of many rare diseases. Each gene is responsible for its own area of activity not only of the lungs, but of the entire organism. Any deviation from the norm leads to changes of varying severity. The child receives the defective gene at the time of conception from the mother or father. The disease can be hidden for a long time. A typical example is cystic fibrosis. The gene defect leads to the formation of excessively viscous sputum and ongoing inflammation of the bronchi and lung tissue.
DNA contains all hereditary information Cystic fibrosis - video
Infectious diseases of the bronchi and lungs are more common. The reason is pathogenic microorganisms: bacteria and viruses. In response to their penetration, a typical reaction occurs in the form of inflammation. The immune system sends white blood cells called leukocytes to fight infection. One of the varieties - neutrophils - is able to specifically absorb and digest microbes. The other - lymphocytes - produces specific antibody proteins against the pathogen. In this scenario, inflammation of the bronchi and lungs occurs. An excessive immune reaction leads to purulent complications. A typical example is a lung abscess. At the site of the inflammatory focus, a cavity appears filled with purulent contents. Some types of microbes cause special illnesses - for example, tuberculosis. Parts of the lung die and cavities appear in their place.
Lung abscess is the result of prolonged inflammation Tuberculosis - video
The body's own immune system can cause lung disease. White blood cells and antibodies that are supposed to protect lung tissue begin to behave aggressively towards it. The result is inflammation. The target most often is not the bronchi and alveoli themselves, but the connective tissue between them. This disease continues throughout life with varying degrees of success. Unfortunately, the lungs are not the only target of the immune system. The whole organism is usually involved in the process. This scenario is typical for systemic lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis, and systemic scleroderma.
Systemic lupus erythematosus affects multiple organs Sarcoidosis - video
Allergy is another mechanism for the development of pulmonary diseases, in particular bronchial asthma. For unknown reasons, the body reacts negatively to many common things - pollen from flowers and trees, pet hair, exotic spices and ordinary food products. An allergic reaction narrows the bronchi and produces viscous mucus in the lungs. In mild cases, asthma leads to difficulty breathing, in severe cases it leads to asthma attacks. Modern medicine, as we study the immune nature of the disease, is developing new effective methods for treating asthma.
Bronchial asthma is an allergic disease Bronchial asthma - video
Among occupational diseases, lung pathologies occupy an honorable first place. These ailments have been known since time immemorial. They only affect workers employed in hazardous industries - cement factories, mining operations. Inhaled dust settles in the bronchi and alveoli and leads to inflammation. The process is usually long-term and continues throughout life with a tendency to worsen the situation.
Malignant neoplasm is another typical case of pulmonary disease. A tumor begins with one altered cell, which genes dictate the need to multiply and spread throughout the body. The tumor can grow from the bronchi and alveoli. The tumor rarely stays in one place. Over time, malignant cells appear in the lymph nodes and other organs. Smoking significantly increases the risk of lung cancer.
Lung cancer develops from the bronchi and alveoli Lung cancer - video
Vascular lung diseases stand apart from other ailments. Blockage of blood vessels leads to the death of a section of the lung - a heart attack. The cause, as a rule, forms far from the lungs, in the veins of the lower extremities. Varicose veins lead to the formation of blood clots. Their journey through the vascular system is a matter of time. At the site of the heart attack, a focus of inflammation appears - infarction pneumonia. Hemoptysis is a characteristic feature of vascular pulmonary diseases.
Blood clots with pulmonary embolism most often form in the veins of the legs Pulmonary embolism - video
Symptoms and signs of lung diseases
Lung diseases are usually accompanied by the appearance of several typical symptoms. Their close relationship is determined by the specific mechanism of disease development. Inflammation has several typical features, just like allergic, immune and malignant diseases.
Symptoms of pulmonary diseases - table
| Type of pulmonary disease | Symptoms and signs of the disease | Examples of pulmonary diseases |
| Hereditary lung diseases |
|
|
| Inflammatory diseases bronchi and lungs |
|
|
| Allergic diseases |
|
|
| Immune diseases |
|
|
| Occupational diseases |
|
|
| Vascular diseases |
| Thromboembolism pulmonary artery |
Symptoms of lung diseases - photo gallery
With pulmonary diseases, the shape of the fingers and nails changes 
Cyanosis of the lips is common in pulmonary diseases 
The orthopneic position facilitates exhalation
Diagnosis of pulmonary diseases
Methods for recognizing pulmonary diseases have been improved over two thousand years. Modern specialists use both long-known methods and more complex technologies:
- external examination is the event from which the diagnosis of any disease begins. The specialist first of all pays attention to the degree of physical development, the color of the skin, the shape of the fingers and nails;
- listening to the lungs using a phonendoscope - auscultation - is a time-tested diagnostic method. Using the instrument, you can hear a change in the standard sound produced by the lungs when breathing. Unusually weak or strong intensity, the appearance of wheezing are signs of inflammation;
Phlegm is the cause of wheezing in the lungs - A blood test is the standard diagnostic method. The information that a specialist receives has its value depending on the specific case. Inflammatory diseases are most clearly reflected in the composition of the blood. An excess of white blood cells, an increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are typical changes in purulent and infectious diseases;
- The lungs are an ideal object for X-ray research. Pictures from different angles perfectly reveal bronchitis, pneumonia, pulmonary infarction, tumors;
- For a more detailed study of the lungs, two modern methods are used - computer and magnetic resonance imaging. They are perfect for studying the anatomy of an organ, diagnosing tumors, abscesses, tuberculosis, heart attacks and pneumonia. Adding a contrast agent before shooting allows you to see the blood vessels of the lungs and find out the cause of their blockage. The main difference between CT and MRI methods is the presence of x-ray load in the first case;
Tomography is a method for detailed diagnosis of lung diseases - Sputum examination is an important diagnostic method. Its composition can tell a specialist a lot. Studying sputum under a microscope and detecting bacteria in it allows us to determine the cause of the disease - allergies, inflammation, oncology;
- in doubtful cases, to confirm the diagnosis, a section of the lung is taken using video thoracoscopy through a small puncture using a video camera and a special instrument;
Videothoracoscopy - a modern diagnostic method - In many cases, a biopsy makes the diagnosis definitive. Examination of the stained area of the lung under a microscope allows us to draw a conclusion about the nature of the disease. The method is often used to diagnose tumors, sarcoidosis, and systemic immune diseases.
Biopsy is a method for diagnosing many pulmonary diseases
Treatment and prognosis of certain pulmonary diseases
Lung diseases are extremely diverse. Treatment methods depend on the specific disease. With the help of therapeutic measures, in many cases it is possible to achieve complete recovery, in others - transferring the disease into remission.
Selected pulmonary diseases - table
| Type of disease | Cause of the disease | Treatment methods | Examples of medicines | Forecast |
| Acute bronchitis | Infectious inflammation of the bronchi |
|
| Recovery |
| Pneumonia | Infectious inflammation of the alveoli |
|
| Recovery |
| Bronchial asthma | Allergic bronchospasm |
|
| Chronic disease |
| Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease | Chronic inflammation of the bronchi |
|
| Chronic disease |
| Bronchiectasis |
|
|
| Chronic disease |
| Cystic fibrosis |
|
|
| Chronic disease |
| Pulmonary embolism | Blockage of a vessel by a thrombus |
|
|
|
| Lung cancer | Genetic cell damage | Antitumor drugs |
| The prognosis depends on the stage of the disease and treatment measures |
| Pleurisy | Inflammation of the outer lining of the lungs |
|
| The prognosis depends on the type of disease |
| Pneumoconiosis | Inflammatory reaction to cement, asbestos, silicate dust |
|
| Chronic disease |
Medicines for the treatment of pulmonary diseases - photo gallery
Ceftriaxone is a broad-spectrum antibiotic 
Erespal - anti-inflammatory drug 
Ambrobene - expectorant drug 
Formoterol - a drug for the treatment of bronchial asthma 
Seretide is a hormonal drug 
Avelox contains moxifloxacin 
Augmentin - combination antibiotic 
Bromhexine is used as an expectorant
Complications of pulmonary diseases
Lung diseases can lead to typical complications:
- pulmonary hemorrhage;
- acute respiratory failure;
- chronic respiratory failure;
- infectious-toxic shock;
- lethal outcome.
Prevention
Prevention of pulmonary diseases includes the following measures:
Lung diseases are extremely diverse in their causes, manifestations and outcomes. In any case, you must consult a doctor promptly. A high-quality comprehensive examination will help a specialist correctly establish a diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment.
/ 28.02.2018
Lung diseases and their symptoms. Signs, classification and prevention of major lung diseases.
Lung diseases in humans are considered one of the most dangerous (after heart diseases). The list of them is quite long, but the frequency of occurrence and the danger to life of the diseases are not the same. At the same time, every competent person who treats himself with care should be aware of all possible ailments and their manifestations. After all, as you know, early access to a doctor greatly increases the chances of a successful outcome of treatment.
The most common lung diseases in humans: list, symptoms, prognosis
People often confuse common diseases of the respiratory system with those that are specific to the lungs. In principle, there is nothing wrong with this if the patient does not try to cure himself, but clarifies the diagnosis with a doctor who can accurately determine the type of lung disease in a person. The list of the most “popular” of them includes:
- Pleurisy. Most often caused by a viral infection. One of the few pulmonary diseases accompanied by pain. As you know, there are no nerve endings in the lungs themselves, and they cannot hurt. Unpleasant sensations are caused by friction of the pleura. In mild forms, pleurisy goes away on its own, but it doesn’t hurt to see a doctor.
- Pneumonia. It often begins as pleurisy, but is much more dangerous. A deep cough is very painful. Treatment must be professional, otherwise it will be fatal.
- Signs: shortness of breath, chest swelling, box sounds, weak breathing. Primary is eliminated by breathing exercises and oxygen therapy. Secondary requires long-term medical or even surgical intervention.
- Tuberculosis. Everything is clear here: only medical supervision, long-term treatment and antibiotics.
- Tumors, including the second disease, accompanied by pain. Forecasts are usually pessimistic.
If we talk about lung diseases in humans, the list, of course, is not limited to this list. However, the rest are much rarer and often difficult to diagnose.
What do we pay attention to?
There are a number of signs that appear in almost any lung disease in humans. The list of symptoms can be presented as follows:
- Cough. Depending on the disease, it can be either dry or wet, painless or accompanied by pain.
- Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth.
- Snoring - if you haven't suffered from it before.
- Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or, in some cases, suffocation. Any changes in the rhythm or depth of breathing are a signal to immediately visit the clinic.
- Chest pain is usually caused by heart problems. But pulmonary diseases can also cause it in the above cases.
- Lack of oxygen, up to pale and blue skin, fainting and convulsions.
All these signs strongly suggest that a visit to the doctor cannot be postponed. He will make a diagnosis after listening, additional tests, and maybe an x-ray.
Rare but dangerous
A few words should be said about such a human lung disease as pneumothorax. Even experienced doctors often forget about it, but it can manifest itself even in a completely healthy and young person. Pneumothorax is caused by the rupture of a small bubble in the lungs, which leads to their collapse, that is, deairing. Manifested by shortness of breath and sharp pain; if urgent measures are not taken, it leads to the adhesion of part of the lung, and often death.
Pneumothorax is more often observed in patients with emphysema, but can also occur in a person who has never suffered from pulmonary diseases.
Specific diseases
Some lung diseases are caused by a person's chosen profession. Thus, chronic pulmonary obstruction or silicosis is typical for workers in the chemical industry, and pulmonary barotrauma is typical for divers. However, people are usually warned about the possibility of such diseases, pay enough attention to prevention and undergo regular medical examinations.
Lung diseases - symptoms and treatment.
Pulmonary embolism causes a blood clot to become lodged in the lungs. In most cases, embolisms are not fatal, but the clot can damage the lungs. Symptoms: sudden shortness of breath, sharp chest pain when taking a deep breath, pink, foamy cough discharge, acute feeling of fear, weakness, slow heartbeat.
Pneumothorax This is an air leak in the chest. It creates pressure in the chest. A simple pneumothorax can be treated quickly, but if you wait several days, surgery will be needed to unload the lungs. Those affected by this disease experience sudden and sharp pain on one side of the lungs and a fast heart rate.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
COPD is a mixture of two different diseases: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Narrowing of the airways makes breathing difficult. The first symptoms of the disease: rapid fatigue after light work, even moderate exercise makes breathing difficult. You feel cold in your chest, the expectoration becomes yellow or greenish in color, and weight loss is uncontrollable. Bending over to put on your shoes reveals a lack of air to breathe. The causes of chronic disease are smoking and protein deficiency.Bronchitis is an inflammation of the mucous tissue that covers the bronchi. Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial epithelium caused by an infection or virus. Bronchitis One of the common symptoms of bronchitis is a cough, an increase in the amount of mucus in the bronchi. Other common symptoms are sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, mild fever, fatigue. In acute bronchitis, it is important to drink expectorants. They remove mucus from the lungs and reduce inflammation.
The first sign of chronic bronchitis is a lingering cough. If the cough persists for about 3 or more months a year over the course of two years, doctors determine that the patient has chronic bronchitis. In the case of chronic bacterial bronchitis, the cough lasts longer than 8 weeks with copious discharge of yellow mucus.
Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease. The cause of the disease is the entry of digestive fluid, sweat and mucus into the lungs through the producing cells. This is a disease not only of the lungs, but also of pancreatic dysfunction. Fluids accumulate in the lungs and create an environment for bacteria to grow. One of the first obvious signs of illness is a salty taste to the skin.
Prolonged constant cough, breathing with a sound like a whistle, acute pain during inspiration - first signs of pleurisy, inflammation of the pleura. The pleura is the covering of the chest cavity. Symptoms include dry cough, fever, chills, and severe chest pain.
Asbestos is a group of minerals. During operation, products containing fine asbestos fibers are released into the air. These fibers accumulate in the lungs. Asbestosis causes difficulty breathing, pneumonia, cough, lung cancer.
Research shows that exposure to asbestos causes the development of other types of cancer: gastrointestinal, kidney, bladder, gall bladder, and throat cancers. If a production worker notices a cough that does not go away for a long time, chest pain, poor appetite, and a dry sound like a cracking sound comes out of his lungs when breathing, you should definitely do fluorography and consult a pulmonologist.
Cause of pneumonia is a lung infection. Symptoms: fever and breathing with great difficulty. Treatment of patients with pneumonia lasts from 2 to 3 weeks. The risk of developing the disease increases after the flu or cold. It is difficult for the body to fight infection and lung diseases when weakened after illness.
As a result of fluorography nodules detected? Don't panic. Whether it is cancer or not will be revealed by subsequent thorough diagnostics. This is a complex process. Has one or several nodules formed? Is its diameter greater than 4 cm? Does it adhere to the walls of the chest, or the muscles of the ribs? These are the main questions that the doctor should find out before deciding on surgery. The patient's age, smoking history, and in some cases additional diagnostics are assessed. Observation of the nodule continues for 3 months. Often unnecessary operations are performed due to patient panic. A non-cancerous cyst in the lungs can resolve with the right medication.
Pleural effusion This is an abnormal increase in the amount of fluid around the lungs. May be the result of many diseases. Not dangerous. Pleural effusions fall into two main categories: uncomplicated and complex.
The cause of uncomplicated pleural effusion: the amount of fluid in the pleura is slightly greater than the required amount. This illness can cause symptoms of a wet cough and chest pain. A neglected, simple pleural effusion can develop into a complex one. In the fluid accumulated in the pleura, bacteria and infections begin to multiply, and a focus of inflammation appears. If left untreated, the disease can create a ring around the lungs, the fluid eventually turning into astringent mucus. The type of pleural effusion can only be diagnosed from a fluid sample taken from the pleura.
Tuberculosis affects any organ of the body, but pulmonary tuberculosis is dangerous because it is transmitted by airborne droplets. If the tuberculosis bacterium is active, it causes tissue death in the organ. Active tuberculosis can be fatal. Therefore, the goal of treatment is to remove tuberculosis infection from an open form to a closed form. It is possible to cure tuberculosis. You need to take the disease seriously, take medications and attend procedures. Do not use drugs under any circumstances, lead a healthy lifestyle.
Various lung diseases are quite common in human daily life. Most of the classified illnesses have severe symptoms of acute lung disease in humans and, if not treated correctly, can lead to bad consequences. Pulmonology deals with the study of diseases.
Causes and signs of lung diseases
To determine the cause of any disease, you should contact a qualified specialist (pulmonologist), who will conduct thorough research and make a diagnosis.
Lung diseases are quite difficult to diagnose, so you need to undergo the entire list of recommended tests.
But there are common factors that can cause acute pulmonary infection:
There are a large number of objective signs characterizing lung disease. Their main symptoms:
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Alveoli, the so-called air sacs, are the main functional ones. When the alveoli are damaged, individual lung pathologies are classified:
Diseases affecting the pleura and chest
The pleura is the thin sac that contains the lungs. When it is damaged, the following respiratory diseases occur:
Blood vessels are known to carry oxygen, and their disruption causes chest diseases:
- . Violation of pressure in the pulmonary arteries gradually leads to the destruction of the organ and the appearance of primary signs of the disease.
- Pulmonary embolism. Often occurs with vein thrombosis, when a blood clot enters the lungs and blocks the supply of oxygen to the heart. This disease is characterized by sudden bleeding in the brain and death.
For constant pain in the chest, the following diseases are distinguished:
Hereditary and bronchopulmonary diseases
Hereditary respiratory diseases are transmitted from parents to child and can have several types. Basic:
The basis of diseases of the bronchopulmonary system is an acute respiratory infection. Most often, bronchopulmonary infectious diseases are characterized by mild malaise, gradually developing into an acute infection in both lungs.
Bronchopulmonary inflammatory diseases are caused by viral microorganisms. They affect the respiratory system and mucous membranes. Improper treatment can lead to the development of complications and the occurrence of more dangerous bronchopulmonary diseases.
The symptoms of a respiratory infection are very similar to the common cold, caused by viral bacteria. Infectious lung diseases develop very quickly and are of bacterial origin. These include:
- pneumonia;
- bronchitis;
- asthma;
- tuberculosis;
- respiratory allergies;
- pleurisy;
- respiratory failure.
Infection in inflamed lungs develops rapidly. To avoid complications, a full range of treatment and prevention should be carried out.
Chest diseases such as pneumothorax, asphyxia, and physical causes severe pain and can cause breathing and lung problems. Here you need to apply an individual treatment regimen, which has a sequence-related nature.
Suppurative diseases
Due to the increase in purulent diseases, the percentage of suppurative inflammations causing problems with damaged lungs has increased. Pulmonary purulent infection affects a significant part of the organ and can lead to serious complications. There are three main types of this pathology:
- X-ray;
- fluorography;
- general blood test;
- tomography;
- bronchography;
- testing for infections.
After all the studies, the doctor must determine an individual treatment plan, necessary procedures and antibacterial therapy. It should be remembered that only strict adherence to all recommendations will lead to a quick recovery.
Compliance with preventive measures for lung diseases significantly reduces the risk of their occurrence. To exclude respiratory diseases, you should follow simple rules:
- maintaining a healthy lifestyle;
- absence of bad habits;
- moderate physical activity;
- hardening of the body;
- annual vacation on the seaside;
- regular visits to a pulmonologist.
Every person should know the manifestations of the above diseases in order to quickly identify the symptoms of an incipient respiratory disease, and then seek qualified help in time, because health is one of the most valuable attributes of life!
The lungs are the main organ of the human respiratory system and consist of the pleura, bronchi and alveoli united into acini. In this organ, gas exchange of the body takes place: carbon dioxide, unsuitable for its vital functions, passes from the blood into the air, and oxygen received from the outside is carried through the bloodstream throughout all systems of the body. The basic function of the lungs may be impaired due to the development of any disease of the respiratory system or as a result of their damage (wound, accident, etc.). Lung diseases include: pneumonia, abscess, emphysema,.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is a lung disease associated with inflammation of the bronchi, the constituent elements of the pulmonary bronchial tree. Most often, the cause of the development of such inflammation is the penetration of a viral or bacterial infection into the body, lack of proper attention to throat diseases, and the ingestion of large amounts of dust and smoke into the lungs. For most people, bronchitis does not pose a serious danger; complications of the disease usually develop in smokers (even passive smokers), people with weakened immune systems, chronic heart and lung diseases, the elderly and young children.
The clinical picture of incipient acute bronchitis coincides with the clinical picture of a common cold. The first thing that appears is a cough, first dry, then with sputum. An increase in temperature may also occur. If left untreated, the inflammation can spread to the entire lung and cause pneumonia. Treatment of acute bronchitis is carried out with the use of anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drugs, expectorants, and drinking plenty of fluids. If the cause of the disease is a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. Chronic bronchitis does not develop against the background of an incompletely cured acute form, as is the case with many diseases. Its cause may be prolonged irritation of the bronchi by smoke or chemicals. This pathology occurs in smokers or people working in hazardous industries. The main symptom of chronic bronchitis is a cough with sputum. The elimination of the disease is facilitated by changing lifestyle, quitting smoking, and ventilating the work area. To get rid of symptoms, bronchodilators are prescribed - special drugs that help expand the airways and make breathing easier by inhalation. During exacerbation, treatment with antibiotics or corticosteroids is recommended.
Alveolitis
Alveolitis is an inflammation of lung tissue with its subsequent degeneration into connective tissue. This disease should not be confused with alveolitis, which occurs after poor-quality tooth extraction. The main cause of the development of the inflammatory process in the lungs can be: allergies, infections, inhalation of toxic substances. The disease can be recognized by such signs as: headache and muscle pain, fever, aching bones, chills, shortness of breath, cough. Lack of treatment for pulmonary alveolitis leads to the development of respiratory failure. Measures to eliminate the main signs of the disease depend on the cause of its occurrence. In case of allergic alveolitis, the patient’s interaction with the allergen should be excluded and an antiallergic drug should be taken. At elevated temperatures, it is recommended to take antipyretics; in case of severe cough, antitussives and expectorants. Quitting cigarettes promotes rapid recovery.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that occurs independently or as a complication of certain diseases of the respiratory system. Some types of pneumonia do not pose a danger to humans, while other types can be fatal. Lung infection is most dangerous for newborns due to their still immature immunity. The main symptoms of the disease are: high fever, chills, chest pain that gets worse with a deep breath, dry cough, blue lips, headaches, excessive sweating. The most common complications of pneumonia include: inflammation of the lining of the lungs (pleurisy), abscess, difficulty breathing, pulmonary edema. Diagnosis of the disease is based on the results of a chest x-ray and blood test. Treatment can be prescribed only after its causative agent has been identified. Depending on what caused the pneumonia (fungus or virus), antifungal or antibacterial drugs are prescribed. In case of extreme heat, it is recommended to take antipyretic drugs (no more than three days in a row). Respiratory failure developing as a result of an infectious lesion of the lungs requires oxygen therapy.
Lung abscess
An abscess is an inflammation of a separate area of the lung with the accumulation of a certain amount of pus in it. The accumulation of pus in the lung in most cases is observed against the background of the development of pneumonia. Predisposing factors may be: smoking, alcohol abuse, taking certain medications, tuberculosis, drug addiction. Signs of the development of the disease are: severe cough, chills, nausea, fever, sputum with minor blood. The fever that occurs with a lung abscess usually cannot be relieved with conventional antipyretics. The disease requires treatment with large doses of antibiotics, since the drug must penetrate not just into the body, but also into the very source of inflammation and destroy its main pathogen. In some cases, drainage of the abscess is required, that is, removal of pus from it using a special syringe needle inserted into the lung through the chest. If all measures to eliminate the disease have not brought the desired result, the abscess is removed surgically.
Emphysema
Pulmonary emphysema is a chronic disease associated with impairment of the basic function of the lungs. The cause of the development of this pathology is chronic bronchitis, which results in disruption of the processes of breathing and gas exchange in the human lungs. The main symptoms of the disease: difficulty breathing or its complete impossibility, blue discoloration of the skin, shortness of breath, widening of the intercostal spaces and supraclavicular area. Emphysema develops slowly, and at first its symptoms are almost invisible. Shortness of breath usually occurs only in the presence of excessive physical exertion, as the disease progresses, this symptom is observed more and more often, then it begins to bother the patient, even when he is in a state of complete rest. The result of the development of emphysema is disability. Therefore, it is very important to start treatment at the initial stage of the disease. In most cases, patients are prescribed antibiotics, drugs that dilate the bronchi and have an expectorant effect, breathing exercises, and oxygen therapy. Full recovery is possible only if you follow all the doctor’s instructions and stop smoking.
Pulmonary tuberculosis
Pulmonary tuberculosis is a disease caused by a specific microorganism - Koch's bacillus, which enters the lungs along with the air containing it. Infection occurs through direct contact with a carrier of the disease. There are open and closed forms of tuberculosis. The second occurs most often. The open form of tuberculosis means that the carrier of the disease is able to excrete its pathogen along with sputum and transmit it to other people. With closed tuberculosis, a person is a carrier of the infection, but is not able to transmit it to others. The signs of this form of tuberculosis are usually very vague. In the first months from the onset of infection, the infection does not manifest itself in any way; much later, general weakness of the body, fever, and weight loss may appear. Treatment for tuberculosis should be started as early as possible. This is the key to saving a person’s life. To achieve optimal results, treatment is carried out using several anti-tuberculosis drugs at once. Its goal in this case is the complete destruction of the Koch bacillus present in the patient’s body. The most commonly prescribed drugs are ethambutol, isoniazid, and rifampicin. Throughout the entire period of treatment, the patient is in an inpatient setting at a specialized department of a medical clinic.
Diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract are the third most common in the world. And in the future they may become even more common. Lung diseases are second only to cardiovascular diseases and liver pathologies, which affect every fifth person.
Lung diseases are a common occurrence in the modern world, perhaps this is caused by the unstable environmental situation on the planet or by modern people’s excessive passion for smoking. In any case, pathological phenomena in the lungs must be combated as soon as the first symptoms of the disease appear.
Modern medicine copes very well with pathological processes in the human lungs, the list of which is quite large. What types of lung diseases are there, their symptoms, as well as ways to eliminate them, today we will try to look at them together.
So, a person has lung diseases of varying severity and intensity of manifestation. Among the most common are the following:
- alveolitis;
- asphyxia;
- bronchitis;
- bronchial asthma;
- pulmonary atelectasis;
- bronchiolitis;
- neoplasms in the lungs;
- bronchiectasis;
- hyperventilation;
- histoplasmosis;
- hypoxia;
- pulmonary hypertension;
- pleurisy;
- chronic obstructive disease (COPD);
- pneumonia;
- sarcoidosis;
- tuberculosis;
- pneumothorax;
- silicosis
- apnea syndrome.
For most uninformed people without medical education, a list of such names means nothing. To understand what exactly this or that lung disease means, let’s consider them separately.
Alveolitis is a disease that consists of inflammation of the pulmonary vesicles - the alveoli. In the process of inflammation, fibrosis of lung tissue begins.
Asphyxia can be recognized by a characteristic attack of suffocation; oxygen stops entering the blood and the amount of carbon dioxide increases. Atelectasis is the collapse of a certain part of the lung, into which air ceases to flow and the organ dies.
Chronic lung disease - bronchial asthma - has become very common lately. This disease is characterized by frequent attacks of suffocation, which can vary in intensity and duration.
As a result of a bacterial or viral infection, the walls of the bronchioles become inflamed, and signs of a disease called bronchiolitis appear. In the case of inflammation of the bronchi, bronchitis appears.
Bronchospasm manifests itself in the form of frequent muscle contractions, as a result of which the lumen significantly narrows, causing difficulties in the entry and exit of air. If the lumen in the vessels of the lungs narrows gradually, then the pressure in them increases significantly, which causes dysfunction in the right chamber of the heart.
Bronchiectasis is characterized by constant dilation of the bronchi, which is irreversible. A feature of the disease is the accumulation of pus and sputum in the lungs.
Sometimes the mucous membrane of the lungs - the pleura - becomes inflamed, and a certain plaque forms on it. Such problems of the respiratory organs are called pleurisy in medicine. If the lung tissue itself becomes inflamed, pneumonia occurs.
In cases where a certain amount of air accumulates in the pleural area of the lung, pneumothorax begins.
Hyperventilation is a pathology that can be congenital or occur after a chest injury. It manifests itself in the form of rapid breathing at rest.
The causes of hypoxia can be different, ranging from injuries to nervous tension. This disease is characterized by obvious oxygen starvation.
Tuberculosis and sarcoidosis
Tuberculosis can deservedly be called a modern plague, because every year this disease affects more and more people, as it is very contagious and transmitted by airborne droplets. The causative agent of this disease is Koch's bacillus, which can be treated with constant exposure to drugs on the body.
Among the pulmonary diseases that still have unclear causes of formation, sarcoidosis can be noted. This disease is characterized by the appearance of small nodules on the organ. Often, cysts and tumors form on these paired organs, which must be removed surgically.
Fungal infections of the lungs are called histoplasmosis. Fungal infections of the lungs are dangerous diseases; they can be caught by constantly being in damp, unventilated areas. If a person’s living or working conditions are associated with dusty rooms, then an occupational disease called silicosis may develop. Apnea syndrome is an unjustified cessation of breathing.
The chronic form can develop in each of the above diseases. The main provoking factor is ignoring the signs of the disease and lack of qualified help.
Symptoms of respiratory tract diseases
The above lung diseases have their own characteristics and manifestation patterns, but there are a number of symptoms that are characteristic of all diseases of the respiratory system. Their symptoms are quite similar, but they can have different intensity and duration of manifestation. Typical symptoms include:
- attacks of suffocation accompanied by coughing;
- weight loss;
- loss of appetite;
- expectoration of pus and sputum;
- spasms in the sternum;
- increased temperature, chills and fever;
- dizziness;
- decreased performance and weakness;
- increased sweating;
- whistling and wheezing in the chest;
- frequent shortness of breath;
Treatment regimens for lung disease itself and its symptoms are selected only by a qualified doctor based on examinations and test results.
Some people try to treat themselves, but this is not worth doing, because you can cause a number of serious complications, which will be much more difficult to get rid of than the original illness.
Treatment and prevention
In most cases, antibacterial, antiviral and restorative therapy is prescribed to eliminate respiratory tract diseases. To combat coughs, antitussive expectorants are used, and painkillers and antispasms are prescribed to reduce pain. The selection of drugs is carried out taking into account the age, weight and complexity of the patient’s disease. In the most severe cases, surgery is prescribed with further chemotherapy in the case of oncology, physiotherapeutic and health resort treatment.
There are many reasons for the development of respiratory tract diseases, but prevention will help prevent lung diseases. Try to spend more time in the fresh air, stop smoking, pay attention to the cleanliness of the room you are in, because it is the dust and mites living in them that provoke spasms and attacks of suffocation. Eliminate allergic foods from your diet and avoid breathing chemical fumes that may come from powders and cleaning products. By following these simple rules, you may be able to avoid diseases that can affect the lungs and respiratory tract. Don't neglect your health, because it is the most valuable thing you have. At the first signs of lung disease, immediately contact an allergist, therapist or pulmonologist.
