Breathing is one of the most important and most basic processes that determines
Are we even alive, writes KhmerLoad. With every breath your lungs
saturate the body with oxygen, and with each exhalation they remove excess
carbon dioxide.

There are no nerve endings in the lungs, so, unlike other organs, they cannot hurt, warning us of impending problems.

Therefore, we notice that something is wrong with them only when they begin to act up, making it difficult for us to breathe. This is why chronic lung diseases and the development of serious ailments such as bronchitis, tuberculosis, emphysema, and cystic fibrosis are so common.

They are caused by smoking, viral infections, toxic fumes, dust and smoke. Air pollution and prolonged exposure to closed office spaces also contribute.

So pay attention to these 8 symptoms that warn you of impending lung problems—or that they need immediate treatment!

1. Shortness of breath:

If you experience shortness of breath even during normal daily activities, this is the first sign that something is wrong with your lungs. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing occurs when your lungs have to work harder than usual. It may also occur due to a blockage in the airway.

When you experience shortness of breath, don't ignore it or blame it on your age. You should consult a doctor immediately.

2. Persistent cough:

Coughing helps protect the airways from irritants from the atmosphere and helps clear mucus from the airways. However, a chronic cough is an indicator that your lungs are not functioning properly. In fact, one of the first signs of unhealthy lungs is usually a persistent cough that doesn't improve even after you take medication.

If you cough for quite a long time and for no apparent reason, consult a doctor. If the problem is mucus buildup, drinking more water will help thin it out and make it easier to remove from your body.

3. Mucus accumulation:

Coughing usually goes hand in hand with mucus production. Mucus helps bind and remove germs, dirt, pollen and bacteria in your lungs. However, this is not a good sign unless the increase in mucus is associated with a cold or other common illness.

You may also notice a change in the color, odor, or thickness of the mucus. If it turns yellow, green, or contains blood, this is a clear sign of problems with your lungs.

Blood in mucus may be a sign of emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or lung cancer.

4. Wheezing and whistling:

A wheezing sound from your lungs is a sign that your airways are narrowing. Because of this narrowing, air does not move through as quickly as it should, resulting in wheezing.

Constant wheezing can be a sign of asthma, emphysema, or even lung cancer. Therefore, if you experience wheezing, it is better to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

5. Swelling in the lower body:

Oddly enough, swelling and pain in the legs may indicate some problem in the lungs.

When your lungs are not functioning properly, your circulatory system does not receive enough oxygen to maintain health and circulate fluids throughout your body. This can lead to swelling and swollen ankles and feet.

Additionally, due to poorly functioning lungs, your heart cannot pump enough blood to your kidneys and liver. These organs will then not be able to properly flush out toxins and remove excess fluids from your body. This also leads to swelling.

6. Morning headaches:

If you regularly start waking up with headaches or dizziness, you need to see a doctor.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can cause a dull, throbbing headache upon waking. This happens because you don't breathe deeply enough during sleep, accumulating carbon dioxide in your body. This buildup causes blood vessels in the brain to dilate, resulting in a throbbing headache.

7. Chronic fatigue:

When your lungs don't work well, you get tired much faster than before. If your lungs don't oxygenate your body enough, your other systems will also suffer and this can negatively impact your energy levels.

8. Sleep problems:

If you find it difficult to sleep lying down due to difficulty breathing, or if sleeping in a chair is more comfortable, then it probably has something to do with your lungs. You need to sleep lying down, this way you force your lungs to work harder. This affects the quality of your sleep and your mental and physical health.

If you regularly wake up at night with shortness of breath or coughing, be sure to consult your doctor.

Here are some more essential tips to keep your lungs healthy:

• Quit smoking. Pollutants and smoke affect your lung health and increase your risk of lung disease and cancer.
• Avoid secondhand smoke. It is also very toxic and harmful to your lungs.
• Avoid exposure to heavily polluted and industrial areas. If necessary, wear a mask to prevent inhalation of irritants.
• Add indoor plants to improve the air quality in your home.
• Do exercises daily to increase your lung capacity.
• Eat well and remember to detoxify your body and load it with antioxidants.

Lesions of the human pulmonary system go far beyond the limited spectrum that is considered critical. So, many people know what pneumonia or tuberculosis is, but they may hear about such a deadly disease as pneumothorax for the first time in the doctor’s office.

Each section of the respiratory apparatus, and in particular the lungs, is important for its irreplaceable functionality, and the loss of one of the functions is an irreparable disruption in the operation of the entire complex mechanism.

How do lung diseases occur?

In the modern world, it is customary to open the list of lung diseases in humans with a long list of vices acquired due to poor environmental conditions. However, it would be more appropriate to place congenital pathologies in first place among the causes. The most severe lung diseases fall specifically into the category of developmental anomalies:

• cystic formations;
• additional pulmonary lobe;
• "mirror lung"

Next in line are diseases not related to the patient’s living conditions. These are genetic lesions, that is, inherited. Distorted chromosomal code becomes a frequent culprit of such anomalies. An example of such a congenital anlage is considered to be a pulmonary hamartoma, the causes of which are still the subject of debate. Although one of the leading reasons is still called the weak immune defense that is formed in the child in the womb.

Further, the list of lung diseases in humans continues the list of acquired disorders that are formed through the penetration of pathogenic microflora into the body. First of all, the bronchi and trachea suffer from the activity of the bacterial culture. Inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia) develops against the background of a viral infection.

And the list of lung diseases in humans is completed by pathologies provoked by environmental conditions, environmental conditions or the patient’s lifestyle.

Lung diseases affecting the pleura

Paired organs - the lungs - are enclosed in a transparent membrane called the pleura. A special pleural fluid is placed between the layers of the pleura to facilitate the contractile movements of the lungs. There are a number of diseases that disrupt the distribution of lubricant in the pleural plane or are responsible for the entry of air into a sealed cavity:

1. Pneumothorax is a life-threatening disease, since the air leaving the lungs fills the voids in the chest and begins to compress the organs, limiting their contractility.
2. Pleural effusion, or otherwise the formation of fluid filling between the chest wall and the lung, prevents the full expansion of the organ.
3. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, often a late consequence of frequent contact of the respiratory system with asbestos dust.

Below we will consider one of the most common diseases of the pleura - pulmonary pleurisy. The symptoms and treatment of this pathology depend on the form in which it develops.

Pleurisy of the lungs

Factors provoking pleural inflammation are any conditions that contribute to incorrect functioning of the lungs. These may be protracted illnesses that cannot be treated or have not been treated:

• tuberculosis;
• pneumonia;
• colds;
• advanced rheumatism.

Sometimes pleurisy develops as a result of a heart attack or severe physical trauma to the sternum, especially if the patient has had a rib fracture. A special place is given to pleurisy that develops against the background of tumors.

Varieties of pleurisy determine two directions of development of pathology: exudative and dry. The first is characterized by a painless course, since the pleural cavity is filled with moisture, which conceals the discomfort. The only sign of illness will be pressure in the sternum, the inability to take a full breath without a feeling of tightness.

Dry pleurisy causes chest pain when inhaling or coughing. Sometimes discomfort and pain are transferred to the back and shoulders. The difference in the symptoms of two types of one disease is expressed by the presence or absence (as in this case) of liquid filling in the voids of the pleura. Moisture does not allow the sheets of the shell to rub together and cause pain, while a small amount of it is not able to form a sufficient barrier from friction.

As soon as the symptoms of pulmonary pleurisy are identified and the treatment of the underlying disease is prescribed, they begin to relieve the alarming consequences. So, to pump out excess fluid, which creates pressure on the organs and prevents full breathing, a puncture is used. The procedure has a double meaning - it restores the ability of the lungs to contract normally and provides material for laboratory analysis.

Lung diseases affecting the airways

Respiratory tract damage is diagnosed based on several indicators:

1. Shortness of breath, shortness of breath, or shallow, shallow breathing. In advanced forms of the disease, acute asphyxia is observed. All types of disorders in the functioning of the respiratory system are characterized by a disruption of the respiratory rhythm, which manifests itself in a painless or painful form.
2. Cough - wet or dry, with or without blood in the sputum. Based on its nature and the time of day when it manifests itself most strongly, the doctor can make a preliminary decision on the diagnosis, having only a package of primary studies.
3. Pain, varying in localization. When visiting a doctor for the first time, it is important to correctly assess the pain sensations that arise as sharp, pulling, pressing, sudden, etc.

The list of lung diseases in humans that reflect these symptoms includes:

1. All types of asthma - allergic, nervous, hereditary, caused by toxic poisoning.
2. COPD is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that underlies such pathologies as lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory failure. COPD is, in turn, divided into chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
3. Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary abnormality that prevents the regular removal of mucus from the bronchi.

Let us consider below the last disease on the list as the least known of those listed.

Cystic fibrosis of the lungs

Manifestations of cystic fibrosis are noticeable in the first year of a child’s life. Expressive signs are a cough with heavy discharge of thick, viscous mucus, lack of air (shortness of breath) with little physical effort, inability to digest fats, and retardation in height and weight relative to normal.

The origin of cystic fibrosis is blamed on a distortion of the seventh chromosome, and the hereditary transmission of the damaged gene is due to a high percentage (25%) when the pathology is diagnosed in two parents at once.

Treatment often involves relieving acute symptoms with a course of antibiotics and replenishing the enzyme composition of the pancreas. And measures to increase bronchial patency depend on the severity of the patient’s condition.

Lung diseases affecting the alveoli

The bulk of the lungs are made up of alveoli - air-saturated voluminous bags covered by a dense capillary network. Cases of fatal lung diseases in humans are usually associated with damage to the alveoli.

Among these diseases are:

• pneumonia (pneumonia) as a result of bacterial infection;
• tuberculosis;
• pulmonary edema caused by direct physical damage to the lung tissue or disruption of the myocardium;
• a tumor localized in any segment of the respiratory organ;
• pneumoconiosis, classified as an “occupational” disease and developing from irritation of the lungs by dust elements from cement, coal, asbestos, ammonia, etc.

Pneumonia is the most common lung disease.

Pneumonia

The main symptom of pneumonia in adults and children is a cough - dry or wet, as well as an increase in temperature in the range of 37.2 ° - 37.5 ° (with focal inflammation) and up to 39 ° C with a standard clinic.

The influence of pathogenic bacteria is called the main cause of pneumonia. A smaller percentage is attributed to the action of viruses and only 1-3% is attributed to fungal infections.

Infection with infectious agents occurs through airborne droplets or by transfer of the agent from the affected organ. The second situation often occurs with advanced caries.

Hospitalization for severe symptoms of pneumonia in adults occurs in severe cases; in milder forms of inflammation, the patient is prescribed home treatment with bed rest. The only effective method against pneumonia is broad-spectrum antibiotics. If the patient’s body does not have a positive reaction to the chosen remedy after three days, the doctor selects an antibiotic of a different group

Interstitial lung diseases

The interstitium is a kind of frame that supports the alveoli with almost invisible but durable tissue. During various inflammatory processes in the lungs, the interstitium thickens and becomes visible during hardware examination. Damage to the connective membrane is caused by various factors and can be of bacterial, viral, or fungal origin. Exposure to non-removable dust elements and medications cannot be ruled out.

Alveolitis

Idiopathic fibrosing alveolitis is a progressive disease affecting the alveoli through damage to the interstitium. The symptoms of diseases in this group are not always clear, as is the nature of the pathology. The patient suffers from shortness of breath and a dry, painful cough, then difficulties with breathing lead to the fact that the simplest physical efforts, such as climbing to the second floor, become impossible for the person. Treatment of idiopathic fibrosing alveolitis, up to complete reversibility of the disease, is possible in the first three months after the first signs appear and involves the use of glucocorticoids (drugs that relieve inflammation).

Chronic nonspecific lung diseases

This group includes various lesions of the respiratory organs of an acute and chronic nature, characterized by similar clinical manifestations.

The leading factor in nonspecific lung diseases is called negative environmental conditions, which include human inhalation of harmful chemical substances or nicotine tars when smoking.

Statistics distribute the ratio of cases of COPD between two main diseases - chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma - and attribute the percentage balance (about 5%) to other types of respiratory tract damage. In the absence of proper treatment, nonspecific pulmonary diseases progress to tuberculosis, cancer, pneumosclerosis, and chronic pneumonia.

There is no general systemic therapy for the treatment of COPD. Treatment is carried out based on the diagnostic results and involves the use of:

• antimicrobial agents;
• UV and microwave;
• bronchodilators;
• immunomodulators;
• glucocorticosteroids.

In some cases, for example, when acute and chronic lung abscess has developed, a decision is made to remove a section of the affected organ in order to stop further spread of the disease.

Prevention of lung diseases

The basis of measures to prevent the development of pulmonary diseases is an accessible diagnostic procedure - a fluorogram, which must be taken every year. It is equally important to monitor the health of the oral cavity and urinary system, as areas where infections are most often localized.

Any cough, difficulty breathing or a sharp increase in fatigue should be a reason to contact a therapist, and pain in the sternum, combined with any of these symptoms, is a good reason to make an appointment with a pulmonologist.

Lung diseases develop against the background of the penetration of pathogenic microbes into the body, often caused by smoking and alcoholism, poor ecology, and harmful production conditions. Most diseases have a pronounced clinical picture and require immediate treatment, otherwise irreversible processes begin to occur in the tissues, which can lead to severe complications and death.

Lung diseases require immediate treatment

Classification and list of lung diseases

Lung diseases are classified depending on the localization of the inflammatory, destructive process - pathologists can affect blood vessels, tissues, and spread to all respiratory organs. Diseases in which it is difficult for a person to take a full breath are called restrictive, while diseases in which it is difficult for a person to take a full breath are called obstructive.

According to the degree of damage, pulmonary diseases are local and diffuse, all respiratory diseases have an acute and chronic form, pulmonary pathologies are divided into congenital and acquired.

General signs of bronchopulmonary diseases:

1. Shortness of breath occurs not only during physical activity, but also at rest, against the background of stress; a similar symptom occurs with heart disease.
2. Cough is the main symptom of respiratory tract pathologies; it can be dry or wet, barking, paroxysmal, the sputum often contains a lot of mucus, inclusions of pus or blood.
3. A feeling of heaviness in the chest, pain when inhaling or exhaling.
4. Whistling, wheezing when breathing.
5. Fever, weakness, general malaise, loss of appetite.

Most of the problems associated with the respiratory system are combined diseases; several parts of the respiratory system are affected at once, which greatly complicates diagnosis and treatment.

A feeling of heaviness in the chest indicates lung disease

Pathologies that affect the respiratory tract

These diseases have a pronounced clinical picture and are difficult to treat.

COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a progressive disease in which structural changes occur in the vessels and tissues of the organ. Most often diagnosed in men over 40 years of age, heavy smokers, the pathology can cause disability or death. The ICD-10 code is J44.

Healthy lungs and lungs with COPD

Symptoms:

• chronic wet cough with a lot of sputum;
• severe shortness of breath;
• when exhaling, the volume of air decreases;
• in the later stages, cor pulmonale and acute respiratory failure develop.

It is a type of COPD and often develops in women due to hormonal imbalance. ICD-10 code – J43.9.

Emphysema most often develops in women

Symptoms:

• cyanosis - the nail plates, the tip of the nose and earlobes acquire a blue tint;
• shortness of breath with difficulty exhaling;
• noticeable tension in the diaphragm muscles when inhaling;
• swelling of the veins in the neck;
• weight loss;
• pain in the right hypochondrium, which occurs when the liver is enlarged.

Feature - when coughing, a person’s face turns pink, and during an attack a small amount of mucus is released. As the disease progresses, the patient's appearance changes - the neck becomes shorter, the supraclavicular fossa protrudes strongly, the chest becomes rounded, and the abdomen sags.

Asphyxia

The pathology occurs against the background of damage to the respiratory organs, chest injuries, and is accompanied by increasing suffocation. The ICD-10 code is T71.

Symptoms:

• at the initial stage - rapid shallow breathing, increased blood pressure, palpitations, panic, dizziness;
• then the breathing rate decreases, exhalation becomes deep, pressure decreases;
• Gradually, arterial indicators decrease to critical levels, breathing is weak, often disappears, the person loses consciousness, may fall into a coma, and pulmonary and cerebral edema develops.

An attack of suffocation can be triggered by the accumulation of blood, sputum, vomit in the respiratory tract, suffocation, an attack of allergies or asthma, or a burn of the larynx.

A viral, fungal, bacterial disease that often becomes chronic, especially in children, pregnant women, and the elderly. The ICD-10 code is J20.

Symptoms:

• nonproductive cough - appears at the initial stage of disease development;
• wet cough is a sign of the second stage of the disease, the mucus is transparent or yellow-green in color;
• temperature rise to 38 degrees or more;
• increased sweating, weakness;
• shortness of breath, wheezing.

Bronchitis often becomes chronic

The development of the disease can be provoked by:

• inhalation of dirty, cold, damp air;
• flu;
• cocci;
• smoking;
• avitaminosis;
• hypothermia.

A rare systemic disease that affects various organs, often affecting the lungs and bronchi, and is diagnosed in people under 40 years of age, more often in women. It is characterized by accumulations of inflammatory cells called granulomas. The ICD-10 code is D86.

In sarcoidosis, there is an accumulation of inflammatory cells

Symptoms:

• severe fatigue immediately after waking up, lethargy;
• loss of appetite, sudden weight loss;
• temperature rise to subfebrile levels;
• nonproductive cough;
• muscle and joint pain;
• dyspnea.

The exact causes of the development of the disease have not yet been identified; many doctors believe that granulomas are formed under the influence of helminths, bacteria, pollen, and fungi.

Diseases in which the alveoli are damaged

Alveoli are small bubbles in the lungs that are responsible for gas exchange in the body.

Pneumonia is one of the most common pathologies of the respiratory system, often developing as a complication of influenza and bronchitis. The ICD-10 code is J12–J18.

Pneumonia is the most common lung disease

Symptoms of pathology depend on its type, but there are general signs that appear at the initial stage of development of the disease:

• fever, chills, fever, runny nose;
• severe cough - at the initial stage it is dry and persistent, then it becomes wet, green-yellow sputum with impurities of pus is released;
• dyspnea;
• weakness;
• chest pain when taking a deep breath;
• cephalgia.

There are many reasons for the development of infectious pneumonia - the disease can be provoked by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, mycoplasma, viruses, and Candida fungi. The non-infectious form of the disease develops due to inhalation of toxic substances, burns of the respiratory tract, blows and bruises of the chest, against the background of radiation therapy and allergies.

Tuberculosis

A fatal disease in which lung tissue is completely destroyed, the open form is transmitted by airborne droplets, you can also become infected by consuming raw milk, the causative agent of the disease is the tuberculosis bacillus. The ICD-10 code is A15–A19.

Tuberculosis is a very dangerous disease

Signs:

• cough with phlegm that lasts more than three weeks;
• presence of blood in mucus;
• prolonged increase in temperature to subfebrile levels;
• chest pain;
• night sweats;
• weakness, weight loss.

Tuberculosis is often diagnosed in people with weakened immune systems; the development of the disease can be triggered by a deficiency of protein foods, diabetes mellitus, pregnancy, and alcohol abuse.

The disease develops when interstitial fluid from blood vessels penetrates into the lungs and is accompanied by inflammation and swelling of the larynx. The ICD-10 code is J81.

When swelling occurs, fluid accumulates in the lungs

Causes of fluid accumulation in the lungs:

• acute heart failure;
• pregnancy;
• cirrhosis;
• starvation;
• infectious diseases;
• intense physical activity, climbing to great heights;
• allergy;
• sternum injuries, presence of a foreign body in the lungs;
• Edema can be provoked by the rapid administration of large amounts of saline and blood substitutes.

At the initial stage, shortness of breath, dry cough, increased sweating, and increased heart rate appear. As the disease progresses, foamy pink sputum begins to be released when coughing, breathing becomes wheezing, the veins in the neck swell, the limbs become cold, the person suffers from suffocation, and loses consciousness.

Acute respiratory syndrome is a rare but very dangerous disease that is practically untreatable; a person is connected to a ventilator.

Carcinoma is a complex disease, in the final stages of development it is considered incurable. The main danger of the disease is that in the early stages of development it is asymptomatic, so people go to the doctor with advanced forms of cancer, when there is complete or partial drying out of the lung and tissue decomposition. The ICD-10 code is C33–C34.

Lung cancer often has no symptoms

Symptoms:

• cough – sputum contains blood clots, pus, mucus;
• dyspnea;
• chest pain;
• dilation of the veins in the upper chest, jugular vein;
• swelling of the face, neck, legs;
• cyanosis;
• frequent attacks of arrhythmia;
• sudden weight loss;
• fatigue;
• unexplained fever.

Diseases that affect the pleura and chest

The pleura is the outer lining of the lungs, similar to a small sac; some serious diseases develop when it is damaged; often the organ simply collapses and the person cannot breathe.

The inflammatory process occurs against the background of injury or penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the respiratory system. The disease is accompanied by shortness of breath, pain in the chest area, and a dry cough of moderate intensity. ICD-10 code – R09.1, J90.

With pleurisy, the lungs are affected by harmful microorganisms

Risk factors for the development of pleurisy are diabetes, alcoholism, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic diseases of the digestive system, in particular, bending of the colon.

People who work at chemical plants for a long time often develop an occupational lung disease in mines - silicosis. The disease progresses slowly, in the final stages there is a strong increase in temperature, incessant cough, and breathing problems.

Air enters the pleural area, which can cause collapse; immediate medical attention is required. The ICD-10 code is J93.

Pneumothorax requires prompt intervention

Symptoms:

• frequent shallow breathing;
• cold clammy sweat;
• bouts of unproductive cough;
• the skin takes on a blue tint;
• the heart rate increases, blood pressure decreases;
• fear of death.

Spontaneous pneumothorax is diagnosed in tall men, smokers, and with a sharp drop in pressure. The secondary form of the disease develops with long-term diseases of the respiratory system, cancer, against the background of injuries to the connective tissue of the lungs, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma.

Pulmonary hypertension is a specific syndrome of obstructive bronchitis, fibrosis, develops more often in older people, and is characterized by increased pressure in the vessels that supply the respiratory organs.

Purulent diseases

Infections affect a significant part of the lungs, which causes the development of severe complications.

An inflammatory process in which a cavity with purulent contents forms in the lungs; the disease is difficult to diagnose. The ICD-10 code is J85.

Abscess - purulent formation in the lungs

Reasons:

• insufficient oral hygiene;
• alcohol, drug addiction;
• epilepsy;
• pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, carcinoma;
• reflux disease;
• long-term use of hormonal and antitumor drugs;
• diabetes, cardiovascular pathologies;
• chest injuries.

In the acute form of an abscess, the clinical picture is clearly intense pain in the chest, most often on one side, prolonged bouts of wet cough, blood and mucus are present in the sputum. As the disease progresses to the chronic stage, exhaustion, weakness, and chronic fatigue occur.

A fatal disease - against the background of a putrefactive process, the lung tissue disintegrates, the process quickly spreads throughout the body, the pathology is more often diagnosed in men. The ICD-10 code is J85.

Lung gangrene - decomposition of lung tissue

Symptoms:

• the disease develops quickly, there is a rapid deterioration in health;
• pain in the sternum when taking a deep breath;
• a sharp increase in temperature to critical levels;
• severe cough with a lot of foamy sputum - the discharge has a foul odor and contains brown streaks of blood and pus;
• suffocation;
• increased sweating;
• increased heart rate;
• the skin becomes pale.

Hereditary diseases

Diseases of the respiratory system are often inherited; they are diagnosed in children immediately after birth, or during the first three years of life.

List of hereditary diseases:

1. Bronchial asthma develops against the background of neurological pathologies and allergies. Accompanied by frequent severe attacks during which it is impossible to fully inhale and shortness of breath.
2. Cystic fibrosis is a disease accompanied by excessive accumulation of mucus in the lungs, affects the glands of the endocrine system, and negatively affects the functioning of many internal organs. Against this background, bronchiectasis develops, which is characterized by a constant cough with the release of thick purulent sputum, shortness of breath and wheezing.
3. Primary dyskinesia is congenital purulent bronchitis.

Many lung malformations can be seen during ultrasound during pregnancy and intrauterine treatment can be performed.

Bronchial asthma is inherited

Which doctor should I contact?

If symptoms of a pulmonary disease appear, you should visit a physician or pediatrician. After listening and preliminary diagnosis, the doctor will give a referral to a pulmonologist. In some cases, consultation with an oncologist or surgeon may be required.

The doctor can make a primary diagnosis after an external examination, during which they perform palpation, percussion, and listen to the sounds of the respiratory organs using a stethoscope. To recognize the true cause of the development of the disease, it is necessary to conduct laboratory and instrumental studies.

Basic diagnostic methods:

• general blood and urine analysis;
• examination of sputum to identify hidden impurities and pathogenic microorganisms;
• immunological research;
• ECG - allows you to determine how a pulmonary disease affects the functioning of the heart;
• bronchoscopy;
• chest x-ray;
• fluorography;
• CT, MRI – allows you to see changes in the structure of tissues;
• spirometry – using a special device, the volume of inhaled and exhaled air and the inhalation rate are measured;
• sounding - a method necessary for studying respiratory mechanics;
• surgical methods - thoracotomy, thoracoscopy.

Chest X-ray helps to see the condition of the lungs

All pulmonary diseases require serious drug therapy, often treated in a hospital setting. You should immediately consult a doctor if there are specks or blood clots in the sputum.

Treatment of lung diseases

Based on the diagnostic results obtained, the specialist draws up a treatment regimen, but in any case, therapy uses an integrated approach that is aimed at eliminating the causes and symptoms of the disease. Most often, doctors prescribe medications in the form of tablets, suspensions and syrups; in severe patients, drugs are administered by injection.

Groups of drugs:

• antibiotics of the penicillin, macrolide, cephalosporin group - Cefotaxime, Azithromycin, Ampicillin;
• antiviral drugs – Remantadine, Isoprinosine;
• antifungal agents – Nizoral, Amphoglucamine;
• anti-inflammatory drugs - Indomethacin, Ketorolac;
• medicines to eliminate dry cough - Glauvent;
• mucolytics - Glyciram, Broncholitin; Carbocisteine ​​is considered the most effective for the treatment of childhood diseases;
• bronchodilators to eliminate bronchospasm - Eufillin, Salbutamol;
• anti-asthma drugs – Atma, Solutan;
• – Ibuprofen, Paracetamol.

Atma - a remedy for asthma

Additionally, vitamin complexes, immunostimulants, physiotherapy, and traditional medicine are prescribed. In complex and advanced forms of the disease, surgical intervention is required.

To speed up the healing process, it is necessary to include in the diet foods high in ascorbic acid, vitamin E, B1, B2.

Possible complications

Without proper treatment, respiratory pathologies become chronic, which is fraught with constant relapses at the slightest hypothermia.

Why are lung diseases dangerous?

• asphyxia;
• against the background of narrowing of the lumen of the respiratory tract, hypoxia develops, all internal organs suffer from a lack of oxygen, which negatively affects their work;
• an acute asthma attack can be fatal;
• serious heart disease develops.

An acute asthma attack is deadly

Pneumonia ranks second among diseases that end in death - this is due to the fact that most people ignore the symptoms of the disease. At the initial stage, the disease can be easily cured in 2–3 weeks.

Prevention of pulmonary diseases

To reduce the risk of developing respiratory diseases and their complications, it is necessary to strengthen the immune system, lead a healthy lifestyle, and when the first alarming signs appear, you should consult a specialist.

How to avoid problems with the lungs and bronchi:

• give up addictions;
• avoid hypothermia;
• spend more time outdoors;
• maintain optimal temperature and humidity in the room, regularly do wet cleaning;
• play sports, take a contrast shower, get enough sleep, avoid stress;
• eat healthy and wholesome food, maintain a drinking regime;
• every year undergo an examination, have a lung x-ray or fluorography.

Walking in the fresh air is good for your health

Breathing sea and pine air has a beneficial effect on the organs, so every year it is necessary to relax in the forest or on the sea coast. During cold epidemics, take antiviral drugs for prevention, avoid crowded places, and limit contact with sick people.

Lung diseases can cause death; timely diagnosis and regular preventive examinations will help to avoid the disease, or begin treatment at the initial stage of development of the pathology.

One of the most serious global health problems today. The success of their treatment depends on timely and correct diagnosis, as well as the correct selection of methods to combat these diseases. If you try to compile a complete list of all lung diseases, in total it will include more than forty names of ailments of various natures, including: bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, cancer, pneumoconiosis, pulmonary vascular diseases, tuberculosis, pulmonary fibrosis, etc.

Having made a conditional generalization, the entire list of lung diseases can be conditionally divided according to the specifics of their occurrence into:

• acute respiratory diseases of the lungs caused by infection;
• lung diseases that were provoked by certain external agents;
• chronic lung diseases COPD.

The main task of the lungs is to provide the body with oxygen. In addition, they also perform an excretory function, excessive overload of which leads to most diseases. In addition, a malfunction in the functioning of other organs and systems of the body can also become one of the causes of some diseases from the list of lung diseases. It is safe to say that the leading place among all the items on this list is occupied by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or, for short, COPD. It accounts for more than 50% of the total number of respiratory tract diseases.

COPD is a lung disease with a medical history characterized by partially irreversible restriction of air flow in the respiratory tract. Ultimately, this can lead not only to a decrease in a person’s ability to work, but also, in the worst case, to disability. A lung disease like COPD has a fast flow. This is especially facilitated by the presence of other diseases of the respiratory and cardiac systems. Therefore, it is very important to identify the disease in time and take the necessary measures.

Environmentally unfavorable conditions, work in hazardous industries and, above all, smoking are the causes of the development of lung disease (COPD) after all, it is smoke, penetrating the body through inhalation, that irreversibly damages the bronchi and pulmonary alveoli, causing negative changes in the respiratory system. Many people mistakenly believe that only cigarettes are a threat. Along with them, the cause of the development of chronic pulmonary diseases and COPD may include hookahs, pipes and smoking mixtures. And, although the disease does not manifest itself at the initial stages, after 7-10 years it will definitely make itself felt not only with shortness of breath and wheezing in the chest, but also chronic bronchitis, and perhaps even cancer.

For medical history COPD that affects every 5 smokers is characterized by a progressive nature. The only test for diagnosis COPD is spirometry - analysis of the air exhaled by a patient using a special device to determine the nature of the symptoms of the disease.

Pneumonia. The most common inflammatory disease of the lower respiratory tract is pneumonia. This disease is also called pneumonia. Unlike viral diseases of the respiratory system, pneumonia is bacterial in nature, which makes its course more severe and requires treatment with antibiotics. Often the disease occurs with pronounced intoxication: a sharp increase in temperature to 37.5-39C, wheezing in the lungs, sore throat, chills. The picture of the medical history of such a lung disease as pneumonia looks quite optimistic if the disease is detected in time using blood and sputum tests. After the first days of taking antibiotics, the patient experiences positive dynamics: the temperature decreases and the general physical condition improves. However, weakness can persist for up to 2 weeks after complete recovery from pneumonia.

It should be noted that the most important thing in the process of treating pneumonia is the correct selection of antibiotics. The fact is that some bacteria may be resistant to the components of a particular drug, and, accordingly, a positive effect from its use will not follow. In order to identify the causative agent of an inflammatory lung disease such as pneumonia, an appropriate blood test is performed.

Antibiotics are serious medications for fighting bacterial infections. Their use may lead to disruption of the body's microflora, so independent use of these medications for lung disease, in particular pneumonia, without prior consultation with a specialist who will tell you which group of antibiotics the patient should take is extremely undesirable.

Remember that pneumonia is a serious lung disease, complications of which can lead to death, therefore, when the first symptoms are detected, you must consult a doctor who will prescribe an individual drug suitable for treatment.

Do not forget about the other mandatory comprehensive methods of combating infectious lung diseases, in particular pneumonia, namely: drinking plenty of fluids, taking antihistamines and expectorants; eating vitamins; ventilation and wet cleaning of the room in which the patient is located.

An important role in the fight cancer, COPD, inflammatory lung diseases prevention plays a role, which, first of all, should consist of eliminating risk factors. You should avoid contact with sick people, strengthen your respiratory system by spending more time in the fresh air and playing sports, stop smoking and remember that preventing a disease is always much easier than curing it.

Lung diseases are a common phenomenon diagnosed in recent years. Due to the large number of varieties and similar symptoms, it is very difficult for a non-professional to determine what may be associated with poor health and pain.

Only an experienced doctor knows exactly what types of lung diseases there are and how to treat them correctly.

A huge number of types of diseases

The list of the most common lung diseases in humans is as follows:

All these diseases associated with the lungs manifest themselves in a rather acute form, and if not treated in a timely manner, can lead to serious consequences regarding both the health and life of the patient.

The manifestations of chronic lung diseases are very dangerous. Such diseases include:

• Tracheobronchial dyskinesia;
• Forms of pneumonia;
• Chronic cor pulmonale;
• Polycystic disease;
• Asthma;
• Bruton's disease;
• Cartagena syndrome.

Pneumonia, also called pneumonia, develops due to the inflammatory process due to various types of infections: from fungal to viral. In addition, one of the possible pathogens may be a chemical that enters the body through inhalation. The disease spreads throughout the entire organ, or can “lurk” only in a certain part.

Another common abnormality in lung function are diseases whose names are pleurisy and bronchitis.

The first is associated with swelling of the pleura or an inflammatory process in it (the outer membrane that “envelops” the lungs). Pleurisy can occur due to infection or injury that affects the chest area. This disease can be the beginning of the development of a malignant tumor.

Bronchitis is diagnosed in 2 types: chronic and acute forms of manifestation. The cause of the latter is inflammation of the bronchial mucosa. The disease is especially common among older people and young children. The respiratory tract becomes infected due to allergies when inhaling chemically contaminated air.

Bronchial asthma most often manifests itself in the form of coughing attacks or painful suffocation of a periodic nature. While an attack occurs, the bronchi and the entire chest sharply narrow, which makes breathing difficult. In this case, the mucous membrane swells, the epithelial cilia do not perform their main functions, which leads to improper functioning of the lungs.

Common dangerous lung diseases are asphyxia and silicosis.

The first is called oxygen starvation, which occurs due to negative external influences that directly affect the respiratory process. The disease appears due to compression, various injuries to the neck or chest, pathological abnormalities in the larynx, and disturbances in the functioning of the muscles responsible for breathing.

Silicosis is a disease that is common among people in certain professions who work in environments where there is a lot of dust, the particles of which contain silicon dioxide. Dangerous areas - objects under construction, mines, metallurgical industry,

The causative agent of a disease such as tuberculosis is mycobacterium. It is transmitted by the carrier through the air and through saliva. The main manifestations are directly related to the general health of the patient, as well as how many pathogenic microorganisms have entered. Emphysema is characterized by the separation of the walls located between the alveoli, due to which they significantly increase in volume.

The consequence of this is that the lungs grow, all passages narrow, and the structure of the organ becomes loose and flabby. Such damage reduces the level of oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange to critical levels. It becomes difficult for the patient to breathe.

The most dangerous of lung diseases is cancer, which in most cases ends in death. There is a chance of cure for those people who began a course of therapy before the main manifestation of symptoms. However, the whole problem is that cancer is the most difficult to recognize disease.

Medicine has not yet identified symptoms that would definitely indicate a terrible diagnosis. It is generally accepted that you should immediately go to the hospital if you have a severe cough, pain in the chest, or blood in your expectoration.

Consequences for the human body

The lungs are a rather complex organ consisting of important elements of the respiratory tract. The bronchi, as well as the trachea, may be vulnerable if a person suffers from any of the possible diseases associated with the lungs.

The list of diseases associated with the occurrence of the inflammatory process and purulent discharge can be combined into a whole category of purulent lung diseases:

Suppurative lung diseases are represented by the following list:

• Empyema of the outer membrane of the lungs;
• Infectious destruction in acute form;
• Gangrenous organ abscess (acute form);
• Gangrene of a widespread nature;
• Chronic abscess;
• Acute purulent abscess.

The list of lung diseases is quite extensive; there is currently no clear classification. All disorders are differentiated based on the impact on certain organs or tissues, as well as on the source of occurrence.

Nonspecific lung diseases include:

1. Chronic bronchitis;
2. Some experts include bronchial asthma in this group;
3. Chronic abscess;
4. Pneumonia;
5. Obstructive emphysema;
6. Pneumofibrosis.

If we talk about the impact on the respiratory tract and the negative impact on it, then we can identify quite a lot of dangerous diseases. First of all, this is asthma, which is characterized by frequent spasms, causing severe shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.

A person can have the disease from birth, and also as a complication after an allergy; the possibility of its occurrence due to negative environmental influences cannot be ruled out.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is characterized by a constant, painful cough. From birth, a child may develop cystic fibrosis, in which infections in the body periodically recur due to excessive accumulation of mucus in the bronchi. Acute bronchitis and emphysema negatively affect the airways.

Diseases that negatively affect the alveoli are pneumonia, tuberculosis, emphysema, and cancer. Plus, pulmonary edema, characterized by the loss of pulmonary fluid from the smallest blood vessels. Acute respiratory distress syndrome, which causes irreparable damage to the main respiratory organ, also falls into this category.

It is imperative to ventilate the lungs until the patient can recover. Another disease in this group is pneumoconiosis, which occurs due to inhalation of hazardous substances that can cause any kind of organ damage. This could be cement or coal dust, asbestos, and many others. etc.

Lung diseases that have a negative effect on blood vessels - pulmonary embolism and hypertension. The first is the result of thrombosis of the veins of the lower extremities. Blood clots present in the pulmonary arteries can cause lack of oxygen and shortness of breath. Hypertension is increased pressure in the arteries of the lung. Most often, the patient feels severe chest pain and shortness of breath.

Lung diseases and their symptoms

Lung diseases in humans are united, in most cases, by common symptoms, which manifest themselves in frequent coughing, shortness of breath, pain in the chest and bleeding, and respiratory failure is also noted.

Fungal lung diseases are often diagnosed, the symptoms of which are as follows:

• A cough that is noticeably different from what happens with colds;
• A large amount of sputum, the discharge of which causes acute pain in the lung area;
• Severe weakness;
• Decreased activity;
• Strong craving for sleep.

Signs of a lung disease such as pneumonia are pronounced and are accompanied by temperature changes, coughing and difficulty breathing. The patient feels exhausted, anxious, and complains of pain in the chest area.

Signs of emphysema appear in the later stages, when the lungs are severely damaged. Body weight decreases, the skin turns red, significant effort is required to exhale, and the chest becomes like a “barrel.”

Cancer is practically impossible to diagnose in the initial stages. Therefore, in case of any deviations from the norm, you must not delay your visit to the hospital. The symptoms of this lung disease in women are similar, in the early stages, to the common cold. Therefore, many do not pay attention to their malaise and the gradual deterioration of the body’s condition.

The following symptoms are identified:

• Blood in sputum;
• Unexplained weight loss;
• “Whistling” from the chest when exhaling;
• Pain when coughing;
• Dyspnea.

Signs of lung disease - cancer - in men are fever, frequent viral illnesses, severe cough and heart rhythm disorders.

Lung diseases and their symptoms are similar to each other in their initial manifestations, but the impact is on completely opposite parts of the respiratory tract. Asthma can cause damage to lung tissue.

The disease can be identified by noisy breathing, coughing, “bluish” skin, and frequent sneezing. Bronchitis in acute form is manifested by a severe night cough, causing acute pain. In the chronic stage, the symptom becomes more frequent, mucus is released, the body swells, and the skin tone approaches blue.

Pleurisy is characterized by severe pain when breathing and moving the chest.

Tuberculosis is considered dangerous in terms of symptoms, since the patient usually does not complain of any pain or cough. Only over time does it become noticeable that a person is suddenly losing weight, sweating, constantly sleepy, and his body temperature rises.

Read more about lung diseases