The most common lung diseases. Signs and symptoms of lung disease Serious infectious disease affecting the lungs

Lung diseases: list of respiratory diseases.

Today, respiratory diseases increasingly lead to disability and mortality.

In terms of prevalence, diseases of the respiratory system are already ranked 3rd.

Experts attribute this rise to an unfavorable environmental situation and addiction to bad habits.

To understand the source of the pathological process, you need to know what the main organ of the respiratory system is.

The right lung is shorter and larger in volume. It consists of 3 parts. The left one is of the two.

The lobes are divided into segments, including bronchus, artery, and nerve.

The bronchi are the basis of the lungs, which form the bronchial tree.

The main bronchi branch into lobar, then segmental, lobular and terminal bronchioles, ending in alveoli.

The acinus (pulmonary lobule, or alveolus) is responsible for the main purpose of the respiratory tract - gas exchange.

In addition to the main function of enriching the blood with oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide, the lungs perform a number of other tasks: protect against environmental influences, participate in the processes of thermoregulation, metabolism, and secretion.

Medicine has described a huge number of lung diseases that arise for certain reasons and are characterized by their own symptoms and disease progression.

Common factors in the development of chest pathologies

Smoking
Hypothermia
Bad ecology
Chronic diseases
Weak immunity
Stress and emotional overstrain.

The main manifestations of human respiratory tract diseases occur immediately.

Symptoms of lung disease

Dyspnea.

Subjective – difficulty breathing, which is noted by the patient. (Chest radiculitis, flatulence)
Objective – diagnosed by a doctor when breathing parameters change (Emphysema, pleurisy)
Combined. (bronchogenic lung cancer)

Also distinguished according to the violation of the breathing phase:

difficulty breathing - inspiratory shortness of breath;
exhalation - expiratory.

Mixed shortness of breath accompanied by pain is called suffocation. This is an alarming sign that may indicate pulmonary edema.

Cough is a protective mechanism aimed at removing pathological substances from the respiratory tract.

When sputum is discharged, microscopic examination is mandatory. The analysis is taken in the morning, after rinsing the mouth.

The cough may be bothersome intermittently or constantly. Periodic is more common.

It accompanies influenza, acute inflammatory diseases,...

Permanent manifests itself in bronchogenic cancer, tuberculosis, inflammation of the larynx and bronchi.

Hemoptysis is the release of blood with sputum. A dangerous symptom that causes serious chest diseases: lung cancer and tuberculosis, abscess and gangrene, pulmonary infarction, thrombosis of the branches of the pulmonary artery.

When collecting anamnesis, the doctor finds out the amount and nature of the blood released to make the correct diagnosis.

not a necessary symptom for respiratory diseases. This is a sign of inflammation or tuberculosis. Remember that doctors recommend not lowering your temperature below 38 degrees. This is explained by the fact that with low-grade symptoms, the human immune system begins to fight the infection itself, mobilizing the body’s defenses.
Chest pain can be stabbing, aching, or pressing. They intensify with deep breathing, coughing, and physical activity. Localization indicates the location of the pathological focus.

9 main types of lung diseases

Name	Brief description
Pneumonia	popular respiratory disease. The cause is infection (or). Next, an acute inflammatory process begins, damage to the pulmonary organs and, in severe cases, adverse complications.
	Elderly people are also more likely to suffer from it. It begins with inflammation of the bronchial mucosa. Allergies and inhalation of chemically polluted air can trigger the disease.
Pleurisy	dangerous lung disease, because a malignant tumor develops from it. Occurs against the background of infectious and autoimmune diseases and injuries. A focus with purulent or serous exudate forms in the pleural cavity.
Asthma	manifests itself in the form or simply of suffocation. In response to the penetration of the pathogen, broncho-obstruction occurs - narrowing of the airways. In addition, the walls of the bronchi produce a large amount of mucus, which leads to disruption of normal air exchange.
Asphyxia	is oxygen starvation caused by external negative manifestations. Provoking factors may be injuries in the cervical region, chest, dysfunction of the respiratory muscles and larynx.
Silicosis	acquired lung disease as a result of inhalation of dust, exhaust, contaminated oxygen. There is a huge chance of getting this disease in a mine, metallurgical industry, or a facility under construction.
Tuberculosis	transmitted by airborne droplets. Mycobacteria are found outside cells and multiply slowly, so tissues remain unchanged for a long time. The pathological process begins with the lymph nodes, then moves to the lungs. Microorganisms feed on lung tissue, spreading further and affecting other organs and systems.
Emphysema	occurs due to the expansion of bronchioles and destruction of the partitions between the alveoli. Characteristic symptoms are shortness of breath, cough, increase in chest volume.
Loeffler's syndrome	a type of pneumonia that has other names - “volatile”, “quickly disappearing”. It is a consequence of taking medications, as well as inhaling foods, mushrooms, lily of the valley, linden.

Tumor processes in the chest: what to be afraid of?

There are two types of tumors: malignant and benign.

The first case is the most dangerous and serious, because... Symptoms often appear almost unnoticed.

This leads to metastasis, difficult and complex treatment and unfavorable results.

Types of malignant tumors and purulent processes in the lungs:

Lymphoma
Sarcoma
Gangrene
Abscess

To prevent danger to life, you need to immediately contact a specialist and begin treatment.

Name	Brief description
Goodpasture's syndrome	Medicine has not yet identified the causes of this disease. It usually affects men 20-40 years old and occurs under the guise of tuberculosis and pneumonia. Provoking factors are allergic irritants and hypothermia.
Bettolepsy	the second name is “cough fainting”. Accompanied by a cough, during which a disorder of consciousness occurs. Cerebral circulation is impaired, resulting in fainting.
Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis	a hereditary lung disease that occurs in young and middle age. It is almost impossible to identify and diagnose the disease without radiography. It occurs under the guise of pneumonia, characterized by respiratory failure.
Primary bronchopulmonary amyloidosis	a rare disease of the chest. Occurs in the elderly male population. Hereditary phenomenon with senile factors. Symptoms are cough, shortness of breath, hemoptysis, hoarseness. The key point in diagnosis is a puncture biopsy.

Treatment of lung diseases

Depending on the type of disease, severity, degree and individual characteristics of the patient, the following may be used:

Surgical intervention;
Medicines;
Antiviral, restorative and antibacterial therapy;
Painkillers and antispasms;
Sanitary resort and physiotherapeutic treatment.

Complex treatment is advisable, because it is necessary to act on all links of pathogenesis.

Some medications are aimed at destroying the pathogen.

Antibacterial and antiviral drugs have a similar effect.

Sulfonamides have a good bacteriostatic effect.

Others help improve the patient’s condition by getting rid of the symptoms of the disease.

Airway patency is ensured by bronchodilators.

They stimulate beta-adrenergic receptors, as a result of which the smooth muscles of the bronchi relax.

Mucolytic expectorants contribute to the liquefaction of sputum followed by expectoration.

Pharmacotherapy of respiratory system diseases requires careful diagnostic measures.

A qualified specialist must take into account the individual characteristics of each patient for a speedy recovery of the patient.

Prevention of lung diseases

Long, walking walks in the fresh air.
Getting rid of bad habits (smoking).
Cleanliness and freshness in the rooms where you spend most of your time (mites and dust provoke attacks of suffocation and spasms, and impair the body’s performance).
Getting rid of allergic factors (harmful chemicals in powder form, cleaning agents and detergents).
Hardening the body and moderate physical activity in accordance with the individual characteristics of the person.
Regular visits to a pulmonologist.

Such simple prevention will help protect your respiratory tract and improve the health of your entire body.

But, if the disease has already overtaken you, do not delay treatment. Contact your doctor immediately!

Thank you

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

Lung pain– this is a fairly broad concept. Underneath this symptom More than two dozen different diseases can be hidden, both of pulmonary origin, or as a result of problems with the respiratory system, and conditions completely unrelated to the respiratory system, such as digestive diseases, neurological pathologies, and even problems with bones.

Pain in the lung area

From the point of view of anatomy and physiology, in themselves lungs they cannot get sick, there are no sensory nerves in their structure that perceive pain impulses, so there is no pain inside the lungs themselves, the usual manifestations of problems with the lungs are coughing and breathing problems. But what then does a person perceive as pain in the lung area?

Painful sensations in the lung area can be caused by the pleura (a film that covers the outside of the lung and prevents it from being injured by friction against the chest), or the area of the trachea and large bronchi. They contain pain receptors, which cause pain when breathing or coughing.

Pain in the lungs - sharp or mild

In terms of diagnosing and determining the cause of the pain, the doctor needs to find out how intense it is, what its nature is, whether there is pain when coughing or when breathing deeply, whether shortness of breath occurs, whether painkillers help.

Sharp, intense pain will indicate an acute disease. Usually the pain is localized in the pleura, intensifies with breathing and may be accompanied by shortness of breath. Intense retrosternal pain usually occurs with acute tracheitis, especially if it intensifies with coughing. It will be important whether the intensity of pain changes with body position and whether the patient’s physical activity affects it. Typically, such pain is caused not by problems with the lungs, but by nerves, problems of the spinal column, sciatica or muscle pain.

If pain in the lungs on one or both sides occurs when coughing, intensifies when inhaling and exhaling, turning the body to the side, subsides if you lie on the side of the pain, is combined with pain in the intercostal spaces when palpating them, sputum does not come out with a cough or comes out thick, viscous sputum (sometimes streaked with blood), you should contact Pulmonologist (make an appointment) or therapist (make an appointment), since such a symptom complex indicates pleurisy, tracheitis, bronchitis or infectious lesions of the pleura (for example, pleurisy due to measles).

When pain in the lungs is combined with elevated body temperature, cough with or without sputum, wheezing, symptoms of intoxication (headache, general weakness, etc.), you should consult a general practitioner as soon as possible, since such a symptom complex indicates acute infectious and inflammatory process in the organs of the respiratory system (for example, pneumonia, bronchitis, tracheitis, pleurisy).

If pain in the lungs is constantly present, intensifies when inhaling, and its intensification is similar to a lumbago or a prick with a sharp object, and is not combined with other symptoms of diseases of the respiratory system and heart (cough, fever, chills, night sweats, etc.), then you should contact neurologist (make an appointment), since such symptoms indicate intercostal neuralgia.

If the pain in the lungs is of a burning nature, localized between the ribs and inside the chest, combined with an increase in body temperature and headaches, and a few days after the onset of pain, small blistering red rashes appear on the skin of the chest, then you should contact infectious disease doctor (make an appointment) or a therapist, since such symptoms indicate herpes zoster.

If pain in the lungs becomes weaker or stronger when changing posture, increasing or decreasing motor activity (transition from a calm state to active physical actions, for example, active walking, etc.), intensifies when coughing, laughing, sneezing, is localized not only internally chest, but also along the ribs, are not combined with other symptoms of lung or heart disease (cough, sweating, etc.), then you should consult a neurologist, since such a symptom complex indicates nerve disease (neuritis, neuralgia, pinching, radiculitis etc.).

If pain in the lungs increases and decreases with physical activity, is combined with headaches, pain in the thoracic spine, increased or decreased sensitivity in the hands, then this indicates diseases of the spine (for example, osteochondrosis), and therefore in this case it is necessary to contact Vertebrologist (make an appointment), and in his absence you can go to an appointment with a neurologist, neurologist (make an appointment), traumatologist (make an appointment), chiropractor (make an appointment) or osteopath (sign up).

If the pain in the lungs intensifies when breathing and appears after any injuries or blows to the chest, then you should consult a traumatologist or surgeon (make an appointment), since such a condition indicates a fracture or cracks in the ribs.

If pain in the lungs inside the chest is combined with a clearly felt focus of pain at a certain point on the rib, and in some cases with low-grade or high body temperature and severe intoxication (headaches, weakness, fatigue, lack of appetite, etc.), then it is necessary to contact a surgeon, oncologist (make an appointment) And venereologist (make an appointment) at the same time, since the symptom complex may indicate osteomyelitis, cysts, tumors or bone syphilis.

If the pain in the lungs is sharp, stabbing, encircling, intensifying or appearing during inhalation, exhalation and coughing, localized at a certain point in the chest, radiating to the arm, stomach, neck or spine, existing for a long time and not going away within 1 - 2 weeks , then you should consult an oncologist, since such symptoms may indicate the presence of a malignant tumor in the lungs.

If pain in the lungs appears at a time of stress or strong emotional experience, passes without a trace after some time, does not cause a sharp deterioration in general well-being (pallor, drop in blood pressure, severe weakness, etc.) so much that a person cannot walk home or to his room rest, then you should contact psychologist (sign up) or psychiatrist (make an appointment), since such phenomena indicate neurosis.

If a person has pulling or stabbing pain in the lungs, they are combined with high fever, symptoms of intoxication (weakness, headache, sweating, etc.), a moderate decrease in pressure and rapid heartbeat, then you should contact Cardiologist (make an appointment) or rheumatologist (make an appointment), since such symptoms may indicate rheumatism.

Sharp shooting pain in the lungs on the right side, combined with digestive disorders, requires referral to Gastroenterologist (make an appointment), since it may indicate a pathology of the gallbladder or gastric ulcer.

What tests can doctors order for pain in the lungs?

Pain in the lungs is a symptom of various diseases and conditions, for the diagnosis of which different examination methods and tests are used. The choice of examinations and tests in each case depends on the accompanying symptoms, thanks to which the doctor can guess what kind of disease a person has and, accordingly, prescribe the studies necessary to confirm the final diagnosis. Thus, below we will indicate lists of tests and examinations that a doctor may prescribe for pain in the lungs, depending on the combination with other symptoms.

When a person is bothered by stabbing pain in the lungs, felt throughout the chest or only at a certain point, intensifying when inhaling, combined with weakness, chills, sweating at night, long-lasting cough with or without sputum, the doctor suspects tuberculosis, and to confirm it or refutation, prescribes the following tests and examinations:

Microscopy of expectorated sputum;
Mantoux test (sign up);
Diaskintest (sign up);
Quantiferon test (sign up);
Analysis of blood, sputum, bronchial washings, lavage fluid or urine for the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis using PCR;
Study of washing water from the bronchi;
General blood test;
General urine test;
Chest X-ray (make an appointment);
Chest fluorography (sign up);
Computed tomography;
Bronchoscopy (sign up) with lavage collection;
Thoracoscopy (make an appointment);
Lung biopsy (sign up) or pleura.

The doctor does not prescribe all the tests from the list given at once, since this is not necessary, since in most cases a much smaller list of studies is sufficient for diagnosis. That is, first of all, the simplest, least traumatic and unpleasant tests for the patient are prescribed, which are highly informative and allow identifying tuberculosis in most cases. And only if such simple and non-traumatic tests do not reveal the disease, the doctor additionally prescribes other, more complex, expensive and unpleasant tests for the patient.

So, first of all, a general blood and urine test is prescribed, as well as microscopy of coughed up sputum. Also prescribed is either a chest x-ray, fluorography, or computed tomography. Moreover, only one diagnostic method is used, which is selected depending on the level of technical equipment of the medical institution and the patient’s ability to undergo examination for a fee if necessary. The most commonly used are x-rays and fluorography. In addition, first of all, in addition to sputum microscopy and instrumental examination of the chest organs, the doctor prescribes any of the following tests for the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the body: Mantoux test, Diaskintest, Quantiferon test or blood test, sputum, bronchial lavage, lavage fluid or urine for the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis using PCR. The best results are obtained by blood or sputum tests using the PCR method and the quantiferon test, but they are used relatively rarely due to their high cost. Diaskintest is a modern and more accurate alternative to the Mantoux test, and it is this test that is currently prescribed most often.

Further, if it is not possible to establish the presence or absence of tuberculosis based on the results of tests for the presence of mycobacteria, instrumental examination of the chest and sputum microscopy, the doctor prescribes an additional study of bronchial lavage, as well as bronchoscopy or thoracoscopy. If these studies also turn out to be uninformative, the doctor prescribes a biopsy of the lungs and pleura in order to examine pieces of organ tissue under a microscope and determine with absolute certainty whether the person has tuberculosis.

When a person is bothered by pain in the lungs on one or both sides, which occurs or intensifies when coughing, inhaling, exhaling, turning the body to the sides, subsides when lying on the affected side, is combined with pain and bulging of the intercostal spaces, cough without sputum or with a thick viscous sputum streaked with blood, then the doctor suspects pleurisy, tracheitis or bronchitis, and prescribes the following tests and examinations:

Auscultation of the chest (listening to the lungs and bronchi using a stethoscope);
Chest X-ray;
Computed tomography of the chest;
Ultrasound of the pleural cavity (sign up);
General blood test;
Pleural puncture (sign up) with the selection of pleural fluid for biochemical analysis (determining the concentration of glucose, protein, number of leukocytes, amylase and lactate dehydrogenase activity).

Usually, a complete blood count, chest auscultation and chest x-ray are ordered first, as these simple tests can make a diagnosis in most cases. However, if after the examinations there are still doubts about the diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe either a computed tomography scan or an ultrasound scan of the pleural cavity in combination with a biochemical analysis of the pleural fluid.

If pain in the lungs is combined with elevated body temperature, cough with or without sputum, wheezing and symptoms of intoxication (headache, weakness, lack of appetite, etc.), the doctor suspects an inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract and prescribes the following tests and examinations:

General blood test;
General sputum analysis;
Sputum microscopy;
Biochemical blood test (C-reactive protein, total protein, etc.);
Auscultation of the chest (listening to the respiratory organs using a stethoscope);
Chest X-ray;
Blood test for HIV (sign up);
Analysis of stool for worm eggs;
Electrocardiography (ECG) (sign up);
Computed tomography;
Determination of antibodies in the blood to Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Respiratory syncyt. vir., and herpes virus type 6 by ELISA;
Determination of the presence of streptococci, mycoplasmas, chlamydia, and Candida fungi in blood, saliva, sputum, lavages and bronchial washings using the PCR method.

The doctor first of all prescribes a general blood test, biochemical blood test, microscopy and general sputum analysis, chest auscultation, x-ray, blood test for HIV, ECG and stool test for worm eggs, since these studies in most cases make it possible to establish a diagnosis and start treatment. And only if, based on the results of the studies, it was not possible to determine the diagnosis, a computed tomography scan and determination in the blood, sputum, lavages and washings of the presence of antibodies or DNA of pathogenic microbes that can be causative agents of inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system can be additionally prescribed. Moreover, the determination of antibodies or DNA of pathogens in biological fluids is usually used if the disease does not respond to standard therapy, in order to change the treatment regimen taking into account the sensitivity of the microbe to antibiotics.

When pain in the lungs is not combined with other symptoms of respiratory tract diseases (cough, shortness of breath, fever, night sweats, chills, etc.), is constantly present, can intensify when coughing, laughing, sneezing, sometimes felt in the form of lumbago, localized also along the ribs, may be combined with blistering red rashes on the skin of the chest, then the doctor suspects a nerve disease (neuralgia, pinching, neuritis, radiculitis, shingles, etc.) and may prescribe the following tests and examinations:

Chest X-ray (to assess the size of organs and the theoretical possibility of their pressure on the nerves);
Computer or Magnetic resonance imaging (sign up)(allows you to assess the likelihood of pressure on the nerves from organs and tissues);
Electroneurography (allows you to evaluate the speed of signal propagation along the nerve);
General blood test.

In general, these tests are rarely prescribed, since usually a survey and general examination of a person is sufficient to diagnose nerve diseases.

When pain in the lungs intensifies or subsides with movement, is combined with headaches, pain in the thoracic spine, increased or decreased sensitivity in the arms, the doctor suspects a spinal disease and may prescribe the following tests:

Survey X-ray of the spine (make an appointment). It can be used to identify osteochondrosis, curvature of the spinal column, etc.
Myelography (sign up). With its help, spinal hernias are detected.
Computer or magnetic resonance imaging. With their help, you can identify diseases of the spine that can lead to pain in the lungs.

Most often, a regular survey X-ray is prescribed, and if technically possible, it can be replaced with computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Myelography is rarely prescribed, since the method is complex and dangerous, since it is associated with the need to inject a contrast agent into the spinal canal.

When pain in the lungs appears as a result of any injury, the doctor will prescribe a chest x-ray to identify existing cracks, fractures and other bone damage. X-rays can be replaced by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, if technically possible.

When pain in the lungs is combined with a clear focus of pain at any point on the rib, sometimes with low-grade or high body temperature and severe intoxication (weakness, fatigue, lack of appetite, etc.), intensifies or appears during inhalations, exhalations and coughing radiates to the arm, neck or spine, the doctor may order the following tests and examinations:

General blood test;
Biochemical blood test;
Blood test for syphilis (sign up);
Ultrasound of the pleural cavity;
Chest X-ray;
Fluorography of the chest;
Computed tomography;
Magnetic resonance imaging;
Bronchoscopy;
Thoracoscopy;
Puncture of the pleural cavity or chest bones;
Biopsy of the lungs, bronchi, and chest bones.

As a rule, the doctor prescribes almost all the examinations from the list, but first of all, general and biochemical blood tests, a blood test for syphilis, ultrasound of the pleural cavity, X-ray and chest fluorography are performed. If technically possible, x-rays and fluorography can be replaced by tomography. Bronchoscopy, thoracoscopy, puncture and biopsy of chest tissue are prescribed only after receiving the results of previous examinations if they indicate the presence of a malignant tumor or cyst.

When pain in the lungs is caused by neuroses, the doctor can prescribe a wide range of tests and examinations, trying to identify a non-existent pathology. In such cases, diagnosis begins with general blood and urine tests, chest X-ray, tomography, sputum analysis, and then the doctor prescribes more and more new examinations, trying to identify the disease. But when the results of all studies show the absence of pathology that can cause pain in the lungs, the patient will be diagnosed with “neurosis” and consultation with a psychologist or psychiatrist is recommended. Some experienced doctors “identify” neurotics without examinations, and try to immediately refer such patients to a specialist of the appropriate profile without conducting tests, tests, etc., since he simply does not need them.

When the pain in the lungs is of a pulling or stabbing nature, combined with elevated body temperature, symptoms of intoxication (weakness, headache, sweating, etc.), a moderate decrease in pressure and rapid heartbeat, the doctor suspects rheumatism and prescribes the following tests and examinations:

General blood test;
Biochemical blood test (total protein and protein fractions, C-reactive protein, rheumatic factor, activity of AST, ALT, lactate dehydrogenase, etc.);
Blood test for ASL-O titer (sign up);
Auscultation of heart sounds (sign up).

All of the listed tests and examinations are usually prescribed, as they are necessary to identify rheumatic heart disease.

If the pain in the lungs is sharp, shooting, combined with digestive disorders, the doctor suspects a pathology of the gallbladder or stomach and prescribes the following tests and examinations:

General blood test;
Biochemical blood test (bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, AST, ALT, lactate dehydrogenase, amylase, elastase, lipase, etc.);
Detection of Helicobacter Pylori in material collected during FGDS (sign up);
The presence of antibodies to Helicobacter Pylori (IgM, IgG) in the blood;
Level of pepsinogens and gastrin in blood serum;
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EFGDS);
Computed or magnetic resonance imaging;
Retrograde cholangiopancreatography;
Ultrasound of the abdominal organs (make an appointment).

As a rule, first of all a general and biochemical blood test is prescribed, test for the presence of Helicobacter Pylori (sign up), EGD and ultrasound of the abdominal organs, since these examinations and tests make it possible in the vast majority of cases to diagnose gastric ulcers and biliary tract pathologies. And only if these studies turn out to be uninformative, tomography, cholangiopancreatography, determination of the level of pepsinogens and gastrin in the blood, etc. can be prescribed. Before use, you should consult a specialist.

Various lung diseases are quite common in human daily life. Most of the classified diseases 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 respiratory 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:

environmental degradation;
presence of bad habits;
diseases of the cardiovascular system;
elevated blood sugar levels;
chronic diseases;
nervous disorders.

There are a large number of objective signs characterizing lung disease. Their main symptoms:

Having a cough. When a pathological process occurs, inflammation forms in the lungs, and then a reflex cough occurs. The person feels:

discomfort;
pain;
burning in the throat;
chest compression;
lack of air.

Sputum formation. Due to the inflammatory process, sputum accumulates in the mucous membrane, which contains a large number of infectious bacteria. They can become pathogens.

Expectoration with blood. With the development of serious lung diseases, blood is released along with sputum. These symptoms require immediate consultation with a specialist;

Breathing problems. It is a sign of many lung diseases; shortness of breath can be caused by problems of the cardiovascular system. Careful diagnosis is required;

Pain in the chest area. Violation of the pleura is caused by pathology of the lungs in the sternum, a feeling of severe constriction appears.

It is worth noting that the symptoms of an infectious lung disease occur suddenly and almost immediately cause fever, such as high fever, cold tremors, and profuse sweating.

Classification

It is difficult to say what types of lung diseases there are. After all, there are a lot of them and they can affect different parts of the lungs and even other organs. The most common classification of lungs looks something like this:

diseases affecting the respiratory tract;
lung diseases affecting the alveoli;
diseases affecting the pleura;
diseases affecting the chest;
hereditary diseases;
bronchopulmonary diseases;
suppurative diseases;
lung malformations.

Diseases affecting the respiratory tract

The classification of diseases depends on many factors that directly affect the rapid development of the disease. Depending on the source of the lesion, the following respiratory diseases are distinguished:

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). In the acute course, an incessant chronic cough is observed, which is difficult to treat.

Emphysema is a type of COPD that causes destruction and damage to lung tissue. There is a disturbance in oxygen metabolism, and the release of carbon dioxide increases in dangerous amounts.

Characteristic symptoms include sudden weight loss, difficulty breathing, and redness of the skin.

Asphyxia. It occurs as a result of physical damage to an organ or respiratory tract, is accompanied by a severe lack of oxygen and can be fatal.

Acute bronchitis. Damage to the bronchi when an infection or virus occurs. Characterized by a severe cough with sputum, fever, chills. An improperly treated disease can easily develop into chronic bronchitis. In this case, the cough practically does not stop and occurs at the slightest weakening of the immune system.

Alveoli, the so-called air sacs, are the main functional segment of the lungs. When the alveoli are damaged, individual lung pathologies are classified:

Pneumonia. The origin of the disease is infectious and causes pneumonia. The disease progresses rapidly, so initial symptoms require hospital treatment. Main symptoms:

chills;
a sharp increase in temperature;
cough;
difficulty breathing.

Tuberculosis. Causes gradual damage to the lungs and, if untreated, leads to death. The causative agent is Koch's bacillus, which penetrates the body and, under favorable conditions, begins to develop rapidly. To prevent the disease, an annual examination should be carried out. In the initial stages, the first signs of the disease are:

presence of low-grade fever;
persistent chronic cough.

Pulmonary edema. Fluid entering the lungs from blood vessels leads to inflammation and swelling of the organ. The disease is quite dangerous, so it is necessary to quickly carry out a diagnosis and a set of therapeutic measures for prevention.

Lung cancer. A dangerous disease that in its final stages is fatal. Its insidiousness lies in the fact that in the initial stages it is very difficult to establish an accurate diagnosis and prescribe quick effective treatment. Indirect signs of cancer can be:

coughing up blood;
severe shortness of breath;
low-grade fever;
sudden weight loss.

Silicosis. An occupational disease that occurs among workers in the heavy, chemical, and mining industries. The disease develops over several years, and the final stages are characterized by breathing problems, persistent cough, and fever.

Acute respiratory syndrome. There is a sharp destruction of organ tissue and constant artificial ventilation is required. It is very rare and practically untreatable.

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:

Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura due to physical or infectious lesions of the outer layer of the lungs. The main symptoms are severe chest pain and irregular breathing.
Pneumothorax. Air entering the pleural cavity, which can lead to lung collapse. Requires immediate hospitalization and proper treatment.

Blood vessels are known to carry oxygen, and their disruption causes chest diseases:

Pulmonary hypertension. 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:

Hypoventilation with excess weight. Excess body weight puts direct pressure on the chest and can cause serious respiratory problems.
Nervous stress. Damage to the nerve fibers in the lungs also leads to diseases that cause the destruction of this organ. An example of such a disease is myasthenia gravis.

Hereditary and bronchopulmonary diseases

Hereditary respiratory diseases are transmitted from parents to child and can have several types. Basic:

Bronchial asthma. It is of an allergic nature, characterized by sudden spasms, breathing problems, and shortness of breath.
Cystic fibrosis. Causes excessive mucus in the lungs, has a hereditary predisposition, systemically affects the endocrine glands.
Primary dyskinesia. Congenital damage to the bronchi, which causes purulent bronchitis. Requires individual treatment.
Fibrosis. Fibrous changes, respiratory failure, shortness of breath and other associated symptoms occur;
Hemosiderosis. Occurs due to pulmonary hemorrhages and hemolysis of red blood cells

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:

Infection in inflamed lungs develops rapidly. To avoid complications, a full range of treatment and prevention should be carried out.

Chest conditions such as pneumothorax, asphyxia, and physical damage to the lungs cause 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:

Lung abscess. Formation of a purulent cavity in the lung tissue. It has acute and chronic forms. The main pathogen is hemolytic staphylococcus. The form of the disease is severe: high fever, pain in the affected part of the lung, purulent sputum, expectoration of blood. Treatment is carried out with lymphatic drainage and antibacterial therapy. The prognosis is positive, but if recovery does not occur within two months, then the disease becomes chronic;

Gangrene of the lung. Significant spread of necrotic tissue without designated boundaries.

The course of the disease is severe and, if not treated correctly, leads to death. There is fever, an excessive increase in leukocytes in the blood, a dry and persistent cough, and severe pain at the site of the lesion. For a favorable prognosis, hospital treatment is required.

Purulent pleurisy. Acute purulent inflammation of the pleural cavity. The disease progresses quickly, so treatment must be started immediately. The main method is to extract the pus and then use penicillin antibiotics. If detected early, the prognosis is satisfactory. Main features:

Lung malformations

Lung malformations include all irreversible changes in the structure of the lungs during the embryonic stage of development. The main malformations of the lungs:

Aplasia is the absence of part of an organ.
Agenesis is the complete absence of the respiratory system.
Hypoplasia is a complete underdevelopment of the respiratory system.
Tracheobronchomegaly is an excessive distance between the trachea and bronchi. Provokes the development of trocheic bronchitis.
Tracheobronchomalacia is a disorder of the cartilaginous system of the bronchi and trachea, which leads to constant apnea.
Stenosis is an abnormal narrowing of the trachea and bronchi. There is a complete disruption of the swallowing process. Such malformations of the lungs cause severe difficulties for human life.
An additional lobe is the presence of excess lung tissue.
Sequestration is the development of separate lung tissue, equipped with its own circulation. Against this background, atypical pneumonia develops.
Azygos vein. The right side of the lung is divided by the azygos vein.

It is worth noting that lung malformations can be easily noticed during ultrasound examination of the fetus and the possibility of their development can be prevented.

But not all pathologies can be corrected, so constant monitoring is necessary and, if necessary, appropriate therapy is carried out.

Diagnosis and preventive measures

Determining an accurate diagnosis is the key to a quick recovery. During the initial examination, the pulmonologist must take into account all external factors in the manifestation of respiratory disease and the patient’s complaints.

Then draw up a preliminary list of tests and assign certain research methods, for example:

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!

Read better what Honored Doctor of the Russian Federation Victoria Dvornichenko says about this. For several years I suffered from poor health - constant colds, problems with the throat and bronchi, headaches, weight problems, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, weakness, loss of strength, weakness and depression. Endless tests, visits to doctors, diets, pills did not solve my problems. The doctors no longer knew what to do with me. BUT thanks to a simple recipe, headaches, colds, gastrointestinal problems in the past, my weight has returned to normal and I feel HEALTHY, full of strength and energy. Now my attending physician is surprised how this is so. Here is a link to the article.

What are the types of lung diseases: treatment and prevention

Diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract are the third most common diseases 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.

Variety of diseases

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;
bronchospasm;
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;
chest pain.

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 a huge number of causes 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.

Lung diseases in humans: list, causes, symptoms and treatment methods

Damages to 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. Against the background of a viral infection, pneumonia develops.

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

The 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 the sealed cavity:

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.
Pleural effusion, or otherwise the formation of fluid filling between the chest wall and the lung, prevents the full expansion of the organ.
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:

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:

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.
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.
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:

All types of asthma - allergic, nervous, hereditary, caused by toxic poisoning.
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.
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 COLD 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.

Pulmonology is a branch of medicine that studies diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract. Not long ago it was called pneumology.

Pulmonology is a broad field of medicine consisting of various sections. Main directions:

study of nonspecific diseases (inflammatory, allergic, obstructive, etc.);
study of specific diseases (for example, pulmonary tuberculosis);
study of occupational diseases;
study of tumor processes.

Pulmonology works closely with other specialties, especially with resuscitation and intensive care, since after surgery and in severe cases, many patients require artificial ventilation (connection to an artificial respiration machine).

Diseases of the respiratory tract and lungs are significantly common throughout the world. Our lifestyle, environment and genetic factors have caused an increase in the incidence of reported diseases.

The bronchopulmonary system consists of the following structural formations: the respiratory tract, through which air enters, and the lungs. The respiratory tract is divided into upper (nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx) and lower (trachea, bronchi and bronchioles). They are responsible for performing the following functions:

conducting air from the atmosphere to the lungs;
purification of air from pollutants;
protection of the lungs (microorganisms, dust, foreign particles, etc. settle on the bronchial mucosa and are removed);
warming and humidification of incoming air.

The nose is the main defender of the respiratory system. It humidifies and warms the air, traps microorganisms and harmful substances, and it is also able to sense various odors and is responsible for the sense of smell.

Sinuses are confined spaces filled with air.

The pharynx is an organ in which a large number of lymph nodes are located, the largest of which are the tonsils. Lymphatic tissue protects the body from various microorganisms.

The larynx follows immediately after the pharynx. It contains the glottis and ligaments.

The lower respiratory tract is a hollow elastic tube of varying diameters, the largest of which is the trachea. They smoothly pass into the lungs.

The lungs are formations consisting of many interconnected sacs (alveoli) filled with air. They resemble bunches of grapes. The main function is gas exchange, namely the supply of oxygen into the bloodstream and the release of waste gases, especially carbon dioxide.

Causes of diseases

Only a qualified specialist can tell you the name of the lung disease in your case and determine the cause of its occurrence. Most often, these are microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi). Allergic reactions, genetic abnormalities, and hypothermia can also cause lung diseases.

The names of lung diseases are often compiled according to the reason for their occurrence (for example, the ending “-itis” indicates inflammatory processes, “oz-” - degenerative, etc.).

Risk factors:

poor environment;
smoking;
alcohol;
diabetes mellitus;
heart disease;
chronic infections;
stress.

Species

Pulmonologists know everything about what lung diseases are. Nowadays there is no single generally accepted classification. The list of lung diseases is quite wide. It is compiled based on several characteristics and parameters. Based on the symptoms manifested in the patient, the following types of lung disease are distinguished:

obstructive (difficulty in exhaling air);
restrictive (difficulty breathing).

According to the location of the damage, the following list of lung diseases is compiled:

respiratory tract diseases. This pathology is caused by compression or blockage of the airways. These include asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis;
lung tissue diseases. This group of diseases damages lung tissue, preventing it from fully functioning and expanding, making it difficult for patients to breathe in and out. These include fibrosis and sarcoidosis;
diseases of the pulmonary circulatory system. This is damage to blood vessels. It affects gas exchange.

Many diseases are a combination of these types (for example, asthma, bronchitis, COPD, cancer, pneumonia, pneumothorax, etc.).

You can make a list of lung diseases based on the degree of prevalence of the pathology - local and diffuse lesions. Infectious lung diseases usually cause local changes. Diffuse are associated with other external and internal causes.

A list of lung diseases can be compiled according to the nature of their course - acute or chronic processes. But it is quite difficult to classify lung diseases according to this principle, since some acute processes can quickly cause a tragic outcome, and sometimes they are asymptomatic and immediately turn into chronic pathology.

Symptoms

There are a huge number of diseases of the respiratory system. So what are the most common symptoms of lung disease?

Diagnosis and treatment

After watching a video of lung disease, everyone should understand the seriousness of the pathology, because without proper breathing there is no life. Many people, when characteristic symptoms appear, begin to browse websites and look for what types of lung diseases there are. As a result, they prescribe their own treatment.

Remember: self-medication can only bring temporary benefits. It causes severe harm to the entire body, since only a doctor can carry out a full diagnosis.

In addition to collecting complaints and external examination, the doctor uses additional diagnostic methods: X-ray, CT, bronchography, fluorography. After receiving the examination results, the pulmonologist makes a final diagnosis and draws up a treatment plan.

All treatment should be comprehensive, individual and step-by-step. Don’t let the complicated names of lung diseases scare you, because if you follow all the doctor’s instructions, your chances of recovery are maximum.

When prescribing treatment, the doctor takes into account the cause of the disease, symptoms, severity of the condition and the presence of complications. After analyzing the data obtained, the pulmonologist prescribes certain medications that help reduce pain, affect the cause of its occurrence, restore lung functionality, and eliminate clinical manifestations (cough, shortness of breath, etc.).

After the acute period subsides (decrease in temperature, absence of weakness, etc.), physiotherapy, a certain diet, daily routine, and sanatorium treatment are prescribed.

In the absence of positive results from conservative therapy, surgical treatment methods are resorted to.

They are part of a complex organ system. They deliver oxygen and release carbon dioxide as they expand and relax thousands of times a day. Lung disease may be the result of problems in some other part of this organ system.

Lung diseases affecting the airways

The trachea branches into tubes called bronchi, which in turn gradually branch into smaller tubes throughout the lungs. Diseases affecting the respiratory tract include:

Asthma: The airways are constantly inflamed. Sometimes there may be spasm of the airways, causing wheezing and shortness of breath. Allergies, infections, or pollution can trigger asthma symptoms.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): a lung disease characterized by an inability to breathe out normally, which results in difficulty breathing.
Chronic bronchitis: a form of COPD characterized by a chronic cough.
Emphysema: In this form of COPD, damage to the lungs allows air to remain trapped in the lungs. Heavily exhaled air is a hallmark of this disease.
Acute bronchitis: unexpected infection of the airways, often by a virus.
Cystic fibrosis: a genetic disease that causes slight secretion of sputum (mucus) from the bronchi. Mucus buildup can lead to recurring lung infections.

Lung diseases affecting the air sacs (Alveoli)

The airways eventually branch into small tubes (bronchioles) that end in air sacs called alveoli. These air sacs make up most of the lung tissue. Lung diseases affecting the air sacs include:

Pneumonia: infection of the alveoli, usually by bacteria.
Tuberculosis: A slowly progressive pneumonia caused by the tuberculosis bacterium.
Emphysema results from damage to the fragile connections between the alveoli. The usual cause is smoking. Emphysema also restricts air circulation, also affecting the airways.
Pulmonary edema: Fluid leaks through the small blood vessels of the lungs into the air sacs and surrounding area. One form of this disease is caused by heart failure and increased pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs. Another form, direct injury to the lungs causes edema.
Lung cancer comes in many forms and can develop in any part of the lungs. It most often occurs in the main part of the lungs, in or near the air sacs. The type, location and spread of lung cancer determines treatment options.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome: severe, sudden injury to the lungs caused by a serious illness. Mechanical ventilation is usually necessary to maintain life until the lungs heal.
Pneumoconiosis: a category of diseases caused by the inhalation of substances that damage the lungs. For example, pneumoconiosis as a result of systematic inhalation of coal dust and asbestosis resulting from inhalation of asbestos dust when working with asbestos.

Lung diseases affecting the interstitium

The interstitium is the microscopic thin tissue between the air sacs of the lungs (alveoli). Thin blood vessels pass through the interstitium and allow gas to be exchanged between the alveoli and the blood. Various lung diseases affect the interstitium:

Interstitial lung disease: a broad collection of lung diseases affecting the interstitium. Among the numerous types of ILD, diseases such as sarcoidosis, idiopathic pneumosclerosis and autoimmune diseases can be distinguished.
Pneumonia and pulmonary edema can also affect the interstitium.

Diseases affecting blood vessels

The right side of the heart receives low-oxygen blood through the veins. It pumps blood to the lungs through the pulmonary arteries. These blood vessels can also become susceptible to disease.

Pulmonary embolism: A blood clot (usually in the deep veins of the legs, deep vein thrombosis) breaks off and travels to the heart and into the lungs. The clot becomes lodged in the pulmonary artery, often causing difficulty breathing and low oxygen levels in the blood.
Pulmonary hypertension: Various diseases can cause high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. This may cause shortness of breath and chest pain. If the cause is not determined, the disease is called idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Lung diseases affecting the pleura

The pleura is a thin membrane that surrounds the lung and lines the inside of the chest wall. A thin layer of fluid allows the pleura to slide along the surface of the lungs along the chest wall with each breath. Pulmonary diseases of the pleura include:

Pleural effusion: Fluid usually accumulates in a small area of the pleura, between the lung and the chest wall. This usually occurs after pneumonia or heart failure. If a large pleural effusion makes breathing difficult, it must be removed.
Pneumothorax: Air can enter the area between the chest wall and the lung, causing the lung to collapse. A tube is usually inserted through the chest wall to remove air.
Mesothelioma: a rare form of cancer that forms in the pleura. Mesothelioma typically occurs several decades after asbestos exposure.

Lung diseases affecting the chest wall

The chest wall also plays an important role in breathing. The muscles connect to the ribs, helping the rib cage expand. With every breath, the diaphragm, the editorial team of the health portal "To your health!" . All rights reserved.