Lung disease is a condition that affects its normal function causing various associated symptoms such as breathing difficulty. The function of the lungs is to deliver oxygen from the air we breathe to the bloodstream so the cells in the body can function normally. Some of the common forms of lung diseases include asthma, bronchitis, lung cancer, pulmonary embolus, pneumonia and pulmonary fibrosis.
Pneumonia
This is the inflammation of the lungs that can develop as the result of an infection. When an individual breathes in germs, they enter the air sacs of the lungs and can continue to grow. As the lungs become infected, the air sacs called alveoli become filled with mucus. The inflammation of the alveoli affects its normal function and the normal oxygen supply to the blood stream. Some of the symptoms of pneumonia include a cough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, fatigue, and confusion among elderly. The treatment is based on the severity of the condition and in most cases recovery is possible at home by getting plenty of rest, staying well hydrated and taking antibiotics for the infection.
Pulmonary fibrosis
This can develop from a number of conditions that can cause the build-up of scar tissue in the lungs. The scarring can affect the air sacs in the lungs and the quantity of oxygen in the blood. The exact cause of most forms of pulmonary fibrosis cannot be identified but it is not contagious. Some common causes of pulmonary fibrosis can include exposure to allergens such as certain types of dust or as the side effect of various medications. The initial symptom is the shortness of breath that can become worse if left untreated. Additional symptoms can include cough, fatigue, weight loss, fever, muscle and joint pain. The treatment is based on the type of pulmonary fibrosis and the symptoms evident. Pulmonary rehabilitation is important to help these individuals cope with breathlessness and include special physical exercise. In some cases, an oxygen therapy may be required if the level of oxygen in the blood becomes low.
Bronchitis
This is a condition that causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes which deliver air to the lungs. The acute form of bronchitis can develop as the result of cold or respiratory infections which can be transmitted to another person from the cough or the sneezes of the infected person. The chronic bronchitis is a serious condition that commonly is caused by smoking. Individuals with the symptom of cough with mucus for a period of three months are diagnosed as having chronic bronchitis. The symptoms of bronchitis include shortness of breath, discomfort in the chest, fever, chills and coughing mucus. The acute form of bronchitis usually resolves on its own within a couple of weeks although the bacterial infection may require antibiotics. The chronic condition is treated with the bronchodilator medications and steroids to ease the symptoms along with the pulmonary rehabilitation or oxygen therapy.
References
https://medlineplus.gov/lungdiseases.html
https://www.blf.org.uk/support-for-you/pulmonary-fibrosis/treatment
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bronchitis/basics/treatment/con-20014956
