Lung Disease
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Symptoms
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Lung Disease and Chronic Lung Disease
The lungs can be afflicted
by a number of common diseases. Most lung disease is chronic,
and it's estimated that more than 35 million Americans are
currently afflicted with some more of lung disease.
The most common lung diseases
Asthma is a chronic
inflammatory lung disease that affects air passages, causing
shortness of breath, wheezing, chest discomfort and tightness.
Asthma often produces a cough especially at night or in the
early morning hours.
Allergies that affect
breathing These are generally caused by
foreign substances that float in the air and enter the body
through the nose or mouth. Plant pollen, animal fur or dander
and mold spores are prime examples.
Bronchitis is an
inflammation of the lung airways (which are also called
"bronchi"). Bronchitis produces a persistent cough accompanied
by phlegm (sputum).
COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Disease is a lung disorder that persistently
obstructs airflow, causing difficulty breathing, wheezing, and
a chronic cough.
Cystic Fibrosis is a
genetic disease that causes a sticky buildup of mucus in the
lungs. Breathing becomes more difficult and infections can
result. Cystic fibrosis is a chronic lung disease.
Emphysema is usually caused
by long term smoking. Emphysema occurs when air sacs in the
lungs are enlarged and damaged. The damage results in breathing
difficulty and very often requires a lung transplant. Emphysema
is a chronic lung disease.
Flu or Influenza is an infectious
lung disease caused by a virus. Symptoms are very similar to
symptoms of the common cold, but flu is more
serious.
Lung Cancer is leading
cause of cancer death in the United States, accounting for
350,000 deaths a year. It is the third leading killer among
diseases overall. There is no cure for this devastating lung
disease, but preventive measures can significantly reduce your
chances of ever getting it. Also see natural cancer treatment.
"Lung Infection" is a
collective name for a number of different respiratory
infections, including chronic bronchitis, tuberculosis,
pneumonia, and whooping cough. Lung infections have various
causes: bacteria, virus, fungus, or smoking.
Pleurisy is a painful
inflammation in the lungs. It is accompanied by mucus in the
lungs, and usually causes painful deep breathing or coughing.
Someone with this form of lung disease may also experience pain
in the side.
Pneumonia is an inflammation
in the lungs. Typically, it's caused by an infection of some
kind. People of all ages can get pneumonia, but it can be
especially dangerous for young children and seniors. Pneumonia
can be life threatening.
Pulmonary
Hypertension is a form of elevated blood
pressure in the lungs. Pulmonary hypertension may indicate
either high blood flow, high resistance to blood flow, or both.
Pulmonary hypertension is especially dangerous because it can
result in heart failure or cyanosis.
Sleep
Apnea involves temporary interruptions in
normal breathing patterns during sleep. These interruptions may
happen dozens or even hundreds of times a night. Sleep apnea
decreases the quality of the patient's sleep, and often causes
daytime fatigue.
Tuberculosis is a lung
disease produced by an infection caused by the mycobacteria
tuberculosis bacteria, which cause damage to the lungs. "TB,"
as it id commonly known is contagious and is spread through
inhalation.
Whooping
Cough is an acute
infectious disease caused by the Bordetella Pertusis strain
of bacterium. It features recurrent spasmodic coughing that
ends with a characteristic convulsive breath that sounds
like a "whoop."
 Learn About Your
Lungs
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the diseases, conditions and illnesses that affect lung
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