LUNG & LUNG HEALTH

The lung is a vital organ in the respiratory system that perform essential functions that sustain life. The lungs are responsible for Oxygenation of blood, Carbon Dioxide Removal, Energy Production, Blood pH Regulation and Protection and Defense from dust, microbes, and other airborne particles. Protecting the lungs is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. The lung diseases are the disorders that affect the ability of the lungs to function properly. These conditions can disrupt the process of breathing, impair the lungs' ability to exchange gases, or cause damage to the lung tissues themselves.

LUNG DISORDERS

Asthma

Description: A chronic condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, causing periodic breathing difficulties.
Causes: Allergens, exercise, air pollution, cold air, or stress can trigger asthma attacks.
Symptoms: Wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness.
Impact: Asthma attacks can range from mild to life-threatening but can often be managed with medication.

Bronchitis

Description: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often causing a persistent cough and mucus production.
Causes: Viruses (acute bronchitis), smoking, or long-term exposure to pollutants (chronic bronchitis, a form of COPD).
Symptoms: Persistent cough, mucus, wheezing, chest discomfort.
Impact: Acute bronchitis usually resolves on its own, while chronic bronchitis can be a long-term condition.

Pneumonia

Description: An infection of the lungs, typically caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, leading to inflammation in the alveoli (air sacs), which may fill with fluid or pus.
Causes: Bacterial (like Streptococcus pneumoniae), viral (like influenza), or fungal infections.
Symptoms: Fever, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue.
Impact: Can be mild or severe, especially in the elderly, infants, or those with weakened immune systems.

Lung Cancer

Description: Uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lungs, leading to tumors that interfere with lung function.
Causes: Smoking is the leading cause, though exposure to radon gas, asbestos, and air pollution also increases risk.
Symptoms: Persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, unexplained weight loss.
Impact: A leading cause of cancer death worldwide, but outcomes can improve with early detection and treatment.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Description: A group of diseases, mainly emphysema and chronic bronchitis, that cause airflow obstruction and difficulty breathing.
Causes: Smoking, long-term exposure to irritants (air pollution, dust, chemicals).
Symptoms: Chronic cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, and excessive mucus production.
Impact: Progressive and usually irreversible, COPD significantly affects quality of life and can lead to respiratory failure.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Description: A bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs but can spread to other organs.
Causes: Spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms: Chronic cough, weight loss, fever, night sweats, and coughing up blood.
Impact: Highly contagious, but curable with proper treatment. If left untreated, it can be fatal.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

Description: A sudden, severe form of respiratory failure where the lungs are unable to provide enough oxygen to the body.
Causes: Trauma, severe infection (sepsis), pneumonia, or inhalation of harmful substances.
Symptoms: Rapid onset of severe shortness of breath, low oxygen levels, rapid breathing.
Impact: Requires intensive medical care and is life-threatening without prompt treatment.

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)

Description: A group of disorders that cause progressive scarring of lung tissue, similar to pulmonary fibrosis, affecting the interstitium (the tissue around the alveoli).
Causes: Autoimmune diseases, infections, environmental exposures (asbestos, silica), or idiopathic (unknown) origins.
Symptoms: Shortness of breath, chronic dry cough, fatigue.
Impact: Progresses over time, potentially leading to severe respiratory failure.