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Lung disease can be described as a condition that affects the lung's ability to function optimally. Although lung diseases vary in severity and symptoms, they can be grouped into two; restrictive lung diseases and obstructive lung diseases.
Restrictive lung disease is a progressive condition of the lungs that presents itself as the inability of the lungs to expand to full capacity during inhalation. Some examples of such diseases are sarcoidosis, asbestosis, and pulmonary fibrosis.
The other lung disorder known as Obstructive lung disease is also a degenerative condition of the lungs, which makes it difficult for the lungs to expel the entire volume of already inhaled air in the lungs.
In the following section, we will be discussing obstructive lung diseases, their symptoms, treatments, and prevention:
Cystic fibrosis
Bronchiectasis
Asthma
Chronic bronchitis
Emphysema
CYSTIC FIBROSIS
This is a genetically transmitted degenerative condition that causes multiple infections of the lungs and reduces the ability of the lungs to function optimally over time.
The transformations of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CTFR) gene give rise to the malfunctioning of CTFR protein. This brings about an inability of the protein to move chloride to the surface of lung cells.
Chloride which is an important component of salt helps to attract water to the cell surface without which the mucus in the lungs becomes very thick, sticky and clogs the airways trapping harmful bacteria and germs leading to inflammation, infections, and subsequently life-threatening complications.
Some symptoms of cystic fibrosis include difficulty breathing, chronic cough with Phlegm or blood, fatty stool, sinusitis, fatigue, and wheezing.
BRONCHIECTASIS
This is a condition of the lungs that develop from recurring inflammation of the airways as a result of infections brought about by the build-up of mucus, from medical conditions such as pneumonia and cystic fibrosis, or even from aspirating. Some symptoms include; clubbing of nails, weight loss, and night sweats.
ASTHMA
This is a condition in which the airways become swollen and inflamed, producing extra mucus and making it difficult to breathe.
Asthma can be caused by allergic conditions such as rhinitis, it could also be inherited, caused by early developmental errors in children and exposure to environmental allergens.
The symptoms of asthma are not continuous but occur at regular intervals and can be mild or life-threatening. Some activities such as physical exercise or substances such as dust or smoke, all known as triggers can worsen asthma symptoms in individuals suffering from Asthma.
These triggers vary among individuals. Some symptoms of asthma include; rapid breathing, anxiety, fast heart rate, and throat irritation.
CHRONIC BRONCHITIS
This condition (which is one of the diseases which constitutes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is characterized by continuous inflammation of the bronchi, which leads to excess production of thick mucus that fills the airways.
Most experts would agree that chronic bronchitis is mostly caused by cigarette smoking, while air pollution also plays a role too. Some symptoms of chronic bronchitis include bluish fingernails, lips, and skin because of lower oxygen levels, swollen feet, narrowing and plugging of the bronchi.
EMPHYSEMA
This condition is characterized by progressive damage to lung tissues(Alveoli). It is one of the diseases that belong to a group known as a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) and usually develops in individuals after many years of smoking or exposure to other airborne irritants.
Some symptoms of Emphysema include continuing fatigue, a whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe, and swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet.
Generally, obstructive lung disorders have very similar symptoms depending on the stage of the disease and the severity. The severity of these diseases usually increases over time hence proper diagnosis and treatment at an early stage is critical to the well-being of the individual. These common symptoms often need further diagnosis to determine the exact disease before treatment. These similar symptoms include:
Chronic cough with phlegm or blood
Frequent infections and severe infections of the lungs and airways
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness and pressure
Increased production of mucus
An individual who is experiencing any of the symptoms above should seek medical help for immediate and proper diagnosis.
DIAGNOSIS
There are various methods of diagnosing obstructive lung disease. A trained medical doctor/respiratory expert would always carry out an initial diagnosis which includes an interview, physical exam followed by lab tests.
The most common diagnostic methods used are a pulmonary function test and imaging tests such as chest x-ray film and a computer tomography (CT) scan of the chest.
A pulmonary function test measures and shows the result of vital parameters of the present condition of the human lung. It measures the lung volume, capacity of gas exchange, and rates of flow, which are all vital to diagnosing and determining the treatment of certain lung disorders.
Another method of diagnosis which is employed in certain cases is known as bronchoscopy. This method is used to visually assess the condition of the lungs. In this procedure, a rigid or flexible bronchoscope is inserted through the nose or mouth down the airways and into the lungs.
Proper diagnosis enables the healthcare expert to prescribe appropriate treatment to curb further worsening of the lung condition.
TREATMENT
It’s important to note that obstructive lung diseases have no cure and can only be managed and the treatment method used usually depends on the type of disease an individual is suffering and the stage of the disease.
Treatments for obstructive lung diseases usually include medication that would ease the tension and relax the muscles of the airways and treat inflammation, oxygen therapy, and in severe cases a lung transplant.
PREVENTION
Prevention should be a top priority in those prone to lung diseases. In order to prevent the development of obstructive lung disease, an individual must take some precautionary steps. Some of these steps include:
Regular exercise
Quit smoking
Adhering to the safety rules guiding the use of chemicals
Avoiding prolonged exposure to lung irritants
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