Dealing With 7 Most Common Types of Respiratory Diseases

Respiratory diseases are conditions that impact the lungs and other areas of the respiratory system, including the nose, throat, and windpipe. They can lead to difficulties in breathing and may result in symptoms such as coughs, wheezing sounds from the chest, or pain in the chest area. There are many underlying causes of respiratory diseases. From bacterial or viral infections to smoking tobacco or inhaling certain moulds or spores, this condition can be aggravated by several means.

The most common lung diseases result from infections caused by bacteria or viruses. That’s why a hygienic and healthy lifestyle is vital in preventing such diseases. This blog will highlight the seven most common respiratory diseases, along with their symptoms and available treatments.

Common Respiratory Diseases Affecting Millions Every Year

Here are the seven most common respiratory diseases, their primary causes, symptoms of lungs diseases, and possible lung infection treatments.

1. Pneumonia :
   Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs that leads to swelling in the air pockets. It usually happens because of bacteria or viruses and leads to difficulty breathing.
   
   Symptoms: Cough, fever, pain in the chest, and difficulty breathing.
   
   Treatment: Doctors prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medicines. In severe cases, one may need hospitalisation.
   
   
2. Lung Cancer :
   Lung cancer happens when unusual cells proliferate in the lungs uncontrollably. Mostly, people diagnosed with this condition are smokers, but inhaling harmful pollutants or some inherited genes can also cause lung cancer.
   
   Symptoms: Coughs, pain in the chest, difficulty breathing, and sometimes you can cough blood.
   
   Treatment: The treatment is based on what kind of cancer it is and how much it has advanced, ranging from operations to remove parts and chemical treatments to boost your body's defence system against the disease. Quitting smoking should be your first step to avoid getting lung cancer.
   
   
3. Bronchitis :
   Bronchitis is swelling or inflammation in the passages that carry air to the lungs. The main irritants are viruses from colds or flu. It usually starts with an ear, nose, or throat infection and then proceeds to infect the bronchi.
   
   Symptoms: Coughing, irritation in the chest area, tiredness, and sometimes increased body temperature.
   
   Treatment: To treat it, one should rest well and drink plenty of liquids. Sometimes, doctors give antibiotics when bacteria cause the sickness. Giving up smoking and avoiding going out in dirt air can help alleviate the symptoms of bronchitis.
   
   
4. COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) :
   COPD is defined as a group of lung ailments that block airflow and cause breathing issues. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are comme COPDs.
   
   Symptoms: Coughing, feeling short of breath, wheezing and chest tightness.
   
   Treatment: Giving up on smoking, using inhalers, and sticking to medication to reduce inflammation are all part of the treatment process.
   
   
5. Pulmonary Oedema :
   Pulmonary oedema is similar to a lung flood. It occurs when fluid accumulates in the small air pouches, which makes breathing difficult. Heart issues like heart failure, infections, and injuries can also cause Pulmonary oedema.
   
   Symptoms: Difficulty breathing, cough with foamy spit, a wheezing sound when breathing.
   
   Treatment: We mostly take medicine for heart problems; if there's not enough oxygen, then oxygen therapy; and at times, water pills to help get rid of too much fluid.
   
   
6. Asthma :
   Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes coughing, wheezing, and breathing problems. It occurs due to swelling inside the lung which disturbs oxygen flow in the blood. Asthma has many possible causes, including allergies and irritants.
   
   Symptoms: Coughing, wheezing, irritation in the chest, headache.
   
   Treatment: Symptoms can be controlled using inhalers to open airways and reduce inflammation, avoiding specific triggers, and consulting your doctor.
   
   
7. Tuberculosis :
   Tuberculosis or TB, is a respiratory disease, mostly affecting the lungs. However, it can also spread to different parts of the body. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the causal agent, which moves through the air when someone with the infection coughs or sneezes. It spreads easily and can pass to different people coming in contact with the organism through cough droplets.
   
   Symptoms: Cough, pain in the chest, tiredness, weight loss, high temperature, and sweating at night.
   
   Treatment: It can be cured with antibiotic medicines, which, depending on the intensity of the infection, are usually taken for many months up to one year.

Besides the seven common respiratory diseases, we must acknowledge how widely upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) affect people. URTIs are very common and include different illnesses like colds, flu, sinusitis and sore throat. Though they are usually not severe, upper respiratory tract infections have a significant impact on the symptoms of lungs diseases and touch many people each year.

Key Takeaway

Respiratory diseases are severe conditions without a definite cure. Besides medical help, there are significant steps you can take in your daily life, like quitting smoking, avoiding direct exposure to air pollutants, and managing a healthy lifestyle to prepare you in advance for any emergency.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. How often do respiratory diseases occur?
   
   Answer:- Respiratory diseases affect masses each year. In fact, COPD and asthma are the two leading causes of death by lung disease, making older adults more sensitive to such conditions.
   
   
2. What innovative exercise aids recovery from pneumonia?
   
   Answer:- Practising diaphragmatic breathing can strengthen the diaphragm and improve oxygen flow post-pneumonia.
   
   
3. What is upper tract respiratory infection?
   
   Answer:- Upper tract respiratory infections (URTIs) specifically refer to infections affecting the upper part of the respiratory system, including the nose, sinuses, throat, and sometimes the larynx (voice box).