What are the Common Respiratory Diseases?

Respiratory disease, in other words, the pathologic changes in the respiratory system, often leads to asthma, pneumonia, lung cancer and similar.

Respiratory diseases could be caused by viruses or bacteria. Nowadays there is no universal treatment for respiratory diseases. The disease treatment depends on the actual condition of each patient.

Respiratory diseases are the most frequent conditions globally. Statistics show that out of every 100 people, at least 4 or 5 suffer from respiratory conditions in their lifetime.

Symptoms:

Respiratory disease symptoms can be easy to ignore. That’s because they’re often mild, and they don’t make you feel sick. But they can be a sign that you have a serious problem with your lungs.

If you see any of these respiratory disease symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible:

– Shortness of breath

– Wheezing or whistling sound when breathing

– Chest tightness or pain

– Coughing up blood

Common Respiratory Diseases

Respiratory diseases are some of the most common medical conditions in children and adults. They can have an effect on individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

There are many respiratory diseases, but some of the foremost common are:

Asthma:

It is a chronic disease that causes the airways to become inflamed and narrow. It can cause trouble breathing, chest tightness, coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

Pneumonia:

It is an infection of the lungs that causes inflammation and swelling in the air sacs (alveoli). Symptoms include fever and chills, cough with mucus or blood, shortness of breath, fast heart rate and chest pain with deep breaths.

Bronchitis:

It is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchi (airways) that causes a cough with mucus or phlegm. It may be caused by viruses or microorganism.

Bronchiectasis:

It is an abnormal widening of the bronchi that worsens over time leading to symptoms similar to emphysema including wheezing, shortness of breath and fatigue despite rest.

COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease):

A group of lung diseases that cause airflow blockage and make it hard to breathe.

Factors that Cause Respiratory Problems

Respiratory problems are a common health issue that affects people of all ages. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies and colds, as well as illnesses such as pneumonia. There are many different types of respiratory problems, and their symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Causes of Respiratory Problems:

1. Environmental problems

2. Immune system disorders

3. Infections

4. Nutritional deficiencies

5. Psychological stress

6. Allergies

7. Cold & Flu

8. Smoking cigarettes regularly

9. Exposure to harmful chemicals such as asbestos in the workplace or at home

What is a Respiratory Tract Infection?

Respiratory tract infections are viral, bacterial or fungal infections of the respiratory tract. The respiratory tract includes the nose, throat, larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe), bronchi (breathing tubes) and lungs.

Respiratory tract infections can range from mild to life-threatening. Milder infections may last a few days while more serious infections may require hospitalization. Some people have no symptoms at all while others experience many symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat and runny nose.

Symptoms of a respiratory tract infection include:

  • coughing
  • sneezing
  • sore throat
  • mild fever

What causes RTIs?

RTIs are caused by viruses, bacteria and other germs that can get into your child’s airways through a cough or sneeze.

RTIs can be mild, but they can also lead to serious health problems such as pneumonia or meningitis (inflammation of the brain).

It’s important to know how to recognize an RTI so you can help keep your child healthy!

Lung Disease

Lung disease is a serious health condition that can cause various symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, and chest pain. Some lung diseases are caused by infections, while others occur due to exposure to secondhand smoke or pollutants in the air.

It’s important to get tested if you notice any of these symptoms, as they could indicate a life-threatening illness like pneumonia or tuberculosis.

What are the symptoms of lung disease?

Coughing or wheezing are two common symptoms of lung disease. These may be accompanied by shortness of breath and chest pain.

If you have been exposed to someone with a contagious illness like tuberculosis or pneumonia (which is an inflammation of the lungs), then you may experience these same symptoms yourself after being around them for long periods of your time.

How do I know if I have lung disease?

There are several conditions that cause coughing or wheezing as well as other symptoms associated with lung cancer.

These include:

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
  • Asthma (chronic),
  • Pneumonia (infectious),
  • Tuberculosis (infectious),
  • Cancerous tumours in the lungs (malignant),
  • Sarcoidosis (autoimmune),
  • Bronchiectasis (autoimmune).

All these conditions require medical treatment from qualified physicians.