Learn About Lung Disease
Lung disease, also known as respiratory disease, is a term that refers to a range of problems that affect the lungs. Some types of respiratory disease include:
- Asthma: Asthma is a chronic disease in which the inner walls of the airways become swollen and narrow, which can cause trouble breathing, coughing, and tightness in the chest.
- Pneumonia: Pneumonia occurs when the lung becomes inflamed, usually due to infection from one of three sources: bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
- Tuberculosis: Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that strikes the lungs and requires medication to treat. Symptoms of TB include a cough lasting for more than three weeks or coughing up blood, as well as chills, fever, and weakness.
- Lung cancer: Most lung cancer is caused by smoking cigarettes, but it can also be caused by exposure to high levels of pollution or other toxins. Symptoms of lung disease include a chronic cough, chest pain, and repeated episodes of pneumonia or bronchitis.
Treatments for respiratory disease may include taking medication, using oxygen at home, and learning breathing techniques to compensate for lung problems.
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