- What are respiratory diseases?
- Prognosis of respiratory diseases
- Symptoms of respiratory diseases
- Medical tests for respiratory diseases
- What are the causes of respiratory illnesses?
- Can it be prevented?
- What specialist treats it?
What are respiratory diseases?
Before we begin, it should be noted that the respiratory system plays an essential role in supplying oxygen to the body. It in turn eliminates carbon dioxide waste and toxic waste, also regulates temperature and stabilizes the blood. Chronic respiratory diseases (CRD) are chronic diseases that affect the lung and/or airways. These include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), allergic rhinitis, occupational lung diseases and pulmonary hypertension. Respiratory diseases affect the lungs directly and can arise from the following causes: pulmonary, cardiovascular, emotional and serious causes that can be life-threatening. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 235 million people suffer from asthma and 64 million suffer from COPD. The same organization mentions that nearly 4 million people die annually worldwide due to CKD, with COPD leading the list as the main cause of death.
In short, a respiratory disease or disorder is considered to be any condition or affection that affects the respiratory system. Below is an extensive list:
- Asthma
- Asbestosis
- Black lung
- Bronchiolitis
- Bronchiolitis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Emphysema
- Empyema
- Eosinophilic pneumonia
- Laryngeal cancer
- Laryngomalacia
- Legionnaire’s disease
- Lung cancer
- Common cold
- Tuberculosis
- Valley fever
- Influenza
- Sinusitis
- Pharyngitis
- Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
- Persistent cough
- Pleurisy
- Pneumonia
- Pneumothorax
- Pulmonary embolism
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Respiratory distress syndrome
- Respiratory syncytial virus
- Sarcoidosis
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome
- Silicosis and tonsillitis
Prognosis of respiratory diseases
The prognosis of respiratory diseases can vary greatly depending on the specific pathology. However, the prognosis tends to improve in most of them if the patient correctly performs the treatment. This is true for both severe and mild respiratory problems.
Some of the symptoms of respiratory diseases are cough,
wheezing or chest pains, among many others.
Symptoms of respiratory diseases
Symptoms vary from person to person and depending on the pathology. However, the most frequent symptoms are:
- Cough
- Wheezing and chest tightness
- Secretions (phlegm)
- Fatigue and difficulty breathing
- Rhinitis
- Sneezing
- Itchy nose
Medical tests for respiratory diseases
For the diagnosis of these diseases, a thorough questioning and physical examination by the physician is performed. In addition, the characteristics of the disease and respiratory problems will be evaluated and assessed. A blood test may be useful to the doctor, among other tests such as:
- Chest X-ray
- Sputum examination
- Pulmonary function test
What are the causes of respiratory disease?
There may be a combination of factors that cause respiratory illnesses. They usually respond to certain causes:
- Viruses
- Cigarette smoking
- Air pollution, dust and toxic gases.
Some risk factors are:
- Tobacco smoke
- Low immune system resistance
- Exposure to irritants in the workplace
- Gastric reflux
Can they be prevented?
Although respiratory diseases are currently not totally preventable, some of the associated problems can be avoided. Thus, it is recommended to protect the lungs as much as possible by following this type of advice:
- Avoid tobacco smoke: smoke increases the risk of suffering from some type of respiratory disease.
- Get vaccinated: many respiratory diseases are caused by a virus and there are vaccines to avoid major problems.
- Hand washing: hand hygiene will help patients to maintain hygiene and thus avoid the risk of contracting a viral infection.
- Wearing a surgical mask: the use of this device can prevent complications in work where the patient is exposed to dust, fumes or toxic gases.
Which specialist treats you?
Respiratory diseases should be treated by a physician specializing in Pneumology. With his experience and training he is the most prepared to deal with any disease related to the respiratory system.