Certain conditions significantly affect your lungs and make breathing difficult to a great extent. While breathing, the lungs get enough oxygen for efficient functioning. Cells in your body require oxygen to live that they get from the bloodstream. A range of lung diseases that affect the function of the lungs can be life-threatening if not treated well.
See a specialist in order to consult your respiratory health. Schedule an appointment with the leading pulmonologist in Siliguri and receive quality treatment for optimal recovery. The most common respiratory diseases include – Asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), Pneumonia, Lung cancer, Chronic Bronchitis, Cystic Fibrosis, etc.
4 Common Lung Conditions
1) Asthma
Asthma or Bronchial asthma is an inflammatory lung condition that is responsible for narrowing your airways results in breathing problems. Genetics, allergies, extreme weather, or an existing respiratory infection can be a trigger for asthma.
Signs of Asthma Disease
- Coughing, wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble sleeping
- The condition gets worse with physical activity or exercise
For asthma, doctors may recommend certain medications, allergy shots, bronchial thermoplasty, etc.
2) COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
As its name suggests it is a chronic lung disease blocking the airflows, making it harder to breathe as is required. COPD progresses with time and shows no significant signs until the condition becomes severe.
Signs or symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Shortness of breath
- Difficult breathing during physical activity
- Wheezing
- A chronic cough
- Unexplained weight loss
- Lack of energy
- Swelling in legs, ankles/feet
- A feeling of tightness in the chest area
In order to manage COPD, your pulmonologist may suggest medications in combination with inhalers, or oxygen therapy if needed.
3) Pneumonia
Pneumonia is one of the most common lung diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi that inflames the air sacs of the lungs. The effect of pneumonia ranges from mild to severe, can be life-threatening as well.
Symptoms of pneumonia include:
- Chest pain/discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Cough with phlegm
- Fatigue
- Shaking chills
Depending upon your condition, a pulmonologist may prescribe antibiotics, pain relievers, medicines to relieve cough, fever reducers, etc. In severe cases, hospitalization is required.
4) Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is another potentially life-threatening respiratory disease. Smoking is the leading trigger for lung cancer. At the same time, exposure to second-hand smoke over time can cause cancer in the lungs as well.
Possible symptoms of lung cancer
- Cough that doesn’t disappear with time
- Shortness of breath
- Hoarseness
- Unintended weight loss
- Chest pain
- Headache, bone pain
- Coughing up blood
Assured by the severity of cancer, a doctor decides the treatment that can be – surgery in combination with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. If you’ve been struggling with chest discomfort, see a chest specialist in Siliguri.
Things that you need to keep in mind to boost your lung health are – avoiding smoking, staying physically active, eating healthy foods, practicing deep breathing, etc. Moreover, medical check-ups are essential for keeping your lungs fit.