- Asthma is a condition in which swelling of the air passages blocks breathing and causes breathlessness and chest pain. Patients also experience wheezing and coughing. Most asthma attacks are the result of an allergic reaction from allergens like dust, mold, pollen or food. The swelling of the air passages is a response from the immune system, and it can be deadly if not treated.
- Bronchitis is a chronic infection of the bronchioles in the lungs. The bronchioles contain the alveoli, which is the location in the lungs for gas exchange. When bronchioles become infected, the inflammation response from the immune system causes them to swell. The swelling increases mucous in the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Bronchitis is also presented with a chronic, painful cough.
- Emphysema also affects the alveoli, but in the case of this condition the cells are destroyed. Emphysema also causes the villi in the lungs to die. These hair-like structures push foreign substances out of the lungs. When they die, the lungs have an increased chance of infection. Emphysema causes breathing difficulties. The death of the cells is permanent and causes holes in the lung tissue.
- Causes of chronic pulmonary disease are mostly from cigarette smoking. Some genetic factors create increased risks for disease. Pulmonary diseases can also be caused by poor environmental factors and chemicals. Smoking highly increases the risk of these diseases, especially when combined with other risk factors.
- Treatment for pulmonary disease is started by smoking cessation programs. For patients with emphysema, treatment is provided to help the patient breathe and increase his quality of life. Some drug therapies are also available for bronchitis and asthma. Diet and exercise programs to improve endurance are also provided for some patients.
