Lung Disease Information

There are three main categories of lung disease and many conditions that fall into one or more of these categories. There are airway diseases, lung tissue diseases and pulmonary circulation diseases, all of which include some form of impaired lung function.

Types

Airway diseases are conditions where narrowing of your airways makes breathing difficult. Lung tissue diseases cause a deficiency in the capacity of your lungs to oxygenate your blood and expel carbon dioxide due to inflammation or scarring of your lung tissue. Pulmonary circulation diseases are related to scarring, inflammation or clotting of the blood vessels in your lungs. They also result in a decreased ability of your lungs to properly move oxygen in and carbon dioxide out. In addition, they may have an effect on the condition of your heart.

COPD

According to the National Women's Health Information Center, over 35 million people in the U.S. have chronic lung problems such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD refers to chronic obstructive bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition, where you have a cough with mucous for a period of at least three months. The most common cause of COPD is smoking. Bronchial tubes become scarred due to repeated inflammation and the result is restricted air flow. Symptoms of COPD include fatigue, headaches, wheezing, shortness of breath and swelling of the feet, ankles or legs.

Asthma

Asthma is an inflammatory condition where your bronchial tubes become narrowed due to smoke, mold, animal hair, dust, pollen or other irritants, limiting your air flow. The symptoms are coughing, wheezing, chest pain and breathing difficulties. The National Women's Health Information Center indicates that there are approximately 20 million Americans with asthma and that it is more common among women.

Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis affects the tissues of your lungs. Inflammation and scarring of the tissue over time makes your lungs stiff and thick. Breathing becomes difficult and you may not be getting enough oxygen for your blood. This condition may be the result of other conditions, such as pulmonary hypertension or heart failure, or due to the use of certain medicines, such as sulfasalazine, amiodarone and some chemotherapy drugs. Certain occupations bring a higher risk of pulmonary fibrosis, including sand blasters, coal miners and ship workers. Smoking also increases the risk.

Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis begins with small granulomas (tiny lumps) that usually form in your lungs or in your lymph nodes, caused by inflammation. It results in coughing, wheezing, chest pain and shortness of breath. Sarcoidosis can also affect other organs, most frequently your eyes, skin or liver. It may also cause enlarged lymph nodes. The specific cause is not known, but it is an immune system response.

Other Lung Diseases

Less common lung diseases and illnesses include cystic fibrosis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, influenza, pneumonia, mesothelioma, pertussis, pleurisy, tuberculosis, interstitial lung disease, lung cancer, pulmonary hypertension and rheumatoid lung disease. The American Lung Association provides information on these and many other lung diseases.

References

• Lung Disease
• American Lung Association Diseases A to Z
• National Women's Health Information Center