Pulmonary Diseases

According to the American Lung Association, approximately 400,000 Americans die from pulmonary diseases each year. Lung disease is the third leading cause of death, just behind cancer and heart disease. Some of the most common pulmonary diseases are asthma, emphysema, pneumonia, asbestosis and cystic fibrosis.

Asthma

Asthma occurs when bronchial tubes become inflamed, making it difficult to breathe. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, there are 30,000 daily asthma attacks and 11 of those are fatal.

Emphysema

Emphysema is a condition that limits the flow of air out of a person's lungs. Symptoms of emphysema include shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, lack of tolerance for physical activity, chronic coughing, loss of appetite, weight loss and fatigue.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs due to an infection. People over the age of 65 have a high risk of developing pneumonia.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a pulmonary disease that's caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. Symptoms of asbestosis include chest pain, coughing, finger deformity, lack of tolerance for physical activity and shortness of breath.

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis causes the body to produce unusually thick mucus that can lead to life-threatening lung infections. Cystic fibrosis effects over 70,000 people worldwide.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Emphysema
• Mayo Clinic: Asthma
• Mayo Clinic: Pneumonia

Resources

• American Lung Association
• Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America
• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation