What diseases happen to the lungs. Symptoms of lung disease

In recent years, there has been an increase worldwide incidence various lung diseases. This is due to the negative impact on the human respiratory system of such factors as environmental pollution, smoking and the consequences of infectious diseases. To be honest, most people, when it comes to the dangers of smoking or an unhealthy environment, just brush it off and do not want to waste time on such conversations.

Breathing process, it seems familiar to us and we think that our bronchi and lungs, like a car air conditioner, will clean, cool and heat the air we breathe until the end of our lives. But the trouble is that the filters in the car can be changed, and we are not able to clean our bronchi and lungs from particles of dust, smoke and microbes that have settled over the years. Hence the conclusion - take care of your lungs! The strangest thing is that many people, having indisputable scientific facts about how many smokers die of lung cancer every year, do not give up this bad habit and stubbornly ignore the facts, hoping for a miracle that this dangerous disease will not affect him.

If you are worried about constant cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, heaviness in the chest and other breathing problems, do not put off a visit to the doctor. Modern diagnostic methods make it possible to detect diseases of the lungs and bronchi at a very early stage, when they can still be easily cured.

But quite often people they are not serious about breathing problems, commenting on the appearance of a slight shortness of breath with the words: “Apparently, I have a cold, I need to take cough pills” or “Shortness of breath tortured me, I need to quit smoking.” Meanwhile, the cause of such symptoms can be so serious that any delay in treatment can cost lives. For example, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the most common disease, which is in 4th place among diseases that lead to complete disability and death. Meanwhile, many heavy smokers do not even know about the existence of this disease, naively believing that smoking can only cause lung cancer.

The first symptom of COPD which is often secretive, is a chronic cough. It is commonly referred to as "smoker's cough". It is caused due to the fact that from the constant exposure to smoke and nicotine, the bronchi become inflamed and narrowed, as a result of which the production of mucus increases sharply and breathing becomes difficult. Therefore, many smokers already by the age of 45-50 complain of shortness of breath and suffocation when climbing stairs and inclined surfaces, or even when jogging lightly. In old age, a person begins to suffocate already with any physical exertion. For example, when dressing and bathing in the bathroom. Determining if you have breathing problems is very simple. For this try:

1. Hold the breath. If your breathing is fine, you should be able to hold your breath for at least one minute. If you couldn't stand that much, it means that your breathing is not normal.
2. Try blowing up a balloon in one full breath. Does not work? Quit smoking and take care of your lungs!
3. Try it on your birthday blow out all the candles from the cake from a distance of 80 cm. If you did not succeed the first time, then your lung function is reduced.

One of the main reasons COPD frequent bronchitis and pneumonia are considered, but in 90% of cases smoking leads to diseases. Statistics show that more than half of men in Russia are heavy smokers, and every tenth woman smokes. Despite constant warnings about the dangers of smoking, there are not so many people who want to quit smoking. The risk of death does not help either, and after all, about 1 million people die every year from diseases caused by smoking in our country alone. That's way more than traffic accidents, drug use, and AIDS. A smoker does not immediately notice a deterioration in his health, COPD symptoms such as dry cough and shortness of breath, as a rule, appear only in long-term smokers, when a person has already become chronically dependent on nicotine and practically cannot stop smoking without outside help. .

Unfortunately, COPD incurable, but this disease should never be ignored. A timely diagnosis and supportive therapy will greatly alleviate the condition and prevent the development of lung cancer, a very common disease today.

But not everything is so dramatic, development COPD you can be warned! To do this, you must not smoke, cure all colds and complications to the end, try not to be in a room where there is a strong smell of harmful chemical compounds (paints, acids and poisonous gases). Special vigilance should be shown to smokers with experience after suffering pneumonia and influenza. They must undergo fluorography every year and examine the function of breathing.

- Return to the section heading " "

Lung disease has become common. What are the most common of them, their features and symptoms?

Pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs)

As a result of a bacterial, fungal or viral infection, an inflammatory process occurs in the lungs. The causative agent of pneumonia can also be chemicals that enter the body with inhaled air. This disease can affect both all lung tissue and a separate part of the organ.

Symptoms: shortness of breath, cough, chills, fever. Characteristic features are chest pain and excessive fatigue, often there is an unexpected feeling of anxiety.

Swelling and inflammation of the pleura, that is, the outer membrane that covers the lungs. The causative agent of the disease can be an infection or injury that caused damage to the breast. Pleurisy can be a symptom of tumor development. The disease is manifested by pain during movements of the chest and with deep breathing.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is of two types: and. Acute bronchitis occurs when the lining of the bronchi becomes inflamed. This disease is common among the elderly and young children. It occurs when the upper respiratory tract is infected, due to allergic reactions, when air containing chemical impurities is inhaled. The main symptom of acute bronchitis is a dry, sharp cough that worsens at night.

When bronchitis passes into the chronic stage, a constant cough appears, accompanied by copious secretion of mucus, breathing becomes difficult, swelling of the body is observed, the skin color may acquire a blue tint.

A chronic disease that manifests itself in the form of periodic attacks, which can be from a mild cough to severe attacks of suffocation. During an asthma attack, the bronchial tubes and chest wall constrict, making it difficult to breathe. The mucous membrane swells strongly, the cilia of the epithelium do not cope with their functions, which negatively affects the functioning of the lungs.

Over time, bronchial asthma progresses and leads to serious damage to the lung tissue. The main symptoms are coughing, heavy and noisy breathing, frequent sneezing, due to lack of oxygen, the skin may become bluish.

Asphyxia

Asphyxia can be called oxygen starvation, which occurs due to physical influences that affect breathing. The main causes: neck injuries, strangulation, tongue retraction as a result of trauma, pathology in the larynx, trauma to the abdomen or chest, dysfunction of the respiratory muscles.

In case of asphyxia, immediate resuscitation measures are necessary: ​​restoration of airway patency, artificial ventilation of the lungs, indirect heart massage. After the symptoms are eliminated, the causes of the disease are found out, and treatment is prescribed.

The causative agents of this lung disease are mycobacteria. Tuberculosis is transmitted by airborne droplets, that is, it is spread by carriers of the disease. How the initial stage of tuberculosis will proceed depends on the initial state of health of the patient, and on the number of bacteria that have entered the body.

When infected, the immune system reacts with the production of antibodies, and the protective system of the lungs envelops the affected mycobacteria in a kind of cocoon, in which they can either die or "fall asleep" for a while, in order to later appear with renewed vigor.

Usually, at the initial stage of tuberculosis, a person feels quite healthy, symptoms do not appear. Over time, the body begins to react with increased temperature, weight loss, sweating, reduced performance.

This is an occupational lung disease. The disease is common among construction workers, workers in the steel industry, miners and other workers who regularly inhale dust containing free silicon dioxide.

In the early stages, it is quite difficult to detect silicosis on your own, as it develops over many years. Only with a thorough examination can you see that there has been an increase in the airiness of the lung tissue. The later stages are characterized by: lack of air, chest pain, shortness of breath even at rest, cough with sputum, high fever.

With emphysema, the walls between the alveoli are destroyed, due to which they increase. The volume of the lungs grows, the structure becomes flabby, the respiratory passages narrow. Tissue damage leads to a decrease in the gas exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide to a dangerous level. This lung disease is characterized by difficulty in breathing.

Symptoms begin to appear with significant damage to the lungs. Shortness of breath appears, the person is rapidly losing weight, reddening of the skin is observed, the chest becomes barrel-shaped, serious efforts are required to exhale.

An almost fatal disease. Those people who started treatment before the acute onset of symptoms have a greater chance of being cured. Unfortunately, lung cancer is very difficult to recognize. There are no symptoms that unconditionally point to this particular disease. Conditional symptoms are considered to be hemoptysis, chest pain, shortness of breath, cough. For timely diagnosis, doctors advise not to neglect regular examinations in clinics.

As you can see, the variety of symptoms does not allow you to make a diagnosis at home, therefore, if you suspect any lung disease, you should consult a doctor and in no case prescribe treatment yourself.

/ 28.02.2018

Lung diseases and their symptoms. Signs, classification and prevention of major lung diseases.

One of the most dangerous (after the heart) are lung diseases in humans. Their list is quite long, but the frequency of occurrence and the danger to life in diseases is not the same. At the same time, every literate, caring person should be aware of all possible ailments and their manifestations. After all, as you know, an early visit to the doctor greatly increases the chances of a successful outcome of treatment.

The most common lung diseases in humans: list, symptoms, prognosis

Often people confuse common diseases of the respiratory system with those that are peculiar to the lungs. In principle, there is nothing wrong with this if the patient does not try to cure himself, but clarifies the diagnosis with a doctor who can accurately determine the type of lung disease in a person. The list of the most "popular" of them includes:

1. Pleurisy. Most often caused by a viral infection. One of the few lung diseases accompanied by pain. As you know, there are no nerve endings in the lungs themselves, and they cannot hurt. Unpleasant sensations cause friction of the pleura. In mild forms, pleurisy goes away on its own, but it does not hurt to see a doctor.
2. Pneumonia. Often begins as pleurisy, but much more dangerous. Deep cough is very painful. Treatment must be professional, otherwise - death.
3. Signs: shortness of breath, chest distension, "box" sounds, weak breathing. Primary is eliminated by respiratory gymnastics and oxygen therapy. Secondary requires long-term medical and even surgical intervention.
4. Tuberculosis. Everything is clear here: only medical supervision, long-term treatment and antibiotics.
5. Tumors, including the second disease, accompanied by pain. Forecasts are usually pessimistic.

If we talk about lung diseases in humans, the list is, of course, not limited to this list. However, the rest are much more rare, and often difficult to diagnose.

What are we paying attention to?

There are a number of signs that appear in almost any lung disease in humans. The list of symptoms can be presented as follows:

1. Cough. Depending on the disease, it can be both dry and wet, painless or accompanied by pain.
2. Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth.
3. Snoring - if you have not suffered from it before.
4. Shortness of breath, difficulty or in some cases - suffocation. Any changes in the rhythm or depth of breathing are a signal for an immediate visit to the clinic.
5. Chest pain is usually caused by heart problems. But lung diseases can also cause it in the above cases.
6. Lack of oxygen, up to blanching and blue of the skin, fainting and convulsions.

All these signs strongly suggest that a visit to the doctor should not be postponed. He will make a diagnosis after listening, additional tests, and maybe an x-ray.

Rare but dangerous

A few words should be said about such a human lung disease as pneumothorax. Even experienced doctors often forget about it, and it can manifest itself even in a completely healthy and young person. Pneumothorax is caused by a rupture in the lungs of a small bubble, which leads to their collapse, that is, dehydration. Manifested by shortness of breath and sharp pain; if urgent measures are not taken, it leads to adhesion of a part of the lung, and often death.

Pneumothorax is more often observed in patients with emphysema, but it can overtake a person who has never suffered from pulmonary diseases.

Specific diseases

Some lung diseases are caused by a person's chosen profession. So, chronic obstruction of the lungs or silicosis is characteristic of workers in the chemical industry, and barotrauma of the lungs is characteristic of divers. However, people are usually warned about the possibility of such diseases, pay enough attention to prevention and regularly undergo medical examinations.

Lung diseases - symptoms and treatment.

Pulmonary embolism causes a blood clot to lodge in the lungs. Most embolisms are not fatal, but the clot can damage the lungs. Symptoms: sudden shortness of breath, sharp pain in the chest when taking a deep breath, pink, frothy coughing, acute fear, weakness, slow heartbeat.

Pneumothorax This is an air leak in the chest. It creates pressure in the chest. Simple pneumothorax is treated quickly, but if you wait a few days, you will need surgery to unload the lungs. In those affected by this disease, sudden and sharp pains are felt on one side of the lungs, a fast heart rate.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the mucous tissue that covers the bronchi. Bronchitis is acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial epithelium caused by an infection, a virus. Bronchitis One of the common symptoms of bronchitis is coughing, an increase in the amount of mucus in the bronchi. Other common symptoms are sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, mild fever, fatigue. In acute bronchitis, it is important to drink expectorants. They remove mucus from the lungs and reduce inflammation.

The first symptom of chronic bronchitis is a persistent cough. If for two years the cough does not leave for about 3 or more months a year, doctors determine the patient has chronic bronchitis. In the case of chronic bacterial bronchitis, the cough lasts longer than 8 weeks with copious secretions of yellow mucus.

cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease. The cause of the disease is the entry of digestive fluid, sweat and mucus into the lungs through the producing cells. This is a disease not only of the lungs, but also of pancreatic dysfunction. Fluids accumulate in the lungs and create a breeding ground for bacteria. One of the first clear signs of illness is the salty taste of the skin.

Protracted persistent cough, breathing with a sound like a whistle, sharp pain during inspiration - first signs of pleurisy, inflammation of the pleura. The pleura is the lining of the chest cavity. Symptoms include dry cough, fever, chills, and severe chest pain.

Asbestos is a group of minerals. During operation, products containing fine asbestos fibers are released into the air. These fibers accumulate in the lungs. asbestosis causes difficulty breathing, pneumonia, cough, lung cancer.

Studies show that exposure to asbestos provokes the development of other types of cancer: gastrointestinal tract, kidney, cancer, bladder and gallbladder, throat cancer. If a worker at work notices a cough that does not go away for a long time, chest pain, poor appetite, a dry sound similar to crackling comes out of his lungs when breathing, you should definitely do a fluorography and contact a pulmonologist.

Cause of pneumonia is a lung infection. Symptoms: fever and breathing with great difficulty. Treatment of patients with pneumonia lasts from 2 to 3 weeks. The risk of developing the disease increases after the flu or a cold. A weakened body after an illness finds it difficult to fight infection and lung diseases.

As a result of fluoroscopy nodules are found? Don't panic. Whether it is cancer or not, a subsequent thorough diagnosis will reveal. This is a complex process. Nodule formed one or more? Its diameter is more than 4 cm? Is it attached to the chest wall, are the ribs muscles? These are the main questions that the doctor must find out before making a decision about the operation. The patient's age, smoking history, and in some cases additional diagnostics are assessed. Observation of the nodule continues for 3 months. Often, due to the patient's panic, unnecessary operations are performed. A non-cancerous cyst in the lungs can resolve with the right medical treatment.

Pleural effusion this is an abnormal increase in the amount of fluid in the circumference of the lungs. May be the result of many diseases. Not dangerous. Pleural effusion is divided into two main categories: uncomplicated and complex.

The cause of an uncomplicated pleural effusion: the amount of fluid in the pleura is slightly higher than the required amount. Such an illness can cause symptoms of a wet cough and chest pain. A neglected simple pleural effusion can develop into a complex one. In the fluid accumulated in the pleura, bacteria and infections begin to multiply, a focus of inflammation appears. If the ailment is not treated, it can create a ring around the lungs, the fluid eventually turns into an astringent mucus. The type of pleural effusion can only be diagnosed from a fluid sample taken from the pleura.

Tuberculosis affects any organ of the body, but pulmonary tuberculosis is dangerous because it is transmitted by airborne droplets. If the tuberculosis bacterium is active, it causes tissue death in the organ. Active tuberculosis can be fatal. Therefore, the goal of treatment is to bring tuberculosis infection from an open form to a closed one. It is possible to cure tuberculosis. You need to take the disease seriously, take medications and attend procedures. In no case do not use drugs, lead a healthy lifestyle.

Various lung diseases are quite common in everyday life. Most of the classified diseases have severe symptoms of acute lung disease in humans and, if not properly treated, can lead to bad consequences. Pulmonology is the study of diseases.

Causes and signs of lung disease

To determine the cause of any disease, you should contact a qualified specialist (pulmonologist), who will conduct a thorough examination and make a diagnosis.

Lung diseases are quite difficult to diagnose, so you need to pass the entire list of recommended tests.

But there are common factors that can cause an acute pulmonary infection:

There are a large number of objective signs characterizing lung disease. Their main symptoms:

Many of our readers actively use Father George's Monastic collection to treat cough and improve the condition of bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchial asthma, and tuberculosis. It contains 16 medicinal plants that are extremely effective in the treatment of chronic COUGH, bronchitis and cough provoked by smoking.

Alveoli, the so-called air sacs, are the main functional. With the defeat of the alveoli, separate pathologies of the lungs are classified:

Diseases affecting the pleura and chest

The pleura is called the thin sac that contains the lungs. When it is damaged, the following respiratory diseases occur:

Blood vessels are known to carry oxygen, and their disruption causes chest diseases:

1. . Violation of pressure in the pulmonary arteries gradually leads to the destruction of the organ and the appearance of primary signs of the disease.
2. pulmonary embolism. Often occurs with vein thrombosis, when a blood clot enters the lungs and blocks the flow of oxygen to the heart. This disease is characterized by sudden cerebral hemorrhage and death.

With constant pain in the chest, diseases are isolated:

Hereditary and bronchopulmonary diseases

Hereditary respiratory diseases are transmitted from parents to a child and can have several types. Main:

The basis of diseases of the bronchopulmonary system is an acute respiratory infection. Most often, bronchopulmonary infectious diseases are characterized by mild malaise, gradually turning into an acute infection in both lungs.

Bronchopulmonary inflammatory diseases are caused by viral microorganisms. They affect the respiratory organs and mucous membranes. Improper treatment can lead to the development of complications and the emergence of more dangerous bronchopulmonary diseases.

The symptoms of a respiratory infection are very similar to the common cold caused by viral bacteria. Infectious diseases of the lungs develop very quickly and have a bacterial nature of origin. These include:

• pneumonia;
• bronchitis;
• asthma;
• tuberculosis;
• respiratory allergies;
• pleurisy;
• respiratory failure.

Infection in inflamed lungs develops rapidly. To avoid complications, a full range of treatment and prevention should be carried out.

Chest diseases such as pneumothorax, asphyxia, physical causes severe pain and can cause breathing and lung problems. Here it is necessary to apply an individual treatment regimen, which has a connected character of priority.

Suppurative diseases

In connection with the increase in purulent diseases, the percentage of suppurative inflammations that cause problems with damaged lungs has increased. Pulmonary purulent infection affects a significant part of the organ and can lead to severe complications. There are three main types of this pathology:

• x-ray;
• fluorography;
• general blood analysis;
• tomography;
• bronchography;
• testing for infections.

After all the studies carried out, the doctor must determine an individual treatment plan, the necessary procedures and antibacterial therapy. It should be remembered that only the strict implementation of all recommendations will lead to a quick recovery.

Compliance with preventive measures for lung diseases significantly reduces the risk of their occurrence. To exclude respiratory diseases, you should follow simple rules:

• maintaining a healthy lifestyle;
• lack of bad habits;
• moderate physical activity;
• hardening of the body;
• annual vacation on the sea coast;
• regular visits to the pulmonologist.

Every person should know the manifestations of the above diseases in order to quickly identify the symptoms of an incipient respiratory disease, and then seek qualified help in time, because health is one of the most valuable attributes of life!

The lungs are the main organ of the human respiratory system and consist of the pleura, bronchi and alveoli combined into acini. In this organ, the body's gas exchange is carried out: carbon dioxide, unsuitable for its vital activity, passes from the blood into the air, and oxygen supplied from the outside with the blood flow is carried throughout all body systems. The main function of the lungs can be impaired due to the development of any disease of the respiratory system or as a result of their damage (injury, accident, etc.). Lung diseases include:, pneumonia, abscess, emphysema,.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a lung disease associated with inflammation of the bronchi - the constituent elements of the pulmonary bronchial tree. Most often, the cause of the development of such inflammation is the penetration of a viral or bacterial infection into the body, the lack of proper attention to throat diseases, the ingress of a large amount of dust and smoke into the lungs. For most people, bronchitis does not pose a serious danger, complications of the disease usually develop in smokers (even passive ones), those with a weakened immune system, chronic heart and lung diseases, the elderly and young children.

The clinical picture of the onset of acute bronchitis coincides with the clinic of a common cold. First of all, it appears, then a cough occurs, first dry, then with sputum discharge. An increase in temperature may also be observed. Left untreated, inflammation can spread to the entire lung and cause pneumonia. Treatment of acute bronchitis is carried out with the use of anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drugs, expectorants, and plenty of fluids. If a bacterial infection is the cause, antibiotics may be prescribed. Chronic bronchitis does not develop against the background of an incompletely cured acute form, as is the case with many diseases. Its cause can be prolonged irritation of the bronchi with smoke, chemicals. This pathology occurs in smokers or people working in hazardous industries. The main symptom of the chronic form of bronchitis is a cough with sputum discharge. The elimination of the disease is facilitated by a change in lifestyle, smoking cessation, airing the workplace. To get rid of the symptoms, bronchodilators are prescribed - special drugs that help expand the airways and facilitate breathing, inhalation. During an exacerbation, treatment with antibiotics or corticosteroids is recommended.

Alveolitis

Alveolitis is an inflammation of lung tissue with its subsequent degeneration into connective tissue. This disease should not be confused with alveolitis that occurs after poor-quality tooth extraction. The main reason for the development of the inflammatory process in the lungs can be: allergies, infections, inhalation of toxic substances. The disease can be recognized by such signs as: headache and muscle pain, fever, bone aches, chills, shortness of breath, cough. Lack of treatment of lung alveolitis leads to the development of respiratory failure. Measures to eliminate the main signs of the disease depend on the cause of its occurrence. In case of allergic alveolitis, the interaction of the patient with the allergen should be excluded, and an antiallergic drug should be taken. At elevated temperatures, it is recommended to take antipyretic drugs, in case of a strong cough - antitussive, expectorant. Refusal of cigarettes contributes to a rapid recovery.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that occurs on its own or as a complication of certain diseases of the respiratory system. Some types of pneumonia pose no danger to humans, while other types can be fatal. The most dangerous lung infection for newborns due to their still fragile immunity. The main symptoms of the disease are: high fever, chills, chest pain, aggravated by deep inspiration, dry cough, blue lips, headaches, excessive sweating. As a complication of pneumonia most often occur: inflammation of the lining of the lungs (pleurisy), abscess, shortness of breath, pulmonary edema. Diagnosis of the disease is based on the results of a chest x-ray and a blood test. Treatment can be prescribed only after the identification of its pathogen. Depending on what caused the pneumonia (fungus or virus), antifungal or antibacterial drugs are prescribed. In case of intense heat, it is recommended to take antipyretic drugs (no more than three days in a row). Developing as a result of an infectious lesion of the lungs, respiratory failure requires oxygen therapy.

lung abscess

Abscess - inflammation of a separate area of ​​​​the lung with the accumulation of a certain amount of pus in it. The accumulation of pus in the lung in most cases is observed against the background of the development of pneumonia. Predisposing factors may be: smoking, alcohol abuse, taking certain medications, tuberculosis, drug addiction. Signs of the development of the disease are: severe cough, chills, nausea, fever, sputum with minor blood impurities. The heat that occurs with a lung abscess usually cannot be controlled with conventional antipyretics. The disease involves treatment with large doses of antibiotics, since the drug must penetrate not only into the body, but also into the very focus of inflammation and destroy its main pathogen. In some cases, drainage of the abscess is required, that is, the removal of pus from it using a special syringe needle inserted into the lung through the chest. In the event that all measures to eliminate the disease have not brought the desired result, the abscess is removed surgically.

Emphysema

Emphysema is a chronic disease associated with impaired basic lung function. The cause of the development of this pathology is chronic bronchitis, as a result of which there is a violation of the processes of respiration and gas exchange in the human lungs. The main symptoms of the disease: difficulty breathing or its complete impossibility, blue skin, shortness of breath, expansion of the intercostal spaces and supraclavicular region. Emphysema develops slowly, at first its signs are almost invisible. Shortness of breath usually occurs only in the presence of excessive physical exertion, as the disease develops, this symptom is observed more and more often, then it begins to disturb the patient, even when he is in a state of complete rest. The result of the development of emphysema is disability. Therefore, it is very important to start treatment at the initial stage of the disease. In most cases, patients are prescribed antibiotics, drugs that dilate the bronchi and have an expectorant effect, breathing exercises, and oxygen therapy. Full recovery is possible only if all doctor's prescriptions are followed and smoking is stopped.

Pulmonary tuberculosis

Pulmonary tuberculosis is a disease caused by a specific microorganism - Koch's bacillus, which enters the lungs along with the air containing it. Infection occurs through direct contact with the carrier of the disease. There are open and closed forms of tuberculosis. The second is the most common. An open form of tuberculosis means that the carrier of the disease is able to excrete its pathogen along with sputum and transmit it to other people. With closed tuberculosis, a person is a carrier of the infection, but is not able to transmit it to others. Signs of this form of tuberculosis are usually very vague. In the first months from the onset of infection, the infection does not manifest itself in any way; much later, general weakness of the body, fever, and weight loss may appear. Tuberculosis treatment should be started as early as possible. This is the key to saving a person's life. To achieve the optimal result, treatment is carried out with the use of several anti-TB drugs at once. Its goal in this case is the complete destruction of the Koch bacillus present in the patient's body. The most commonly prescribed drugs are ethambutol, isoniazid, rifampicin. Throughout the entire period of treatment, the patient is in the stationary conditions of a specialized department of the medical clinic.

Diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract are the third most common in the world. And in the future, they may become even more common. Lung diseases are inferior only to cardiovascular ailments and liver pathologies, which affect every fifth person.

Lung diseases are a frequent occurrence in the modern world, perhaps this is provoked by an unstable environmental situation on the planet or by the excessive smoking of modern people. In any case, pathological phenomena in the lungs must be dealt with as soon as the first symptoms of the disease appear.

Modern medicine copes very well with pathological processes in the lungs of a person, the list of which is quite large. What are the diseases of the lungs, their symptoms, as well as ways to eliminate today we will try to analyze together.

So, a person has lung diseases of varying severity and intensity of manifestation. Among the most common are the following:

• alveolitis;
• asphyxia;
• bronchitis;
• bronchial asthma;
• lung atelectasis;
• bronchiolitis;
• neoplasms in the lungs;
• bronchiectasis;
• hyperventilation;
• histoplasmosis;
• hypoxia;
• pulmonary hypertension;
• pleurisy;
• chronic obstructive disease (COPD);
• pneumonia;
• sarcoidosis;
• tuberculosis;
• pneumothorax;
• silicosis
• apnea syndrome.

For the majority of little-informed people without medical education, the list of such names does not mean anything. To understand what exactly this or that lung disease means, we will consider them separately.

Alveolitis is a disease that consists in inflammation of the pulmonary vesicles - alveoli. In the process of inflammation, fibrosis of lung tissue begins.

Asphyxia can be recognized by a characteristic attack of suffocation, oxygen stops flowing into the blood and the amount of carbon dioxide increases. Atelectasis is the collapse of a certain part of the lung, into which air stops flowing and the organ dies.

Chronic lung disease - bronchial asthma, is very common in recent times. This disease is characterized by frequent attacks of suffocation, which can be of different intensity and duration.

Due to a bacterial or viral infection, the walls of the bronchioles become inflamed, signs of a disease called bronchiolitis appear. In the case of inflammation of the bronchi, bronchitis manifests itself.

Bronchospasm manifests itself in the form of frequent muscle contractions, as a result of which the lumen is significantly narrowed, causing difficulties in the entry and exit of air. If the lumen in the vessels of the lungs narrows gradually, then the pressure in them rises significantly, which causes dysfunction in the right chamber of the heart.

Bronchiectasis is characterized by permanent expansion of the bronchi, which is irreversible. A feature of the disease is the accumulation of pus and sputum in the lungs.

Sometimes the mucous membrane of the lungs - the pleura - becomes inflamed, and a certain plaque forms on it. Similar problems of the respiratory organs are called pleurisy in medicine. If the lung tissue itself becomes inflamed, then pneumonia is formed.

In cases where a certain amount of air accumulates in the pleural region of the lung, pneumothorax begins.

Hyperventilation is a kind of pathology that can be congenital or occur after a chest injury. It manifests itself in the form of rapid breathing at rest.

The causes of hypoxia can be different, ranging from trauma to nervous tension. This disease is characterized by obvious oxygen starvation.

tuberculosis and sarcoidosis

Tuberculosis can deservedly be called the modern plague, because every year this disease affects more and more people, as it is very contagious and transmitted by airborne droplets. The causative agent of this disease is Koch's wand, which can be treated with constant exposure to drugs.

Among the lung diseases that still have unexplained causes of education, sarcoidosis can be noted. This disease is characterized by the appearance of small nodules on the organ. Quite often, cysts and tumors form on these paired organs, which must be removed surgically.

Fungal lesions of the lungs are called histoplasmosis. Fungal lesions of the lungs are dangerous diseases, they can be caught by constantly being in damp, unventilated areas. If a person's living or working conditions are associated with dusty premises, then an occupational disease called silicosis may develop. Sleep apnea is an unreasonable stoppage of breathing.

The chronic form can develop in each of the above diseases. The main provoking factor is ignoring the signs of the disease and the lack of qualified assistance.

Symptoms of respiratory diseases

The above lung diseases have their own characteristics and nature of manifestation, but there are a number of symptoms that are characteristic of all diseases of the respiratory system. Their symptoms are quite similar, but they can have different intensity and duration of manifestation. Typical symptoms include:

• asthma attacks accompanied by coughing;
• weight loss;
• loss of appetite;
• expectoration of pus and sputum;
• spasms in the sternum;
• fever, chills and fever;
• dizziness;
• decreased performance and weakness;
• increased sweating;
• whistling and wheezing in the chest;
• frequent shortness of breath;

Treatment regimens for the lung disease itself and its symptoms are selected only by a qualified doctor based on examinations and test results.

Some people try to treat themselves, but you should not do this, because you can cause a number of serious complications, which will be much more difficult to get rid of than the original disease.

Treatment and prevention

In most cases, antibacterial, antiviral and restorative therapy is prescribed to eliminate respiratory diseases. Antitussive expectorants are used to combat coughs, and pain relievers are prescribed to reduce pain. The selection of drugs is carried out taking into account the age, weight and complexity of the patient's disease. In the most severe cases, surgery is prescribed with further chemotherapy in case of oncology, physiotherapy and sanitary-resort treatment.

There are many reasons for the development of respiratory diseases, but prevention will help prevent lung diseases. Try to spend more time outdoors, quit smoking, pay attention to the cleanliness of the room you are in, because it is the dust and mites that live in them that provoke spasms and asthma attacks. Eliminate allergic foods from your diet and avoid breathing chemical fumes that can come from powders and room cleaners. By following these simple rules, you may be able to avoid diseases that can affect the lungs and airways. Do not neglect your health, because it is the most valuable thing you have. At the first sign of lung disease, immediately contact an allergist, therapist or pulmonologist.

The lungs are the main organ of the respiratory system of the human body, occupying almost the entire cavity of the chest. Like any other, lung diseases are acute and chronic and are caused by both external and internal factors, their symptoms are very diverse. Unfortunately, lung diseases have recently become quite frequent and widespread and represent one of the most important threats to human life and health. Lung diseases are the 6th leading cause of high mortality worldwide, often leading to disability and early disability. All this depends on the high costs of hospitalization and medical drugs needed to treat them.

The essence of the problem

The main function of the lungs is gas exchange - the enrichment of blood with oxygen from the air inhaled by a person and the release of carbon dioxide - carbon dioxide. The process of gas exchange occurs in the alveoli of the lungs and is provided by active movements of the chest and diaphragm. But the physiological role of the lungs in the work of the whole organism is not limited only to the process of gas exchange - they also participate in metabolic processes, perform a secretory, excretory function and have phagocytic properties. The lungs are also involved in the process of thermoregulation of the whole organism. Like all other organs, the lungs are also subject to the emergence and development of various diseases, which can be both inflammatory and infectious in nature - due to the ingress of various kinds of bacteria, viruses or fungi into them.

List of the most common lung diseases:

• pneumonia;
• bronchitis;
• bronchial asthma;
• tuberculosis;
• emphysema;
• lung cancer;
• pneumonia.

Pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma

Pneumonia is an inflammatory process that develops in the lungs as a result of the ingestion of various pathological microorganisms: bacteria, viruses or fungi. Sometimes the causative agents of pneumonia are various chemicals that have entered the human body. Pneumonia can develop both on all tissues of the lung, on both sides, and on any, separate part of it. Symptoms of pneumonia are quite painful sensations in the chest, coughing, difficulty breathing, chills, fever, and sudden feelings of anxiety. Pneumonia is treated with penicillin antibiotics and is the most serious and dangerous lung disease, often leading to the death of the patient.

Bronchitis is an inflammatory disease of the lining of the lungs, the bronchioles. Most often occurs in young children and people of fairly advanced age due to infection of the upper respiratory tract, as well as as a result of allergic reactions. A symptom of bronchitis is a dry, irritating, harsh cough that gets worse at night. Bronchitis is of two types: acute and chronic, the characteristic symptoms of which are shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of the upper body, a strong and persistent cough, accompanied by copious secretion of mucus and sputum, the skin of the face becomes bluish, especially in the area of ​​the nasolabial triangle. Sometimes, in parallel with chronic bronchitis, a person develops obstructive bronchitis, its symptom is extremely difficult breathing, which is prevented by narrowing of the lumen (obstruction) of the upper respiratory tract caused by inflammation and thickening of the walls of the bronchi. Chronic obstructive bronchitis is a lung disease that occurs mainly in smokers.

Bronchial asthma is also a chronic disease that manifests itself in attacks of dry, irritating cough, ending in suffocation. During such attacks, there is a narrowing and swelling of the bronchi and the entire chest, which makes breathing difficult. Bronchial asthma progresses quite quickly and leads to pathological damage to lung tissue. This process is irreversible and has characteristic symptoms: a constant debilitating cough, cyanosis of the skin due to a constant lack of oxygen and rather heavy, noisy breathing.

Tuberculosis, emphysema, cancer

Tuberculosis is a lung disease caused by mycobacterium - Koch's bacillus, transmitted by airborne droplets. Infection occurs from the carrier of the disease and at the initial stage is almost asymptomatic. This happens because the antibodies produced by the human immune system envelop these mycobacteria in so-called cocoons, which can be dormant in the human lungs for quite a long period of time. Then, depending on the state of health of a person, his lifestyle, external factors, the number of mycobacteria that have entered the body, the disease begins to progress and manifests itself in the form of a sharp weight loss, excessive sweating, rather reduced performance, weakness and constantly elevated to 37 ° C body temperature.

Emphysema is the destruction of the walls between the alvioles of the lungs, which leads to an increase in lung volume and narrowing of the airways. Pathological tissue damage leads to a violation of gas exchange and a significant loss of oxygen, which leads to breathing difficulties. For the lungs, emphysema disease is quite secretive, its symptoms appear already with significant damage - a person develops shortness of breath, he rapidly loses weight, the skin turns red, it becomes difficult, almost impossible to breathe, and the chest becomes barrel-shaped.

Another disease is lung cancer. A pathological, fatal disease that is almost asymptomatic, especially at an early stage of its development. Cancer can sometimes be identified by the presence of chest pain, cough, shortness of breath, and hemoptysis. Cancer diseases are characterized by the rapid growth of pathological cells (metastasis), which spread to all organs and systems of the body. Therefore, cancer is considered a deadly disease and practically cannot be cured, especially at the stage of metastasis.

Sometimes there are cases of pneumonia without coughing. This is a more dangerous disease, since when coughing, the body is naturally cleared of mucus and sputum, which contain a fairly large number of pathogenic microorganisms that cause inflammation. Cough signals a pathological process in the lungs and allows you to start the necessary treatment on time, which reduces the risk of complications. In the absence of cough syndrome, the bronchi are not cleared of sputum and mucus, which leads to an aggravation of the inflammatory process and the appearance of pus in mucus and sputum.

What should be the treatment?

For any, even not very strong cough, you need to see a doctor, do the necessary laboratory tests and undergo a diagnosis. After identifying the cause, the symptoms of a lung disease must be treated with medication prescribed by a doctor according to the disease and its degree of development. In addition to drug therapy, you can use fairly simple and no less effective traditional medicine:

1. Lung balm based on aloe leaves - prepared from crushed aloe leaves, which should be poured with grape wine and mixed with liquid honey. Infuse the mixture in a cool place for several weeks, then strain and consume 3 times a day daily for any lung diseases.
2. A therapeutic mixture of juice of carrots, beets, black radish with the addition of alcohol and honey must be infused in a dark place for 10 days, shaking occasionally. Then drink 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day until the infusion is over. Then take a break while preparing a new mixture. This composition helps well in removing and alleviating the symptoms of all lung diseases.
3. You can prepare such a healing paste, which should be consumed 3 times a day, washed down with a glass of goat's milk, or smeared on bread, making a sandwich: mix 10 yolks from fresh chicken eggs with sugar, add melted chocolate, lard and grated apple. Mix everything thoroughly and store in the refrigerator. This mixture is an excellent expectorant, and also has properties to strengthen the immune system.

But still, in order to correctly determine the diagnosis, take medications and folk recipes, you should consult a doctor.

Breathing is one of the most important and most basic processes that determine,
are we even alive, writes KhmerLoad. With every breath your lungs
saturate the body with oxygen, and with each exhalation they remove excess
carbon dioxide.

There are no nerve endings in the lungs, so, unlike other organs, they cannot get sick, warning us of impending problems.

Therefore, we notice that something is wrong with them only when they start to "jump", making it difficult for us to breathe. Therefore, chronic lung diseases and the development of serious ailments such as bronchitis, tuberculosis, emphysema, and cystic fibrosis are so frequent.

They are caused by smoking, viral infections, toxic fumes, dust and smoke. Air pollution and prolonged exposure to indoor offices also contribute.

So pay attention to these 8 symptoms that warn of impending lung problems - or that they need immediate treatment!

1. Shortness of breath:

If you experience shortness of breath even during normal daily activities, this is the first sign that something is wrong with your lungs. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing occurs when your lungs have to strain more than usual. It can also happen due to airway blockage.

When you experience shortness of breath, don't ignore it or blame it on age. You must contact your doctor immediately.

2. Persistent cough:

Coughing helps protect the airways from atmospheric irritants and helps clear mucus from the airways. However, a chronic cough is an indicator that your lungs are not functioning properly. In fact, one of the first signs of unhealthy lungs is usually a persistent cough that doesn't get better even after you've taken the medicine.

If you cough for a long time and for no apparent reason, consult a doctor. If mucus buildup is the problem, drinking more water will help loosen it and make it easier to remove from the body.

3. Mucus accumulation:

Coughing usually goes hand in hand with mucus production. Mucus helps bind and flush out germs, dirt, pollen, and bacteria in your lungs. However, this is not a good sign unless the increase in mucus is due to a cold or other common illness.

In addition, you may notice a change in the color, smell, or thickness of the mucus. If it turns yellow, green, or contains blood, this is a clear sign of problems with your lungs.

Blood in the mucus can be a sign of emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or lung cancer.

4. Wheezing and whistling:

A whistling sound from your lungs is a sign that your airways are narrowing. Because of this constriction, the air does not pass as quickly as it should, resulting in wheezing.

Persistent wheezing can be a sign of asthma, emphysema, or even lung cancer. Therefore, if wheezing occurs, it is better to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

5. Edema in the lower body:

Oddly enough, but swelling and pain in the legs may indicate some problems in the lungs.

When your lungs don't function properly, your circulatory system doesn't get enough oxygen to keep you healthy and circulate fluids throughout your body. This can lead to swelling and swelling of the ankles and legs.

Also, because of poorly functioning lungs, your heart cannot pump enough blood to the kidneys and liver. Then these organs will not be able to properly flush out toxins and remove excess fluids from your body. It also leads to swelling.

6. Morning headaches:

If you regularly start waking up with headaches or dizziness, you need to see your doctor.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can cause a dull, throbbing headache upon waking. This happens because you don't breathe deeply enough while you sleep, building up carbon dioxide in your body. This buildup causes the blood vessels in the brain to dilate, resulting in a throbbing headache.

7. Chronic fatigue:

When your lungs are not working well, you get tired much faster than before. If your lungs don't provide enough oxygen to your body, other systems in your body will also suffer, and this can negatively impact your energy levels.

8. Sleep problems:

If you find it difficult to sleep lying down due to difficulty breathing, or if sleeping in a chair is more comfortable, then it probably has something to do with your lungs. You need to sleep lying down, so you make your lungs work harder. This affects the quality of sleep and your mental and physical health.

If you regularly wake up at night with shortness of breath or cough, be sure to consult your doctor.

Here are some more top tips for keeping your lungs healthy:

• Quit smoking. Harmful substances and smoke affect the health of your lungs and increase your risk of lung disease and cancer.
• Avoid passive smoking. It is also very toxic and harmful to your lungs.
• Avoid exposure to heavily polluted and industrial areas. If necessary, wear a mask to prevent inhalation of irritants.
• Get indoor plants to improve the air quality in your home.
• Do exercises daily to increase lung capacity.
• Eat well and don't forget to cleanse your body of toxins and saturate it with antioxidants.