Most Common Respiratory Problems - Know All About Them!

Pulmonology is the branch of science dealing with respiratory problems and related medicines. Respiratory Problems have become very common among people with increased pollution and dust particles in the air. Some of the most common lung diseases are:

1. Asthma:
It is a very common disease nowadays with many people suffering from it. In this condition, people have inflamed bronchial tubes which become sensitive, causing difficulty in breathing. The problem gets aggravated by smoking, air pollution, and chemical sprays. People suffering from it, complain of a dry cough, wheezing, and chest tightening.
The condition may also be triggered by allergies and dust particles. Doctors generally recommend taking an inhaler to asthma patients. It generally develops during childhood and progresses with age.

2. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
It is a disease used to denote multiple respiratory problems including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It generally affects the bronchial tubes and causes inflammation of the airways that lead to the production of sputum (excess mucus). Other symptoms include shortness of breath and coughing. The generation of mucus also leaves people more prone to having infections.

According to doctors, it is difficult to identify COPD because the symptoms are associated with old age and a general decline in health. People generally develop COPD as early as 30 to 40 years of age. Moreover, the condition is aggravated due to excessive smoking.

Treatments include quitting smoking, bronchodilator therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation. It is a very serious disease and is not reversible like asthma. It generally worsens with time.

3. Chronic Bronchitis
It is one of the types of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and is generally associated with the formation of excess mucus in the lungs. This results in severe coughing. It is treated the same way as COPD. However, people also may develop acute bronchitis which is an infection caused by too much mucus in airways and subsides with medications.

4. Emphysema
It is a serious respiratory illness that is one of the types of COPD and is caused by smoking. Smoking damages the lungs to the point where the patient may have difficulty in exhaling air. They may need the help of an oxygen mask to help them in breathing.

5. Lung Cancer
One of the worst respiratory problems to have and is caused by irregular cell growth that results in tumors that interferes with the functioning of the lungs. The problem is aggravated by excessive smoking and air pollution. Symptoms include coughing up of blood, change in voices, vigorous breathing.

6. Influenza and Pneumonia
These are very common lung problems occurring among people. Influenza is a viral infection that causes damages to the lungs. Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs caused by a bacteria or virus. In cases of pneumonia, there is an accumulation of mucus or fluid in the lungs that prevent air from reaching the blood. Symptoms may include coughing, fever, shaking and difficulty in breathing. Both these diseases are curable with help of medicines but people who smoke excessively may suffer more than others.

These were some of the most common respiratory problems that can be seen among people. The first step towards treatment and prevention is to go to a doctor and consult him with the symptoms you are experiencing.