The lung diseases are among the most common medical conditions all around the world from which tens of millions of people suffer. Smoking, infections and genetic reasons are responsible for lung diseases. The lungs are basically part of a complex system which by daily expansion and contraction for thousand times, can bring oxygen inside the body and expel out carbon dioxide. Lung diseases can affect any part of this system. Therefore, the symptoms of this disorder should be taken seriously. Treating lung diseases is an important issue which should never be postponed.

Different types of Lung disease

Any type of problem which prevents the lungs from working properly, can be considered as lung disease. In general, there are three main types of lung diseases:

Diseases corresponding to the lungs:

These type of diseases affect the tubes (windpipes) which are in charge of transporting oxygen and other gases. These type of diseases can make the windpipes narrower or even completely block them. Diseases such as Asthma, COPD and bronchitis are some examples of this type. Those who are suffering from this lung disorder usually feel as if they are breathing through a straw.

Diseases corresponding to the lungs’ tissue:

These types of diseases basically affect tissue of the lungs. Injuries or inflammation of lung tissue can interrupt lungs’ proper expanding. As a result, lungs face difficulties in bringing oxygen in and expelling Carbon dioxide out. Those who suffer from this disorder usually feel as if they are wearing a wet tight jacket, so that they cannot breathe deeply. Pulmonary fibrosis and Sarcoidosis are two well-known diseases of lungs’ tissue.

Diseases corresponding to lungs’ blood flow:

These type of diseases basically affect lung’s blood vessels. Any type of injuries, inflammation or blood clot can trigger these type of diseases. These diseases affect lungs ability in absorbing oxygen and expulsion of carbon dioxide. This disorder also can affect the performance of heart.  Lung hypertension is a good example of this type of lung disease.

Most of the lung diseases are a combination of all types mentioned above.

Some of the most common lung diseases are:

• Asthma
• Pneumothorax
• Inflammation in main parts and tubes which transfer air to the lungs (bronchitis)
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Lung cancer
• Lung infection (pneumonia)
• Abnormal fluid leak in lungs (pulmonary edema)
• Blocked lung vessels (pulmonary embolus)

Paying attention to any warning sign can be of a great importance as if they can actually be the diseases’ symptoms. Knowing them can help you to treat lung diseases way before they become serious and dangerous.

Warning signs of lung disease:

• Chronic cough: Coughing for more than a month is considered as chronic cough.
• Shortness of breath: take this sign serious because having shortness in breath is not natural.
• Over-production of Mucus: mucus, also known as phlegm, is a way that airways defend themselves from infections and irritants. If you are producing mucus for more than a month, then it can be a symptom of lung disease.
• Wheezing: Breathing noisily or wheezing can tell you that something has blocked lungs’ airways or has made them too narrow.
• Chronic pain in chest: unexplained pain in chest, especially at the time of breathing or coughing, that persist for more than a month can be another symptom of lung diseases.

Summary:

The lung disease is basically any type of disorder that prevents  lungs from working properly. Some of these diseases can be due to blocked airways in lungs, such as Asthma and Emphysema, while other diseases such as lung cancer, Pulmonary fibrosis and Pneumonia can happen due to reduction in lungs’ tension. Therefore, one should pay attention to warning signs such as chronic coughs, pain, wheezing and proceed for treating lung diseases fast.