Respiratory Disease is the term for diseases of the respiratory system. These include diseases of the lung, pleural cavity, bronchial tubes, trachea, upper respiratory tract and of the nerves and muscles of breathing. Respiratory diseases range from mild and self-limiting such as the common cold to life-threatening such as COPD, Asthma, and Bacterial pneumonia.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also called COPD, is actually a group of lung diseases. People with COPD have limitations in the airflow through their airways. The limitation usually worsens over time. Lungs of people with COPD become easily inflamed from noxious particles or gases. The airways produce extra mucus, which is coughed up as sputum. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are two common types of COPD. Chronic bronchitis is an ongoing inflammation of the large airways. Emphysema is a chronic disease in which the tissues of the lungs are gradually destroyed.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is caused by exposure to noxious gases or particles, especially cigarette smoke. Over time, this exposure damages the airways. The airways try to protect themselves by making more mucus. However, the lungs may slowly get damaged from chronic irritation. The increased mucus and lung damage can be permanent.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently developed a classification system for the severity of COPD. There are four stages of severity, as outlined below:
Stage 0, or at risk for COPD. These people have chronic cough and sputum production. Their lung function tests are still normal.
Stage I, or mild COPD. Individuals in this group have mild limitations in their airflow and changes in their lung function tests. They generally have chronic cough and sputum production.
Stage II, or moderate COPD. People at this stage have worsening of airflow that leads to shortness of breath with exertion. Their lung function tests show marked limitations.
Stage III, or severe COPD. Individuals at this stage have severe airflow limitations that impair their quality of life. Their lung function tests are markedly abnormal.
Diagnosis of COPD begins with a medical history and physical examination. Lung function tests can identify COPD in Stage 0, even before the individual has symptoms. Lung function tests measure how much air a person can take in with a deep breath. They also measure how fast the person can push the air back out of the lungs. The healthcare provider may also order a chest X-ray and blood tests.
Many risk factors for COPD can be completely eliminated. Smoking cessation is vital for those who smoke. Sources of indoor air pollution can be identified and removed. It's important to avoid secondhand smoke.
COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the world. The long-term effects depend on how severe the COPD is when diagnosed and if a reduced exposure to the lung irritant occurs. The most effective treatment is quitting smoking. This will typically result in a modest improvement or no further decline in function. People with COPD have a higher mortality than those with normal lung function. Causes of death include respiratory failure, lung infections such as pneumonia and influenza, and other diseases related to smoking. These include cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
Asthma is a common lung disease that causes repeated bouts of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, especially at night or in the early morning. A person with asthma has difficulty breathing because of inflammation and narrowing of the airways.
In a person with asthma, the airways narrow as a result of irritation and inflammation. During an asthma flare-up or "asthma attack," muscles of the airway tubes, or bronchi, tighten. The reaction in the lungs is out of proportion with the amount of stimulation experienced. The inflammation and tightening in the airways increases, trapping air in the lungs. The overreaction to the trigger causes excess mucus to form in the lungs. The person cannot take in a full breath and feels short of breath.
Asthma is caused by an immune system response. The immune system overreacts to triggers and causes the airways to become inflamed and tight. Often there are provoking factors, or triggers, that cause asthma symptoms. Triggers differ from person to person. Asthma triggers include:
Allergies to food such as peanuts or to foods with sulfites, such as beer, wine, processed foods, and shrimp.
Cold and dry air and wind.
Dust and dust mites.
Exercise.
Heartburn.
Hormonal changes resulting from pregnancy or menstruation.
Indoor and outdoor pollution from exposure to fumes, paint, fireplace smoke, or perfume.
Diagnosis of asthma begins with a medical history and physical exam. Pulmonary function tests are simple breathing tests that are often used to measure breathing limitations. Sometimes chest X-rays can show air trapped in the lungs.
There are no immunizations or other treatments that can prevent asthma, but some measures can help to prevent flare-ups of asthma. Once an individual has been diagnosed with asthma, the healthcare provider will recommend a treatment plan. The plan usually includes identifying and avoiding any triggers and taking medicines. By following the treatment plan, an individual can minimize asthma flare-ups.
Asthma is characterized by periodic flare-ups. Between flare-ups, many people will have a return to normal breathing. Over many years, this pattern can continue without the person getting dramatically worse. In some people, asthma flare-ups increase as they get older.
Some children outgrow asthma. Sometimes symptoms stop and asthma disappears as they grow up.
A person with asthma can monitor breathing at home with a device called a peak flow meter. Some people use peak flow meters every day and keep a record in their asthma diary which can help the health care provider in prescribing medicines.
