What are respiratory diseases?

Before we define respiratory diseases we must look at the respiratory system. The respiratory system plays an essential role in supplying the body with oxygen. In turn, it removes carbon dioxide residues and toxins, it also regulates temperature and stabilizes blood.

Chronic respiratory diseases (CKD) are chronic diseases that affect the lung and / or the airways. Some of them are asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), allergic rhinitis, lung diseases of occupational origin and pulmonary hypertension.

Respiratory diseases affect the lungs directly and can arise from pulmonary, cardiovascular, emotional and otherserious causes that can be fatal. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 235 million suffer from asthma and 64 million suffer from COPD. The same organisation mentions that annually around 4 million people die from CKD worldwide, where as COPD is the leading cause of death when it comes to respiratory diseases.

In short, a respiratory disease or disorder is considered any conditionthat affects the respiratory system. Below is an extensive list:

Asthma
Asbestosis
Black lung bronchiolitis
Bronchitis
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Emphysema
Empyema
Eosinophilic pneumonia
Larynx cancer
Laryngomalacia
Legionnaires' disease
Lung cancer
Common cold
Tuberculosis
Valley fever
Influenza
Sinusitis
Pharyngitis
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Persistent cough
Pleurisy Pneumonia
Pneumothorax
Pulmonary embolism
Pulmonary fibrosis
Respiratory distress syndrome
Respiratory syncytial virus
Sarcoidosis
Severe acute respiratory syndrome
Silicosis and tonsillitis

Prognosis of respiratory diseases

The prognosis of respiratory diseases can vary greatly depending on the specific pathology. In any case, the prognosis usually improves in most of them if the patient undergoes adeawuate treatment. This works for both more serious and minor respiratory problems. Some of the symptoms of respiratory diseases are cough, wheezing or chest pain, among many others.

Some symptoms of respiratory diseases are coughing, wheezing and chest pain.

Symptoms of respiratory diseases

The symptoms vary according to the person and according to the pathology. However, the most frequent symptoms are:

Secretions (phlegm)
Cough
Chest pressure
Fatigue and shortness of breath
Rhinitis
Sneezing
Itchy nose

Medical tests for respiratory diseases

For the diagnosis of these diseases, a thorough physical examination by a doctor should be carried out. In addition, the characteristics of the disease and respiratory problems will be evaluated and assessed.

A blood test can be helpful to the doctor, among other tests such as:

Chest x-ray
Sputum exam
Lung function test

What are the causes of respiratory diseases?

There may be a combination of factors that cause respiratory disease.

Some of these may include:

Viruses
Smoking cigarettes
Air pollution
Dust
Toxic gases.

Some risk factors are:

Tobacco smoke
A weak immune system
Exposure to irritants
Gastric reflux

Can they be prevented?

Although respiratory diseases are not totally preventable, some of the associated problems can be avoided. Thus, it is recommended to protect the lungs as much as possible by following these tips:

Avoid tobacco smoke: Smoke increases the risk of some respiratory diseases.

Get vaccinated: many respiratory diseases occur due to viruses, there are vaccines to avoid bigger problems.

Wash your hands: hand hygiene help patients maintain hygiene and thus avoid the risk of contracting a viral infection.

Wearing a surgical mask: the use of this device can avoid complications in the work in which the patient is exposed to dust, vapors or toxic gases.

What type of specialist treats respiratory diseases?

Respiratory diseases should be treated by a doctor who specialises in pulmonology.