What are the 7 Most Common Lung Diseases?

7 Common Lung Diseases You Should Know About 

Lung diseases have been one of the most common health issues in the world, affecting millions of individuals regardless of their age groups. Smoking, respiratory infections, environmental exposure, or genetic issues usually cause them.

The lungs are crucial for respiration, and any interference in the airways, lung structure, or blood supply can lead to severe health complications or even death. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the diseases associated with lung problems.

Keep reading to understand the seven most frequent lung diseases.

What are the 7 Most Frequently Occurring Lung Diseases?

Lung diseases are categorized based on the part of the respiratory system they affect. Here are the 7 most common types of lung ailments:

1. Asthma

Asthma is a long-term condition that leads to narrowing of the airway and inflammation, usually triggered by allergens, pollution, or cold air. It affects millions of people and produces symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.

Although there is no cure, asthma can be well-controlled with inhalers, medications and lifestyle modifications. Early diagnosis and treatment can dramatically lower the chances of serious flare-ups and enable the patient to live a normal, active life.

At Star Health, we offer extensive coverage for asthma under our Star Health Assure Insurance Policy. We also provide hassle-free claim settlements with reduced turnaround time across over 14,000 network hospitals in India.

2. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) encompasses emphysema and chronic bronchitis, both of which result in long-term breathing problems. The illness is mainly caused by smoking and environmental factors.

The signs and symptoms of COPD include a constant cough, increased mucus, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Although there is no cure, management with bronchodilators, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation can delay the onset and enhance day-to-day functioning.

3. Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that causes the production of thick, sticky mucus in the lungs and digestive tract. The mucus blocks airways, causing recurring lung infections, wheezing, coughing, and failure to gain weight.

Diagnosis of cystic fibrosis typically happens at birth with newborn screening. Although it is not curable, advanced medical procedures have immensely increased life expectancy and quality of life for most patients.

4. Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the abnormal, unchecked growth of cells in the lung tissue, usually associated with smoking. Symptoms of lung cancer can be manifested as chest discomfort, chronic cough, weight loss, and coughing up blood.

Detection early on by imaging and biopsies is crucial. Its treatment depends on the stage and type and could include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy.

5. Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection of the lungs, but it can infect other organs. It is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Some of the symptoms are persistent cough, night sweats, fever, and weight loss. TB is either latent or active, the latter being contagious and severe.

Diagnosis of tuberculosis comprises skin tests, blood tests, and chest X-rays. It is curable with antibiotics, but drug-resistant TB presents increasing challenges.

6. Bronchitis

Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, usually caused by viral infections. It produces too much mucus, coughing, tightness in the chest, and wheezing. Acute bronchitis typically clears up within a few weeks, whereas chronic bronchitis, usually part of COPD, is persistent.

Bronchitis diagnosis is often clinical, sometimes needing chest X-rays to rule out pneumonia or testing of cough and sputum production. Rest, fluids, and medication treat acute bronchitis, whereas long-term cases need more thorough treatment.

7. Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a type of infection that can be mild or life-threatening. It causes irritation in the lungs' air sacs and fills them with pus or fluid. It may be viral, bacterial, or fungal. Symptoms of pneumonia are usually fever, chills, a phlegmy cough, and difficulty breathing.

It is diagnosed through physical examination, chest X-rays, and laboratory tests. Early treatment using antibiotics or antivirals is important, particularly in elderly people.

What are the Best Tips to Keep Lungs Healthy?

Here are some of the most effective ways to protect and strengthen your lung health and keep lung diseases at bay:

•  Avoid Smoking: Quit smoking as it is the biggest enemy of your lungs. Besides, it is one of the leading causes of lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory issues.
•  Avoid Pollutants: Try to limit your exposure to indoor irritants such as secondhand smoke, mold, and chemical fumes. Improve ventilation in your household and check for radon. When you go outside, pay attention to air quality and try not to exert yourself during poor air quality days.
• Be Physically Active: Physical activity will force your lungs to get healthier. Walk, jog, run, lift weights, or engage in other heart-pumping activities for at least 20 minutes to develop lung, heart, and blood capacity.
•  Keep a Steady Posture. Whenever you sit or stand, keep a healthy and straight posture so that your lungs can stretch more easily.
•  Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps to keep the lung tissues moist and the mucus thin, which improves lung performance.
•  Diaphragmatic breathing exercises to strengthen lungs.
•  Get Regular Health Visits: If you detect a lung-related diagnosable condition early on, you will be able to receive more effective treatment for that condition. Even if you are not sick, you should continue to get routine visits with your healthcare provider.

All types of lung diseases, despite their different complications, significantly hamper the quality of life. Detection at an early stage, changes in lifestyle, and proper medical management are crucial to controlling them. If you notice recurrent breathing problems, see a doctor promptly to safeguard your lung function.