8 common types of respiratory diseases

What are the 8 common types of respiratory diseases?  

The 8 common types of respiratory diseases are:

1. Asthma  

2. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease  

3. Cystic Fibrosis  

4. Lung cancer  

5. Tuberculosis

6. Bronchitis  

7. Pneumonia  

8. Emphysema

To know about them in detail, we need to understand what respiratory disease is.  

Respiratory diseases  

Respiratory diseases are diseases that affect the lungs or other parts of the respiratory system as a consequence caused by an infection, secondhand smoke, radon, or other air pollution.  

There are two types of respiratory diseases

• Chronic respiratory diseases
• Infectious respiratory diseases

Some of the infections are caused by a virus or bacteria which carries a pathogen and enters the cell in our body, causing a disease or flu. These are called infectious respiratory diseases.  

Chronic respiratory diseases are those chronic diseases of the air passages and other parts of the lung. Chronic diseases like Asthma are long-lasting. These symptoms may occur after some time, pushing the person into remission.  

Let us look in detail at the eight common respiratory diseases.  

Asthma  

Otherwise called bronchial Asthma, it is a disease that affects the lungs. It is a condition in which the airway in our body gets narrowed and swells. This condition leads to more mucus production.  

Asthma can cause minor inconvenience for some people, whereas it can be a major problem that interferes with the everyday routine of others.  

Asthma can be life-threatening if proper treatment is not provided.  

What are the symptoms of Asthma?  

Symptoms exhibited by a person who suffers from Asthma may vary. They may experience irregular Asthma attacks and exhibit symptoms only during certain times.  

Some of the commonly exhibited symptoms of Asthma are:

• Breathlessness  
• Chest pain or tightness  
• Wheezing  
• Trouble sleeping  
• Coughing gets worse by a virus or flu.  

Some of the signs indicating that Asthma is worsening are as follows:

• The above-mentioned symptoms occur more frequently
• Increase difficulty in breathing
• The need to use a relief inhaler frequently.  

What causes Asthma?  

Asthma has multiple causes; they are broadly classified into two types - Allergic and non-allergic.  

Allergic Asthma is caused due to allergies for various reasons. Non-allergic Asthma is triggered by external factors. The symptoms of Asthma may occur in certain situations.  

Occupational Asthma

Occupational Asthma is triggered when there are chemical fumes, dust or other gases in the workplace.  

Exercise-induced Asthma 

Exercise-induced Asthma will affect the person exhibiting symptoms when a person performs physical activities or exercises when the air is dry and cold.  

Allergy-induced Asthma

Allergy-induced Asthma is triggered by substances that are airborne like spores, pollen, dust particles, cockroach waste and other micro allergens like dust mites.  

What is an Asthma attack?

Normally when a person breathes, their air pipe is relaxed and allows more air to move in easily. During an Asthma attack, there are three possibilities:

Bronchospasm  

This is when the muscles around the airway tighten. The air cannot flow freely when there is constrict in the airways.  

Inflammation

The term inflammation is not new to many. It is the swelling of the lining in the airway. When the air is inflated, the air cannot flow freely and cannot let much air out of the lungs.  

Mucus production 

During an Asthma attack, the body creates more mucus. The excess mucus is thick and will clog the airway.  

What are the types of Asthma? 

Asthma is classified into two types based on the cause and the symptoms. Asthma is broadly classified as - intermittent and persistent.  

Intermittent Asthma is the type of Asthma that shows up in episodes. In between the episodes, a person may feel normal.  

Persistent Asthma is when a person has symptoms most of the time. These symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe.  

Who is at risk of Asthma?

There is very little research on why some people have Asthma while others do not. However, certain factors pose a higher risk of triggering Asthma.  

When people have allergies, they can develop a life-threatening health condition. People can develop as many infections when they are exposed to toxins that irritate the airway (Oesophagus).

Genetics can also play a role in Asthma or other diseases. Certain respiratory infections can damage the lungs and cause Asthma.  

Went to consult a doctor?

Symptoms of Asthma are life-threatening. Medical consultation is mandatory.  

When symptoms worsen over time, it can be an emergency need.  

Proper medical supervision is needed. A doctor will review the medical history of a person's family members to know the cause of Asthma.

A doctor will study the person's symptoms and also ask them to perform a spirometry test. This test will measure the airflow through the lungs.  

After the results, the doctor can ask for an X-ray to study the severity of the infection and provide treatment accordingly.  

How is Asthma treated?  

There are a few ways that can help manage Asthma. They are as follows:

Anti-inflammatory medicines

Anti-inflammatory medicines are prescribed by a doctor to reduce the swelling and the mucus formation in the airway.  

The medicines prescribed by a doctor depend on various factors like age, triggers and symptoms.  

These medicines make it easier for the air to flow through the lungs and exit. Such medications are prescribed and a doctor also advises the person to take them every day to control and prevent the symptoms of chronic Asthma.  

Bronchodilators

Bronchodilators or medicines that relax the muscles surrounding the airway. This medication and air more smoothly through the airway. The mucus can also move easily help of the medication.  

Usually, these medicines relieve the symptoms of chronic Asthma.

Biologic therapy for Asthma

Biologic therapy is used for Asthma if the symptoms continue to persist. This treatment is provided through inhaler therapy.  

Medication for Asthma is taken in several ways. A person can breathe the medicines with the help of an inhaler or nebuliser.  

Oral medications are also available. The main aim of Asthma treatment is to control the symptoms. Keeping track of the symptoms is an integral part of managing the health condition.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease refers to a group of diseases that can cause airflow blockage in the airway and result in breathing-related problems.  

It includes Emphysema and chronic bronchitis.  

Emphysema  

It is one of the most prevalent respiratory diseases with smoking being a major factor in causing it.  

Among the most respiratory diseases, it is one of the most preventable types of respiratory disease. Some of the other factors that may cause Emphysema are genetic factors and respiratory infections.  

Emphysema is an irreversible health condition. Therefore, the treatment given is to slow down the progression of the disease and reduce its symptoms.  

What are the symptoms of Emphysema?

A person can have Emphysema for several years without noticing any signs or symptoms. The major symptom of Emphysema is breathlessness even when a person is at rest.

People who develop Emphysema have increased chances of developing Pneumonia, Bronchitis and various other lung infections.  

To identify such infections Emphysema makes a person exhibit the following symptoms:

• Long-term cough  
• Feeling of not getting enough air  
• Wheezing  
• Long-term mucus production  
• Continuous fatigue

Went to visit a doctor?  

When the symptoms exhibited by a person are severe medical supervision is required. This is because the diagnosis made by a doctor for Emphysema relies only on symptoms. Various tests are conducted to make the diagnosis.

X-ray

X-rays are generally useful for detecting later stages of Emphysema. Early Emphysema may not be detected with the help of an X-ray that can help diagnose severe and moderate cases of Emphysema.  

Pulse oximetry  

The pulse oximetry test is also known as the oxygen saturation test. Here pulse oximetry is used to measure the Oxygen in the Blood This is done with the help of a monitor pressing against the person's finger or ear lobe. The monitor will measure the blood oxygen level and display it as a value.  

Pulmonary function test

A pulmonary function test is one of the most useful ways to determine airway blockage. It tests the lung's volume by measuring airflow when a person inhales and exhales. The measurement is possible when a person exhales in a specialised machine. Later the readings of a person with Emphysema are compared to the normal result from a similar person without any adverse health condition.  

Electrocardiogram

ECG checks the heart function and is useful to rule out heart diseases that can cause breathlessness.

Arterial blood gas 

Arterial blood gas measures the amount of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood. This test is used as a reserve when Emphysema worsens. This comes in handy to decide if a person requires oxygen.  

How is Emphysema treated? 

Emphysema worsens over time and there is no cure for the disease. Treatment can slow down the severity of the disease. The type of treatment will depend on how severe the health condition is.

Quit smoking

Quitting smoking is the quintessential step to taking care of the lungs. A doctor may help a person in finding the best methods to quit smoking.

Bronco dilator medications

These medications will relax the muscles in the airway and are also given to treat Asthma. They provide quick results when they are given as inhalants.  

Anti-inflammatory medications

Anti-inflammatory medication can help reduce inflammation in the airway. When the airway is affected, the movement of air going in and out of the lungs can be difficult. These medicines help fight against inflammation.

Oxygen therapy

Oxygen therapy is prescribed for people whose lungs are not getting adequate oxygen from the blood. Such people cannot absorb enough oxygen externally and require more oxygen through a nasal catheter or a face mask.  

Surgery

Surgery that involves removing a portion of the infected lung tissues and joining it with the remaining tissue is called lung volume reduction surgery. By doing so a person may be relieved from pain and improve lung elasticity.

 However, the result of such surgeries has not been promising. Not every person with Emphysema is up for surgery.  

Other treatments  

Emphysema might cause a person to become underweight. To counter that they need to eat foods rich in vitamins like vitamins C and E. Eating fruits and vegetables can improve overall health.  

Several vaccinations are available against a few infections like Pneumonia that can complicate Emphysema if developed.

Seeking help from a support group may provide relief from anxiety or depression.  

Chronic bronchitis 

Bronchitis is the inflammation of the lining in the bronchial tubes. These tubes are responsible for carrying air to the lungs. People with bronchitis have a consistent cough that brings up discolored and thick mucus.  

Bronchitis can be acute or chronic.

Acute bronchitis  

Acute bronchitis can develop from cold weather or other respiratory infections and last less than three weeks. The symptoms subside and health improves within a few days without a long-lasting effect.

Chronic bronchitis

Bronchitis is classified as chronic when the symptoms last for more than three months. There is constant inflammation within the lining of bronchial tubes that can cause an excessive amount of mucus to build up in the airways and restrict airflow in and out of the lungs. This may cause breathlessness.  

Usually, most symptoms take time to develop hence people may believe that this health condition is not life-threatening they tend to ignore the symptoms until the condition progresses to the senior stage.

How can we identify Chronic Bronchitis?

When the health condition sets in a person, it makes the body exhibit symptoms like

smokers cough, cough blood, mucus, wheezing and discomfort in the chest.

The mucus eventually builds up in the bronchial tubes making it difficult for breathing. Some of the other symptoms of chronic bronchitis are

• Fatigue or tiredness  
• Fever  
• Respiratory infection  
• Low blood oxygen level  
• Swelling in the legs

The symptoms exhibited may vary depending on how severe it affects a person.  

What are the causes of bronchitis?  

Causes of chronic bronchitis include the following:

Infections that are allergens causing bronchitis smoking secondhand smoke and air pollution.

How to treat chronic bronchitis?

There is no cure for chronic bronchitis yet health condition can be managed with medical treatment and symptoms can be contained through some lifestyle adjustments.

Some of the treatment is given to him to manage the symptoms as follows:

Theophylline  

Is a medication that is consumed or inhaled, which helps in relaxing the muscles in the airway so that they open up and allow more air to flow through. This medication can also be used with the help of an inhaler that pumps medicine into the lungs.  

Steroids 

A doctor may suggest a steroid that can be taken with the help of an inhaler or orally.  

Pulmonary rehabilitation

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program that is given to improve breathing and helps in overall well-being. It comprises various exercises, nutritional counseling and formulated breathing strategies to improve the health condition of a person.

Bronchodilators and medications are also used to treat chronic bronchitis. Some lifestyle changes can also help alleviate the symptoms. They are:

Breathing in moist warm air with the help of a humidifier will help his cough clear the air by loosening the mucus.  

Restricting the number of pathogens that a person may inhale can help reduce coughing and fight against inflammation.  

Physical activities can help strengthen a person's muscles and help with breathing.  

These lifestyle practices should be adopted to manage the symptoms efficiently. Many people assume that the symptoms of chronic bronchitis may indicate a smoker's cough.

It is important to consult a doctor to know the exact cause of the disease and get proper treatment.  

Cystic Fibrosis  

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic condition that can cause serious damage to the respiratory and digestive systems in the body.  

The damage caused by this health condition results in the building of thick and sticky mucus in the organs.  

The most commonly affected organs are the lungs, liver, pancreas, and intestines.  

Cystic Fibrosis will affect the cells that produce digestive enzymes mucus and sweat. Usually, these fluids are thin and smooth. These fluids protect the organs and prevent them from getting dry.  

When a person has Cystic Fibrosis, the genetic mutation increases the thickness of body fluids including the mucus.  

When the body fluids get thick it can interrupt the functions of the organ and disturb the free flow of air to the lungs as a result of which bacteria are accumulated. This can lead to infection or diseases.  

What are the symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis?

Symptoms exhibited by a person with Cystic Fibrosis depend on the severity of the health condition. For some people, the symptoms show up in infancy but for others, it may not begin until puberty or adulthood.

The symptoms get worsened as time passes. Some of the common signs of Cystic Fibrosis are as follows:  

• hissing  
• smokers cough  
• excessive mucus  
• lung infections  
• stuffy nose and  
• digestive problems like constipation nausea delete growth

What are the causes of Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic Fibrosis is caused due to a deficit in a gene called the Cystic Fibrosis membrane conductance regulator gene.

Sudden mutation in that gene can cause mucus to become thicker and stickier. The abnormal increase in mucus in the body can spread across organs like the intestine, liver, lungs and pancreas.

Cystic Fibrosis and diagnosis  

Some of the diagnostic tests that can be performed to identify Cystic Fibrosis are as follows:

Immunoreactive Trypsinogen Test

The Immunoreactive Trypsinogen Test (IRT) is the standard screening test for newborns that checks abnormal levels of protein in the blood. A high level of IRT protein may be a sign of Cystic Fibrosis. Yet further testing is required to confirm this observation from the diagnosis.  

Sweat chloride test

The sweat chloride test is a test used for diagnosing Cystic Fibrosis. This test checks for an increased level of salt in the sweat of a person.

It is performed with the help of a chemical that makes the skin sweat when it is triggered by a weak current. The sweat is collected on a piece of paper and analysed.  

X-ray

The chest X-ray is done to look for swelling in the lungs which are caused by blockages in the airways of the respiratory system.  

CT scan

CT scan will create a detailed image of the body using various combinations of X-rays.  

Sputum test

During a sputum test, a doctor will take a sample of the mucus. This will confirm the presence of abnormalities or infections. This test can also show the type of germs or bacteria that are present and can help a doctor determine which medicine works best to treat them.  

How will a doctor treat Cystic Fibrosis? 

Treatment for Cystic Fibrosis depends mainly on medications, surgical procedures and home care treatments.  

Medications like  

• Antibiotics  
• Mucus thinning medication  
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Bronchodilators  
• Transmembrane conductance regulator modulators  

Surgical procedures like  

• Double lung transplant or single lung transplant and  
• Transplant feeding tube  

Home-care treatments like  

• Consuming adequate fluids  
• Regular exercises  
• Quit smoking and  
• Vaccinations help in alleviating symptoms.

Lung cancer 

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the lungs. The lungs are two important spongy organs in the chest that take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide in the process of breathing.  

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths globally. People who smoke have a great chance of developing lung cancer, still, lung cancer can also occur in people who do not smoke. The risk of developing lung cancer increases with the duration and the number of cigarettes a person smokes.  

What are the symptoms of Lung cancer?

Usually, Lung cancer doesn't cause any symptoms during the early stages, however, signs and symptoms show up when the disease is advanced. Some of the common symptoms of lung cancer or as follows:

• Persistent cough  
• Coughing blood  
• Shortness of breath  
• Bone pain
• Headaches and
• Chest pain.  

What causes Lung cancer?

Smoking stands as the major reason for lung cancer. Smoking can cause cancer in people who do not smoke. Such smoke is called secondhand smoke. Lung cancer can also affect people who have never smoked yet are exposed to secondhand smoke in such cases there is no clear cause of lung cancer.  

How does smoking cause Lung cancer? 

Globally, doctors believe that smoking causes Lung cancer by damaging the cells that line the lungs. When a person inhales cigarette smoke, it damages the issues as it is full of cancer-causing substances called carcinogens.

What are the types of Lung cancer? 

Doctors divide Lung cancer into two broad types. This classification is based on the appearance of the cancer cells under a microscope.  

Two general types of Lung cancers are:

• Small cell Lung cancer  
• Non-small cell lung cancer

Small cell Lung cancer occurs in people who are involved in smoking. Non-small cell lung cancer is a term used for various types of Lung cancer including squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and large cell carcinoma.  

There are some risk factors associated with Lung cancer. They are as follows:

The risk factors for Lung cancer include smoking, secondhand smoke exposure to certain gases, radiation therapy and exposure to carcinogens family history.  

Smoking increases the chances of developing Lung cancer. Quitting it any time is beneficial for health. Not only smoking, even if a person is exposed to secondhand smoke it can increase the chances of developing Lung cancer.  

Radon is produced when there is a natural breakdown of uranium in rock, water and soil that becomes a part of the air we breathe. When there are higher levels and unsafe levels of radon can trigger Lung cancer.

If a person has undergone radiation therapy for another type of cancer, they have increased chances of developing Lung cancer.  

Workplace exposure to harmful cancer-causing carcinogens like arsenic, nickel and chromium can also increase the chances of developing lung cancer and more commonly if a person is a smoker.  

People sharing relationships with other people who have a history of cancer can also be a potential risk. For example, people with siblings, parents or children with Lung cancer can also get it.  

Complications associated with Lung cancer

Lung cancer is life-threatening and can cause complications like,

Breathlessness

Breathlessness is common for people with Lung cancer as the cells grow and block the airway in the body. This can also cause fluid formation around the lungs making it harder for the infected lungs to expand fully when a person is breathing.  

Severe pain

Severe pain in specific areas of the body is caused by this health condition. Many medications and treatments are prescribed by a doctor to fight against the pain.  

Coughing blood

Lung cancer can cause a person to bleed through the airway which can result in coughing blood. There is a high chance that the bleeding might get severe if not treated properly.  

Sometimes a person's face can swell up if they are affected with Lung cancer.

Prevention and treatment of lung cancer

There is no way one can prevent cancer. However, a person can reduce the risk of developing it. Some of the ways in which a person can prevent cancer are by

• Not smoking
• Avoiding secondhand smoke  
• Testing home for radon  
• Avoiding exposure to carcinogens  
• Consuming a balanced meal and  
• Exercising regularly

A doctor would diagnose Lung cancer with the help of images in test x-rays, CT scan and tissue sample.

A doctor may ask to perform surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, stereotactic body radiotherapy or immunotherapy as a treatment for lung cancer.

Surgeries are done to remove either a small section of the lung or the entire lung.  

• Wedge Resection surgery is done to remove a small section of the lungs.
• Segmental resection is done to remove a large portion of the lung.
• Lobectomy is performed to remove an entire lobe in the lung.  
• Pneumonectomy is performed in scenarios where a doctor or a surgeon would remove the entire lung.  

• Radiation therapy involves using high power energy bills from sources like X-rays to kill cancer cells.  
• Chemotherapy utilities the help of drugs to kill cancer cells. This treatment process involves various drugs that may be given through have or taken orally. A combination of medicines is given for a series of treatments for a particular duration of time.  

• Chemotherapy is often used after surgery to kill remaining cancer cells. It may also be used with radiotherapy.

• Medications are given to treat specific abnormalities present within the cancer cells. Such abnormalities can be treated with specific medications that can cause cancerous cells to die.  

• Immunotherapy utilises the body's natural defence mechanism to fight cancer. The immunity system can fight against diseases and attacks foreign agents.  

• But the immune system may not attack the cancerous cells because protein helps them hide from the body. Immunotherapy helps by interfering in the process and fighting against cancerous cells.  

Medical consultation is mandatory when a person is suffering from Lung cancer only a proper health care provider can help a person with treatment copy and support.  

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection that attacks a person's lungs. It can spread to other parts of the body. A specific bacteria called mycobacterium Tuberculosis causes this disease.  

Tuberculosis is made up of two types latent TB and active TB.  

Latent TB is when there are germs in our body but the immune system keeps the germs from spreading. Even though the body does not exhibit symptoms, and it is not contagious, it can get active anytime.  

Active TB is when the germs multiply and make a person sick. It can spread the disease to other people who come in contact. A large percentage of active cases in adults come from latent TB infection.  

What are the symptoms of Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis, specifically latent TB doesn't exhibit symptoms. However active Tuberculosis may make a person exhibit a few symptoms like,

• Cough lasting for more than a few weeks
• Chest pain
• Blood coughing
• Sweating at night
• Chills
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Fever

Even though the symptoms are common and can indicate other symptoms or diseases it is better to consult a doctor. A doctor will help identify the underlying medical condition that makes a person exhibit the above-mentioned symptoms and provide treatment accordingly.  

Tuberculosis and the risk factors associated with it.

A person is more likely to get TB if

• a friend or family member has active TB
• travel or reside in a place where Tuberculosis is common
• the person is a part of a group where TV is more likely to spread
• working at hospitals or nursing homes
• health care workers
• people who smoke  

What causes Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is caused by bacteria that can spread from one person to another through microscopic droplets that are released into the air. This is possible when someone with an untreated disease or active form of Tuberculosis speaks, sneezes coughs, laughs, sings, or spits.  

Even though Tuberculosis is contagious it is not easy to catch. A person is more likely to get infected by Tuberculosis when they are living or working with someone, rather than from a stranger.  

However, most people with active Tuberculosis who undergo proper treatment will no longer be contagious.  

Some of the causes and it is the factors of Tuberculosis or as follows:

HIV can cause Tuberculosis and lead to further health complications like Diabetes, and kidney diseases and trigger certain cancers.  

Chemotherapy and radiation, malnutrition and low body weight can be a result of a weakened immune system.  

How will a doctor diagnose Tuberculosis?

A doctor will conduct a physical examination and check for swelling. They use a stethoscope to listen to the sound of the lungs a person makes while they breathe.

The most popular way of diagnosing Tuberculosis is a skin test where a small amount of tuberculin is injected below the skin. After the injection within two days or 72 hours, a professional will check for any swelling near the injected area.

If there is a bump, red in colour, a person is more likely to have a Tuberculosis infection. Depending on the size of the bump, a doctor will determine if further tests are required to confirm the health condition.

With the help of blood test imaging, a doctor can identify and get enough conclusions.  

Treatment for Tuberculosis is similar to that of other respiratory diseases. Most commonly medications are prescribed based on the severity and the condition of a person.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a health condition that causes inflammation in the lungs. The air sacs in the lungs can get filled with pus. This can cause cough with phlegm, fever, breathlessness and chills.

Various organisms like bacteria, fungus and viruses can cause Pneumonia. The symptoms of Pneumonia can be mild to severe. It can also be life-threatening. It can cause more harm to young children and older people.  

How can we identify Pneumonia?

The signs and symptoms of Pneumonia exhibited by a person would vary. These symptoms may depend on various factors like the cause, age of the person affected, and overall health of the person.

Some of the most commonly exhibited symptoms of Pneumonia are as follows:

• Coughing blood
• Chest pain
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Fever
• Excessive sweating
• Nausea and vomiting and  
• Breathlessness.

Mild symptoms of Pneumonia are similar to flu. The symptoms of Pneumonia last longer.  

What causes Pneumonia?

Germs cause Pneumonia. Some of the commonly found bacteria and viruses present in the air we breathe can cause Pneumonia. Our body can naturally fight these disease-causing germs. However, in some cases, these bacteria can overpower the body's immune system.

Pneumonia can be caused by:

• Bacteria
• Viruses
• Fungi
• Hospital-acquired Pneumonia
• Aspiration Pneumonia

Pathogens like bacteria, bacteria-like organisms, viruses and fungi can cause Pneumonia even if a person has good health. Such conditions are called as bacteria-caused Pneumonia. Some organisms like mycoplasma can cause health conditions like Pneumonia.

Some people catch Pneumonia during their stay in the hospital. Such Pneumonia is known as Hospital-acquired Pneumonia.  

Aspirational Pneumonia is slightly different from the rest. It can be caused when a person inhales food or fluids into the lungs, causing difficulty in the gag reflex.  

If a person catches Pneumonia, they can develop other complications like:

• Fluid accumulation around the lungs
• Lung cavity
• Breathlessness
• Bacteria in the blood.

Is medical supervision required?

Medical supervision is mandatory if any symptoms persist for a long time. Breathing difficulty, fever and cough with pus need to be addressed by a doctor. If the symptoms of Pneumonia are left untreated, it can be life-threatening.

A doctor would examine the person and find out the cause of the health condition. Treatment is provided accordingly.  

Can we prevent Pneumonia?

We can prevent Pneumonia to an extent by:

Vaccination

There are vaccines available to prevent flu and Pneumonia. A doctor or a health care provider can explain to a person about the guidelines and doses of vaccination shots to help them prevent the disease.

Hygiene

Practising good hygiene is essential to improve the overall health of a person and avoid diseases. Good hygiene keeps a person healthy and reduces the chances of disease progressing.

Quit smoking

Smoking causes cancer. Smoking Kills. There is a reason why these two lines are stressed during films. Smoking causes harm to the body. Eliminating it can significantly improve the overall health of a person.  

Lifestyle choices

Having an active lifestyle plays an important role in keeping a person healthy. Consuming a balanced meal with adequate servings of fruits and vegetables can boost the immune system and keep a person in pink health.  

To sum up  

Various lung infections and diseases can cause chronic respiratory problems. Some factors like environmental factors and genetic factors lifestyle choices can cause respiratory diseases.  

These respiratory diseases can cause damage to the lungs. It makes a person exhibit a few symptoms that can be mild or severe.  

Proper treatment must be provided for these health conditions. If left untreated, it can be fatal. A doctor will provide treatment and help a person manage the symptoms and recover.

FAQs

DISCLAIMER: THIS BLOG/WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE

The Information including but not limited to text, graphics, images and other material contained on this blog are intended for education and awareness only. No material on this blog is intended to be a substitute for professional medical help including diagnosis or treatment. It is always advisable to consult medical professional before relying on the content. Neither the Author nor Star Health and Allied Insurance Co. Ltd accepts any responsibility for any potential risk to any visitor/reader.