Breathing problems range from asthma to COPD and can cause difficulty breathing, chest pain, and even death. Treatment varies depending on the condition and may include inhalers, antibiotics, steroids, chemotherapy, and oxygen therapy. Quitting smoking is advised.
Breathing problems can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing and chest pain. Left untreated, these conditions can even cause death in severe cases. There are many different breathing problems, ranging from asthma to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Restrictive lung disease is one of the breathing problems that affect the lungs by decreasing lung volume. This disease causes the lungs to lose elasticity, so that a patient cannot expand their lungs to get a deep breath. Different types of restrictive lung diseases include asbestosis and pulmonary fibrosis.
Another of the different types of respiratory problems is asthma, which causes shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing. Asthma occurs in both children and adults, and symptoms can interfere with work and school activities. Triggers like dust, pet dander, and extremely cold weather can make asthma episodes more frequent. Other people may have occupational asthma caused by exposure to chemicals or toxins in their work environment.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a type of lung disease that does not have a good prognosis. People who have COPD sometimes complain of excessive amounts of mucus, tightness in the chest, and trouble breathing. Some of the causes of COPD include cigarette smoking, chemical fumes, and pollution. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Patients with COPD often have to file for disability benefits because the disease generally tends to get worse over time.
There are also other respiratory problems caused by health conditions such as pneumonia and the flu. These respiratory illnesses are usually short-term and disappear when the person no longer has the virus. Other medical factors, including cancers and obesity, can also make a person’s breathing difficult and cause chest pain. Several types of lung cancer, such as lymphoma, cause damage to the lungs, air sacs, and windpipe.
Treatment of respiratory problems varies depending on the type of respiratory disease the patient has. A doctor will evaluate the individual to determine what type of condition is present and obtain a complete medical history. During an exam, the doctor will analyze the person’s oxygen levels and use a stethoscope to listen to the person’s airways and lungs. If your doctor detects wheezing or other abnormalities, she may recommend an X-ray or CT scan.
The medications prescribed for respiratory diseases consist of inhalers, antibiotics and steroids. Doctors often suggest chemotherapy for patients who have lung cancer. For severe cases of COPD and restrictive lung disease, the person may need a portable oxygen tank and mask. Doctors advise smokers with respiratory problems to quit smoking.
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