What is a Lung Disease?

Lung Disease Defined

Lung disease is any disease or disorder that impairs the function of the lungs.

Lung Disease Statistics

Lung disease is the third leading cause of death in the U.S., taking one in seven lives every year. Lung disease and other lung infections and illnesses are the number one killer of infants. It is estimated that more than 35 million Americans are currently living with a lung disease.

Lung diseases can be separated into two categories:

Obstructive lung diseases

Restrictive lung diseases

Obstructive Lung Diseases

Obstructive lung diseases cause a narrowing or blockage of the airways resulting in a decrease in exhaled air flow. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), emphysema, asthma, and bronchiectasis are examples of obstructive lung diseases.

Restrictive Lung Diseases

Restrictive lung diseases cause one or more of the following:

Loss of lung tissue

Decrease in the lung's ability to expand

Decrease in the lung's ability to transfer oxygen or carbon dioxide with the blood.

Pulmonary fibrosis (including sarcoidosis), lung cancer and pneumonia are examples of restrictive lung diseases.

Common Lung Diseases

Although there are many lung diseases, some of the most common are:

Asthma

COPD

Cystic Fibrosis

Emphysema

Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma

Tuberculosis

See the lung diseases index for a full list of lung diseases.

Causes of Lung Disease

There are many causes of lung disease. Here are just a few:

Smoking

Radon

Asbestos

Indoor Air Pollution

Outdoor Air Pollution

Signs and Symptoms of Lung Disease

If you believe you may have lung disease, see the 6 Signs of Lung Disease. For specific lung diseases or to compare and contrast lung diseases, use the Signs / Symptoms Quick Search.

Diagnostic Testing for Lung Disease

Lung diseases are diagnosed in many different ways depending upon the type and stage of disease, family history, patient’s medical history, and the health and age of the patient.

Diagnostic Testing for lung disease may include any of the following:

Pulmonary Function Tests

Chest X-Rays

CAT Scans

Bronchoscopy

Pulse Oximetry

Treatment for Lung Disease

As with diagnostic testing, treatment of lung disease depends on many factors, such as the type and stage of disease, family history, patient’s medical history, and the health and age of the patient.

Any of the following may be used for treating lung disease:

Inhalers (dry powder inhalers or metered-dose inhalers) or nebulizers containing bronchodilators or corticosteroids

Expectorants

Antibiotics

Oxygen Therapy

Chemotherapy

Lung Transplantation

Lung Reduction Surgery

Natural treatments, such as N-Acetyl Cysteine and Carnitine

Complementary / Integrative therapies and treatments

How to Lower Your Risk of Lung Disease

To lower your risk of lung disease and improve your chances of survival:

Do not smoke. If you do smoke, quit smoking immediately.

Protect your lungs and air passages by wearing protective devices such as dust masks.

Learn how to improve the air quality of your home with the free email course How to Reduce Respiratory Irritants In Your Home.

Get a spirometry test regularly to assess your lung’s ability to move air. Also, get daily Healthy Home Tips about how to keep a healthy home.

If you believe you may already have a lung disease, or if you want to determine your risk factor for developing a lung disease, check our growing list of Health Screening Quizzes.

If you have already been diagnosed with a lung disease, be sure to read the Guide for the Newly Diagnosed. The guide will give you all the tools you will need.

Sources: MayoClinic.com, nih.gov, lungusa.org and health.yahoo.com
Updated: 12/16/05