Question: What is a Lung Disease?
Answer: Lung disease is any disease or disorder that impairs the function of the lungs.
Lung diseases can be separated into three categories: 1) obstructive, 2) restrictive, and 3) defective.
Obstructive lung diseases cause a narrowing or blockage of the airways resulting in a decrease in exhaled air flow. The most common obstructive lung diseases are asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.
Restrictive lung diseases decrease the total volume of air the lungs can hold. This is typically due to a decrease in the elasticity of the lungs or the inability of the chest wall to expand during inhalation. Examples of restrictive lung diseases are asbestosis, sarcoidosis and pulmonary fibrosis.
Defective lung diseases decrease the lung’s ability to move oxygen from its air sac tissues to the blood.
Although there are many lung diseases, some of the most common are:
Asthma
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Cystic Fibrosis (CF)
Emphysema
Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma
Tuberculosis
There are many causes of lung disease. Here are just a few:
Smoking – cigarette, cigar, and pipe smoke
Exposure to Radon Gas - radon occurs in soil and rocks
Asbestos – a natural fiber that comes from minerals
Pollution – air pollutants, such as car exhaust
Lung diseases are diagnosed and treated 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.
To lower your risk of lung disease:
Do not smoke or quit smoking immediately.
Stay away from dust and irritants or protect your lungs and air passages by wearing protective devices such as dust masks.
Get a spirometry test regularly to assess your lung’s ability to move air.
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