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Lung Diseases

 

What is lung disease?

Lung diseases are some of the most common forms of medical conditions in the world. Your lungs are one of the most important organs in your body, bringing in oxygen to your body and sending out carbon dioxide. When your lungs become diseased or infected, it can interrupt the important function your lungs serve. 

Some of the most common lung conditions treated by a cardiothoracic surgeon include:

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – occurs when you are not able to exhale the way you usually would, which causes trouble breathing.
  • Emphysema – a form of COPD that causes air to be trapped in your lungs.
    Interstitial Lung Disease – inflammation and scarring of the lungs, making it hard for lungs to get enough oxygen.
  • Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis – condition in which the lungs become scarred, and breathing becomes increasingly difficult.
  • Cystic Fibrosis – occurs when thick mucus builds up in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.
  • Pulmonary Hypertension – high blood pressure in your pulmonary arteries that cause shortness of breath and chest pain.
  • Treatment for lung cancer.

What causes lung disease?

There can be many causes for developing lung disease, which can include:
Smoking – smoking is the number one cause of lung disease by damaging your airways and the small air sacs found in your lungs. Smoking also increases your risk for other illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer.

  • Radon – an odorless, colorless gas that is present in many homes without even knowing it. You should test your home at least once a year to ensure there are no high levels present. 
  • Asbestos – a natural fiber that is used in insulation, car brakes, and other products. Asbestos can present as small fibers that are inhaled, damaging lung cells and causing lung scarring and lung cancer.
  • Air pollution – different types of air pollutants, such as car exhaust, have been shown to contribute to lung diseases like asthma or COPD.

What are the symptoms of lung disease?

Often times, lung disease symptoms can present as symptoms consistent with other conditions. Early signs are easy to overlook, but shortness of breath and unusual fatigue can be one of the earliest signs. Other common signs and symptoms will differ depending on the type of lung disease you are dealing with. The most common symptoms include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Trouble breathing
  • Feeling of not being able to get enough air
  • Decreased ability to perform daily activities
  • Increased fatigue
  • Persistent cough
  • Coughing up blood or mucus
  • Pain or discomfort when breathing in or out

Diagnosing and Treating Lung Disease

To diagnose lung disease, your provider will review your medical history and perform a physical examination. In the exam, they will listen to your heart and lungs to determine if there are any abnormal sounds or signs of disease. If they suspect some sort of disease or infection, additional tests may be needed. Imaging tests can show the condition of your lungs to determine if there is an infection or abnormality present. From there, they can help to determine the best course of treatment for your disease. 

Common forms of treatment include:

  • Oxygen therapy – involves delivering supplemental oxygen to you to allow you to breathe better. This can be done via a tube resting in your nose, a face mask or a tube placed in your windpipe. This may be needed if your condition is causing your blood oxygen levels to be too low.
  • Pulmonary rehabilitation – a supervised program that includes exercise training, education and breathing techniques to help you to breathe easier and improve quality of life.
  • Thoracentesis – a procedure that is performed to remove excess fluid from the space between your lungs and chest wall to help you breathe better.
  • Tracheostomy – a procedure that involves a surgically made hole through the front of your neck into your windpipe.
  • Lung transplant – removes a diseased lung and replaces it with a healthy lung to improve quality of life and extend lifespan for people with advanced or chronic lung conditions that have not responded to other treatments.