Lungs are one of the most affected organs with the changing temperatures and climate. Respiratory disorders stem from a lot of causes- the primary being a genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Exposure to agents that are harmful can also cause severe lung problems. Let us take a look at the most common ones and what you should know about them.
Cold is one of the most common lung infections. It spreads from someone’s coughs and sneezes who are already sick with a cold. It is a viral infection and can trigger bouts of asthma and even pneumonia. The cold has no cure.
When the bronchioles in the lungs get inflamed, it can trigger an asthma attack which causes swelling up of the airways and leads to breathing difficulties. A dry cough, wheezing and shortness of breath are common symptoms. Allergens, pollution and other infections can trigger asthma.
Asthma is a common chronic illness of the lungs and the airways in children, with symptoms such as cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and more, early diagnosis is often helpful.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD is the common term for many respiratory issues that is symptomized by breathlessness, problems in exhalation, mucus in the lungs, and shortness of breath. It takes time to identify COPD as it takes a long while to develop and the symptoms are usually thought of as an aging process. It is related to smoking.
When the bronchioles, the tubes that carry the air to and fro from the lungs get inflamed, it is known as bronchitis. Allergens, cold, flu, and pollution can cause bronchitis. Colored mucus, sometimes it even has blood, a fever and the infection that lasts for more than three weeks usually are symptoms of bronchitis. It is treated with antibiotics.
When the air sacs in the lung get filled with fluid due to a viral or a bacterial infection, it is known as pneumonia. Fever, breathlessness, cough with thick mucus are some of the symptoms. For pneumonia caused by bacteria, antibiotics help. Drinking lot of fluids is also beneficial.
Rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, or shortness of breath, using rib or neck muscles to help breathe are common signs that one should be vigilant about to diagnose lung disease at an early stage.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
When the space between the lungs and the chest wall fills up with fluid, it is known as pleurisy or pleural effusion. This could happen because of pneumonia, congestive heart failure or even cancer. Discomfort in the chest and breathlessness are common symptoms.
Apart from the ones in the blog public should be made aware of Tuberculosis which is a major public health problem and is completely curable. If anyone has cough for more than 2 weeks please get yourself tested for Tuberculosis.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
It is a genetic disease that causes lung airways to clog up with thick, sticky mucus. The patient falls prey to lung infections repeatedly. Frequent lung infections, repeated coughing and poor growth rate with a salty taste on the skin are common symptoms.
This is one of the hardest cancers to detect. It can develop anywhere in the lungs. The tumors pop up near the air sacs. Chronic coughing, voice changes, blood in cough and harsh breathing sounds are common symptoms.
Smoking causes most lung infections. Avoid people sick with lung infections and places that are dusty and are exposed to harsh chemicals. Quit smoking to stay lung happy.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
The common cold is one of the most easily found infectious viral diseases. It infects the upper respiratory system. Adults suffer from cold roughly two to three times while children could get a cold as much as twelve times in a year. Read on to find out more about the common cold.
The symptoms of the common cold are due to the body’s efforts to fight off the virus. The infection causes a chemical release which leads to the blood vessels leaking. This triggers the mucous glands to get into action.
Here are the usual symptoms of the common cold.
Many people do not experience any symptoms while suffering from this infection due to good immunity. Bacteria can cause a secondary infection due to the viral infection. Antibiotics can treat this.
Also read: Debunking Myths: Does Your Heart Really Stop When You Sneeze?
A vaccine is impossible to develop for the common cold because there are so many variants of viruses that cause it. To prevent infection, the following precautions must be taken.
Also Read: How to Reduce Fever in Adults: Research-Based Remedies
Because the common cold is a viral infection, most antibiotics and antiviral medications are ineffective. The duration of a cold is not more than ten days. Most over the counter medications for cold help alleviate the symptoms of the infection. However, there are certain things you can do to ease your infection.
Those who smoke, have weak lungs, low immunity or children less than six years of age, are susceptible to develop complications like acute bronchitis or pneumonia because of the common cold. Ensure you take plenty of rest to avoid that.
Also Read: Montek Lc
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
