Breathing sustains life, and when disease alters our ability to breathe in, and breathe out, it can become life altering. Human respiratory system diseases have a profound effect on how we absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide, as every cell in the human body relies on this process to function and thrive. According to the American Lung Association, respiratory system diseases kill approximately 335,000 Americans every year. If diagnosed early, an effective treatment plan can help minimize symptoms, increase life expectancy and improve the quality of life.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is a progressive disease and the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking remains the number one cause of COPD; an airway disease causing a steady deterioration of the respiratory system. This disease includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthma can also be a component of COPD. Symptoms include a productive cough, frequent shortness of breath, wheezing and fatigue. Individuals suffering from COPD will often become dependent on supplemental oxygen and medications such as bronchodilators, and corticosteroids. Physicians often prescribe antibiotics for frequent respiratory infections that compound the problems already associated with COPD.
Asthma
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, asthma remains the most common chronic disease affecting children; however, asthma can affect anyone at any age. This chronic lung disease can occur in response to allergens, or triggers that cause inflammation, narrowing of the airway, wheezing, chest tightness, coughing and shortness of breath. Extrinsic asthma's triggers include environmental allergens such as pollen, smog, second-hand smoke, pet dander and dust mites. The triggers for intrinsic asthma include stress, exercise, cold air, food preservatives or other non-allergen factors. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, more than 22 million people in the United States have asthma, with nearly six million being children.
Lung Cancer
Several types of lung specific cancers exist, but lungs can also suffer a second assault from cancer carrying blood that constantly cycles through the lungs from other parts of the body. For instance, late stage breast cancer can spread to the lungs through the lymph nodes. Major respiratory system cancers include small cell, non small cell, Kaposi's sarcoma, lymphoma and mesothelioma. Treating lung cancer depends on the type, location and stage of the disease. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy generally prove the first course of action. Surgical intervention such as a lobectomy or removing part of the lung to a pneumonectomy or an entire lung can also be part of a treatment plan. Survival rates depend upon when the cancer is discovered, the level of involvement and if the cancer has originated from elsewhere in the body.
Wegener's Granulomatosis
As a result of vasculitis, or inflammation of the blood vessels, the tissue surrounding the blood vessels can develop abnormal growths called granulomas. When granulomas develop in the lungs, it destroys lung tissue complicating oxygen exchange, and the entire respiratory process. Wegener's Granulomatosis most often affects the sinuses, nose, throat, lungs, and kidneys and may affect other organs as well. This disease is often initially misdiagnosed as pneumonia, and sometimes lung cancer. Symptoms appear non-specific, but often begin with muscle aches, weight loss and fever which can wax and wane over several months. Coughing up blood is also a strong indicator, but this can also indicate other serious respiratory diseases. Individuals who have active Wegener's Granulomatosis will often have the antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody. A biopsy of the affected lung tissue or organ remains the only way to make a definite diagnosis.
