The primary function of the lungs is respiration. As air is breathed in, it travels from the nose down the trachea and into the bronchial airways that branch off into smaller tubes called aveoli that lead to millions of tiny air sacs. Once in the aveoli, the oxygen enters the blood as the carbon dioxide leaves the blood to be exhaled. Because oxygen is vital for all cells to function in the body, the lungs perform an important function. The lungs are vulnerable to contaminants in the air, infectious agents such as bacteria and genetic defects, which can lead to a variety of diseases.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects approximately 23 million Americans, according to the American Lung Association. Of those affected, 7 million are children. Asthma causes increased mucus production and inflammation in the bronchial tubes. The inflammation is exacerbated by certain triggers, which can include things like cold air, air contaminants and allergen, causing symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing that can become serious. If not monitored and treated asthma can cause respiratory distress that can lead to death.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD, is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, as reported by the American Lung Association. COPD is a progressive disease, which means it becomes worse over time. It is characterized by a decrease in air flow into and out of the lungs. The most common cause of COPD, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, is smoking.
COPD encompasses two lung conditions: emphysema and chronic obstructive bronchitis. Emphysema occurs when the walls between the alveoli are damaged, resulting in these air sacs combining to form fewer but larger sacs. Chronic obstructive bronchitis occurs when the lining of the bronchial tubes is irritated and inflamed causing the walls to thicken and inhibit airflow.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the uncontrolled and abnormal growth of cells in one or both lungs. Lung cancer occurs due to a mutation or change within the genetic material, known as deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA) in lung cells. Lung cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women, according to Lung Cancer.org.
Lung cancer may be either primary, meaning the cancer originated in the lungs, or secondary, meaning that the cancer originated somewhere else in the body and traveled, or metastasized, to the lungs. Lung cancer is caused by a combination of genetic factors and environmental factors such as smoking and exposure to environmental contaminants. Treatment for lung cancer depends upon the location, size and extent of the cancer upon diagnosis.
