The lungs are organs in the body that are essential to respiration. Sometimes tumors can form in the lungs or the blood vessels in the lung may malfunction. Bacteria, fungi and even parasites may infiltrate the lung, resulting in breathing problems and severe cough. There are many types of lung diseases.
Brochiectasis
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) says that bronchiectasis refers to a dilation of the airways. A severe lung infection or blockage of the airways can lead to this condition. Manifestations of bronchiectasis include a chronic productive cough with sputum, wheezing, chest pain, shortness of breath and clubbing. Clubbing refers to thickening of the skin under the toenails and fingernails, says the NHLBI.
The NHLBI says that people suffering from cystic fibrosis (a chronic lung disease), HIV or AIDS, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (an allergic reaction to a fungus) and primary ciliary dyskinesia (problems of the hair-like structures in the lungs) increase their risk of developing bronchiectasis.
The NHLBI says that treatment for bronchiectasis includes taking antibiotic medications to treat infection. It also involves using bronchodilators to help with breathing, expectorant medications to loosen any sputum and mucus-thinning medications such as acetylcysteine to breakup sputum. Drinking plenty of fluids, chest physical therapy, oxygen therapy and surgery are other treatments for bronchiectasis.
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
The American Lung Association says that hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a result of exposure to the urine, droppings and saliva of contaminated rodents. Symptoms of this syndrome include fatigue, muscle aches, fever, dizziness and headaches. Hantavirus can also cause diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting, nausea and headaches. The American Heart Association says that after 4 to 10 days, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome sufferers develop shortness of breath and a cough.
The American Lung Association says there is no specific treatment or cure for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Supplemental oxygen can be given to help in breathing.
Acute Respiratory Distress Disease
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) says that acute respiratory distress disease (ARDS) is a lung disease in which there are reduced amounts of oxygen in the blood. In ARDS, the small vessels in the lungs called capillaries malfunction and begin to leak fluid. This fluid prevents the lungs from adequately carrying oxygen.
The NHLBI says that ARDS symptoms include rapid breathing, shortness of breath, a cough and a fever. Low blood pressure, confusion and fatigue are other ARDS manifestations.
Treatment involves oxygen therapy through a nasal cannula (tubes that go into your nose) or a mechanical ventilator (machine that helps in breathing). Other treatments include medications to treat infections and fluids to help with blood flow.
