There are many diseases that can affect the lungs. Infection, cancer, toxins, and genetic disorders are all agents of lung disease. Immunizations help prevent some diseases, antibiotics may help cure others, use of personal protective equipment can minimize risks of certain diseases from occurring and medical care controls symptoms and progression of certain lung diseases.
Asthma
Donna D. Ignatavicius, MS RN, and M. Linda Workman, Ph.D, discuss asthma in the 2006 edition of "Medical-Surgical Nursing - Critical Thinking for Collaborative Care" textbook. Asthma involves reversible obstruction of airways due to swelling of mucous membranes, overproduction of thick secretions and bronchospasm (narrowing from constriction of airways). The most common type of asthma is allergic asthma where the airways overreact to an external stimulus (allergen) like pollen or cigarette smoke.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, is an umbrella term for chronic bronchitis and emphysema characterized by bronchospasm (constriction of the bronchioles) and difficulty breathing. The American Lung Association states COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Smoking is the primary risk factor for developing COPD. Other risk factors include exposure to second-hand smoke, air pollutants, chemical toxins and frequent childhood respiratory infections.
Pneumonia
Lung infections can be caused by bacteria or viruses. For example, pneumonia may be bacterial in origin, or viral such as influenza (the flu). Symptoms of pneumonia include fever, chills, and a painful productive cough which may be blood tinged.
Pleurisy
Pleurisy is inflammation of the lining of the lung that results in painful respirations and cough. Pleurisy may affect only one lung or both, and depending on the cause, may be an acute or chronic condition.
Pertussis
Pertussis, also called whooping cough, historically affected children; however, decreasing immunization rates appear to be causing a resurgence of this disease. Onset of illness begins with general cold symptoms to include a dry cough; the cough progresses to become frequent and severe, ending with a long, deep inspiration that resembles a whooping sound.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths world wide. Greater than 90 percent of all cancers that originate in the lung occur in the bronchial epithelium (tissue lining the bronchi and bronchioles). Because lung cancer is often diagnosed late, only 14 percent of patients have a 5-year survival rate.
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder which affects the lungs and digestive system, causing production of thick, sticky mucus in the lungs and pancreas. The resultant effect on the lungs is blockage of airways and frequent serious infections. Current data from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation estimates that 1,000 new cases of CF are diagnosed each year.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that forms tumors in the tissues of the inner lining of the body cavity. Tumors may occur in the chest, lungs, or abdomen. The ALA classes Mesothelioma as an occupational lung disease and reports that specific toxins are responsible for specific lung diseases. Exposure to asbestos is linked to development of mesothelioma.
References
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing - Critical Thinking for Collaborative Care"; Donna D. Ignatavicius MS RN, & M. Linda Workman Ph.D; 2006
- American Lung Association: "COPD Fact Sheet"
- American Lung Association: "Occupational Lung Disease"
