The lungs are spongy, paired organs located deep within the chest and are responsible for respiration. Sometimes the airways can tighten or mucus can fill these airways. In some instances, a bacteria can infiltrate the lungs and lead to a very contagious disease. Fortunately, the disorders of lungs have specific treatment options.
Asthma
MedlinePlus indicates that asthma is an inflammatory airway disease associated with such symptoms as shortness of breath with exercise, a cough that is productive or non-productive of sputum and wheezing. Other symptoms of asthma include anxiety, sweating or a blue tint to the lips or face. Nasal flaring, chest pain and abnormal breathing are other signs of asthma. MedlinePlus says that common asthma triggers include mold, pollen, changes in weather, dust and strong emotions. Other triggers include tobacco smoke and animals. Treating asthma involves taking such drugs as leukotriene inhibitors, inhaled corticosteroids, theophylline, aminophylline and long-acting bronchodilators. Sometimes, taking short-acting bronchodilators and methylprednisolone can also help manage asthma.
Cystic Fibrosis
The Mayo Clinic says that cystic fibrosis is a type of disease that leads to severe lung damage and nutritional problems. It says that it typically strikes white people of northern European ancestry. Symptoms of cystic fibrosis include a chronic cough, frequent sinus infections, wheezing and frequent lung infections. Other symptoms include include poor weight gain or delayed growth and a distended stomach. Cystic fibrosis is due to an alteration in the gene that is supposed to regulate salt in the cells. Treating cystic fibrosis involves taking bronchodilators, antibiotics and drugs that thin the mucus. Also, using certain devices such as a chest clapper, breathing mechanism and inflatable vest can help manage cystic fibrosis symptoms. Sometimes, a feeding tube, lung transplant and bowel surgery are necessary to treat cystic fibrosis.
Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Pulmonary tuberculosis refers to a contagious bacterial lung infection. MedlinePlus says that symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis include coughing up blood, fatigue, fever and unintentional weight loss. Other symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis include chest pain, wheezing and trouble breathing. The bacteria mycobacterium tuberculosis causes pulmonary tuberculosis. Treating pulmonary tuberculosis involves taking isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide or ethambutol. Other medications to treat pulmonary tuberculosis include taking streptomycin, amikacin or moxiflacin.
