Lung diseases are mainly caused by asthma, bronchitis, chest congestion, shortness of breath, cyst, tuberculosis, cold.
The most common lung diseases are asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). Patients with lung diseases usually consult a doctor with complaints related to the respiratory tract.
Asthma, which is common among lung diseases; It is a condition where the patient has difficulty in breathing as a result of the narrowing of the airways in the lungs. Some people are allergic to things like dust, hair, aspirin. Asthma crisis, which develops as a result of exposure to these substances to which they are sensitive, can sometimes appear as the first finding of asthma, which is a common lung disease. The first thing to do is to eliminate this emergency. The most frequent complaints in asthma;
- Shortness of breath
- A cough that lasts longer than 3 weeks
- whistling sound in the chest
- a feeling of congestion in the chest.
In asthma, shortness of breath comes in attacks and can wake up the patient, especially at night. Between asthma attacks, the patient usually does not complain of shortness of breath. In some patients, shortness of breath can become a permanent condition. There are also forms of asthma accompanied by cough. The possibility of asthma should be considered, especially when there are complaints of cough that comes at night and wakes the patient up, and cough that comes with exertion.
Among lung diseases, asthma is observed in the form of frequent attacks. In attacks, there is usually a trigger, and most of the time it is an allergic substance in the patient. In addition, infections and asthma attacks are common. During an asthma attack, the inflammation in the airways increases and narrows the airways. The secretion of mucus-producing cells in the airways increases and mucus plugs form, blocking the airways. This is followed by the contraction of the muscle fibers surrounding the airways, further increasing the existing constriction.
Among lung diseases, asthma is basically a genetic disease. People with asthma in their immediate family are more likely to develop asthma. Asthma is not completely cured, but a good cooperation between the doctor and the patient and their relatives can ensure that the disease is fully under control. Controlled asthma attack; having two or fewer symptoms per week, using two or fewer sedatives per week, having good respiratory function test results (PEF or FEV), not waking up at night or early in the morning, and functioning at exercise, work, or school lack of limitations.
Another common disease in lung diseases is COPD. COPD, known by names such as "chronic bronchitis", "chronic bronchitis", is characterized by restriction of air flow during inhalation and exhalation due to narrowing of the airways in the lungs. The most important feature is that the air entering and exiting the lungs is narrowed enough to cause shortness of breath. The patient most often has these complaints:
- Cough
- expectoration
- Don't spit blood
- Shortness of breath
- Decrease in blood oxygen saturation
- Swelling in the legs due to heart failure
- congestion in the chest
- wheezing
In order to be successful in the treatment of COPD, one of the most common lung diseases, it is necessary to stop smoking, avoid dusty and smoky environments, and use medicines regularly. When smoking is released, the severity of damage to the bronchi and air sacs slows down. Medicines do not stop the development of the disease, but they are used to reduce shortness of breath. Medicines are used with the help of different devices. As they directly reach the respiratory tract, their effects are very strong.
Oxygen therapy is applied in cases of respiratory failure in patients with severe lung diseases, including COPD. Patients with severe COPD must continuously use oxygen for at least 15 hours a day. For long-term oxygen treatment, small closet-sized devices called "oxygen concentrators" are used. This device itself produces oxygen from room air. Patients also need to take some additional measures;
- Light exercise should be done. Continuous sitting weakens the muscles and increases shortness of breath.
- Do not go outside during the hours of cold and air pollution.
- The habit of eating small amounts at frequent intervals should be acquired.
- Meals should consist mostly of watery foods. Solid and heavy food increases shortness of breath.
- Foods that can cause indigestion and gas complaints should be avoided.
- Plenty of fluids should be consumed.
- The complaints of overweight patients will also increase. Weight control should be ensured.
- Influenza vaccination should be done every year in autumn. Along with the flu, the disease worsens, complaints become more severe, and hospitalization is usually necessary. lung diseases
Bronchodilator drugs from lung diseases relieve muscle spasm in the bronchi, which are air passages leading to the lungs.
The above text is prepared for news and information purposes, it does not replace the doctor's application diagnosis and treatment. A healthcare professional's appointment and approval must be obtained before starting any treatment period.
