Other risk factors include radon exposure, workplace exposure, including asbestos and diesel fumes, secondhand smoke, air pollution and radiation exposure from frequent CT scans of the chest,” Dr. “Far and away, the most common risk factor for lung cancer is cigarette smoke. These tumors interfere with the regular functions of the lungs. DNA mutations in the lungs cause irregular cells to multiply and create an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells, or a tumor. Most often, the cancer develops in the main part of the lungs near the air sacs. With the ability to develop in any part of the lungs, this cancer is difficult to detect. However, those who quit smoking are more likely to see the disease’s progression slow. Emphysema evolves slowly over the years, and there's no cure. Meyer says this respiratory system illness most commonly leads to respiratory failure and the need for extra oxygen to meet breathing needs. Cigarette smoke damages the air sacs in the lungs to a point where they can no longer repair themselves. Those who suffer from emphysema have trouble exhaling air from their lungs. EmphysemaĮmphysema is a serious respiratory disease and is another form of COPD. Symptoms associated with acute bronchitis will subside once the infection resolves. It develops from a viral or bacterial infection and can be treated with antibiotics. People can also develop acute bronchitis, which is not a long-term disease but an infectious problem. Since chronic bronchitis is a form of COPD, it’s treated the same way. Meyer says this happens because mucus glands in the airways increase output, and patients have to cough that extra secretion out. Usually people cough up sputum (mucus from the lungs), especially in the morning. Chronic BronchitisĬhronic bronchitis is a form of COPD emphasized by a chronic cough. It’s a disease that continues to worsen, even with smoking cessation,” Dr. Meyer identifies COPD as one of the most serious and dangerous respiratory illnesses, and COPD is the number one problem seen in most pulmonology offices. According to the American Lung Association, COPD is the third leading cause of death in the U.S.
Treatment includes smoking cessation, bronchodilator therapy (medication that opens the airways) and pulmonary rehabilitation, which is a supervised exercise program for people with COPD. At its most severe, it can cause difficulty doing every day activities,” Dr. People can experience varying severity levels of COPD. It’s rare to see people with COPD who haven’t been exposed to some sort of smoking. “This disease is generally associated with cigarette smoking. He says the disease usually begins while people are in their 30s or 40s and then peaks during their 50s, 60s and 70s. Meyer says COPD often goes undetected for far too long. In fact, COPD can develop over the course of several years without any signs of shortness of breath. COPD can be tricky for some people to identify, because symptoms are often mistaken for the gradual aging process and body deterioration. People usually experience symptoms, including shortness of breath, and normally cough up sputum (mucus from the lungs), especially in the morning. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)Ĭhronic obstructive pulmonary disease is an umbrella term that encompasses several respiratory illnesses that cause breathlessness, or the inability to exhale normally. He’s seen asthma patients who are able to improve their breathing flow rates better than those who have the respiratory disease known as COPD. Meyer says asthma is a reversible obstructive lung disease. However, some people in their 60s, 70s and 80s can get adult onset asthma. Usually, asthma starts in childhood years and progresses into adulthood. “Everyone who has asthma needs to have a rescue inhaler to open airways quickly.” “Those with persistent asthma often notice a better quality of life with the help of anti-inflammatory medication,” Dr. Allergic reactions, infections and pollution can all trigger an asthma attack. Meyer says there's a major connection between environmental allergies and asthma. Asthma symptoms include dry cough, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. AsthmaĪsthma is defined as a common, chronic respiratory condition that causes difficulty breathing due to inflammation of the airways. UnityPoint Health pulmonologist, Jim Meyer, DO, tells us the top eight respiratory system illnesses and offers advice for avoiding the diseases. One thing is for sure, smoking is the most common cause of respiratory disease. Some people are genetically more likely to get respiratory conditions, but your work place or environmental exposures can play a big role. Respiratory illness is a common problem in the United States.
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