Asthma

Asthma is prevalent in both children and adults. It's a chronic inflammatory airway disease where the tubes carrying oxygen and carbon dioxide become narrowed and inflamed, restricting airflow. Symptoms include wheezing, chest tightness, and recurring attacks, often triggered by weather changes, cold temperatures, or exposure to dust.

Allergens like pollen, mold, viruses, dust mites, or air pollution can trigger asthma. Managing asthma often involves lifestyle adjustments and inhaler medications. Regular monitoring and adherence to prescribed treatment plans can significantly improve quality of life for those with asthma.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Typical symptoms are fever, difficulty breathing, and a cough, which may or may not produce phlegm. Preventative measures include proper handwashing, wearing masks, using hand sanitizer, and vaccination.

Lung diseases often cause coughing and breathing difficulties. Image generated by AI.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

COPD encompasses conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It involves reduced respiratory function and narrowed airways, leading to shortness of breath, a persistent cough, and mucus production. COPD often affects smokers and those exposed to industrial air pollution.

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is a serious disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lungs. Risk factors include smoking, exposure to radon, asbestos, environmental pollutants, and genetics. Early-stage lung cancer may be asymptomatic, but as it progresses, common symptoms include a persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, and unexplained weight loss.

Tuberculosis

Caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, this disease primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other organs. Symptoms include fever, coughing up blood, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for recovery.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

OSA, common among individuals with obesity, is characterized by low oxygen saturation during sleep due to temporary airway obstruction. Initial symptoms often include nighttime snoring and daytime sleepiness. OSA is diagnosed through sleep studies (electroencephalograms) and managed with lifestyle changes like weight loss and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD)

ILD is a group of conditions causing permanent scarring (fibrosis) of lung tissue, leading to breathing difficulties and a chronic cough. Causes include smoking, exposure to organic dust, autoimmune diseases, or sometimes remain unknown. Diagnosis involves high-resolution CT scans, pulmonary function tests, and in some cases, lung biopsies.

Le Nguyen (According to Only My Health)