Pulmonary diseases. Lung diseases and their symptoms: possible pathologies and their manifestations Symptoms of lung problems in women

Lung diseases: list of respiratory diseases.

Today, respiratory diseases increasingly lead to disability and mortality.

By disease prevalence respiratory system They are already in 3rd place.

Experts attribute this rise to an unfavorable environmental situation and addiction to bad habits.

To understand the source of the pathological process, you need to know what it is main body respiratory system.

The right lung is shorter and larger in volume. It consists of 3 parts. The left one is of the two.

The lobes are divided into segments, including bronchus, artery, and nerve.

The bronchi are the basis of the lungs, which form the bronchial tree.

The main bronchi branch into lobar, then segmental, lobular and terminal bronchioles, ending in alveoli.

The acinus (pulmonary lobule, or alveolus) is responsible for the main purpose of the respiratory tract - gas exchange.

In addition to the main function of enriching the blood with oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide, the lungs perform a number of other tasks: protect against environmental influences, participate in the processes of thermoregulation, metabolism, and secretion.

Medicine has described a huge number of lung diseases that arise for certain reasons and are characterized by their own symptoms and disease progression.

Common factors in the development of chest pathologies

Smoking
Hypothermia
Bad ecology
Chronic diseases
Weak immunity
Stress and emotional overstrain.

The main manifestations of human respiratory tract diseases occur immediately.

Symptoms of lung disease

Dyspnea.

Subjective – difficulty breathing, which is noted by the patient. (Chest radiculitis, flatulence)
Objective – diagnosed by a doctor when breathing parameters change (Emphysema, pleurisy)
Combined. (bronchogenic lung cancer)

Also distinguished according to the violation of the breathing phase:

difficulty breathing - inspiratory shortness of breath;
exhalation - expiratory.

Mixed shortness of breath accompanied by pain is called suffocation. This is an alarming sign that may indicate pulmonary edema.

Cough - defense mechanism, aimed at removing pathological substances from the respiratory tract.

When sputum is expelled, it is mandatory to microscopic examination. The analysis is taken in the morning, after rinsing the mouth.

The cough may be bothersome intermittently or constantly. Periodic is more common.

It accompanies influenza, acute inflammatory diseases,...

Permanent manifests itself in bronchogenic cancer, tuberculosis, inflammation of the larynx and bronchi.

Hemoptysis is the release of blood with sputum. Dangerous symptom, which is the cause of serious diseases of the chest: lung cancer and tuberculosis, abscess and gangrene, pulmonary infarction, thrombosis of the branches of the pulmonary artery.

When collecting anamnesis, the doctor finds out the amount and nature of the blood released to make the correct diagnosis.

not a necessary symptom for respiratory diseases. This is a sign of inflammation or tuberculosis. Remember that doctors recommend not to lower the temperature below 38 degrees. This is explained by the fact that with low-grade symptoms, the human immune system begins to fight the infection itself, mobilizing the body’s defenses.
Chest pain can be stabbing, aching, or pressing. Worse with deep breathing, coughing, physical activity. Localization indicates the location of the pathological focus.

9 main types of lung diseases

Name	Short description
Pneumonia	popular respiratory disease. The cause is infection (or). Next, an acute inflammatory process begins, damage to the pulmonary organs and, in severe cases, adverse complications.
	Elderly people are also more likely to suffer from it. It begins with inflammation of the bronchial mucosa. The disease can be triggered by allergies and inhalation of chemically polluted air.
Pleurisy	dangerous disease lungs, because develops from it malignant tumor. Occurs against the background of infectious and autoimmune diseases and injuries. IN pleural cavity a lesion with purulent or serous exudate is formed.
Asthma	manifests itself in the form or simply of suffocation. In response to the penetration of the pathogen, broncho-obstruction occurs - narrowing of the airways. In addition, the walls of the bronchi produce a large number of mucus, which leads to disruption of normal air exchange.
Asphyxia	is oxygen starvation caused by external negative manifestations. Provoking factors may be injuries to cervical spine, chest, dysfunction of the respiratory muscles and larynx.
Silicosis	acquired lung disease as a result of inhalation of dust, exhaust, and contaminated oxygen. There is a huge chance of getting this disease in a mine, metallurgical industry, or a facility under construction.
Tuberculosis	transmitted by airborne droplets. Mycobacteria are found outside cells and multiply slowly, so tissues for a long time remain unchanged. The pathological process begins with lymph nodes, then moves on to the lungs. Microorganisms feed on lung tissue, spreading further and affecting other organs and systems.
Emphysema	occurs due to the expansion of bronchioles and destruction of the partitions between the alveoli. Characteristic symptoms are shortness of breath, cough, increase in chest volume.
Loeffler's syndrome	a type of pneumonia that has other names - “volatile”, “quickly disappearing”. Caused by taking medications and inhaling food products, mushrooms, lily of the valley, linden.

Tumor processes in the chest: what to be afraid of?

There are two types of tumors: malignant and benign.

The first case is the most dangerous and serious, because... Symptoms often appear almost unnoticed.

This leads to metastasis, difficult and complex treatment and unfavorable results.

Types of malignant tumors and purulent processes in the lungs:

Lymphoma
Sarcoma
Gangrene
Abscess

To prevent danger to life, you need to immediately contact a specialist and begin treatment.

Name	Short description
Goodpasture's syndrome	Causes of this disease medicine has not yet revealed it. It usually affects men 20-40 years old and occurs under the guise of tuberculosis and pneumonia. Provoking factors are allergic irritants and hypothermia.
Bettolepsy	the second name is “cough fainting”. Accompanied by a cough, during which a disorder of consciousness occurs. Violated cerebral circulation, resulting in fainting.
Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis	a hereditary lung disease that occurs in young and middle age. It is almost impossible to identify and diagnose the disease without radiography. It occurs under the guise of pneumonia, characterized by respiratory failure.
Primary bronchopulmonary amyloidosis	a rare disease of the chest. Occurs in the elderly male population. Hereditary phenomenon with senile factors. Symptoms are cough, shortness of breath, hemoptysis, hoarseness. The key point in diagnosis is a puncture biopsy.

Treatment of lung diseases

Depending on the type of disease, severity, degree and individual characteristics patient can be used:

Surgical intervention;
Medicines;
Antiviral, restorative and antibacterial therapy;
Painkillers and antispasms;
Sanitary resort and physiotherapeutic treatment.

It is advisable complex treatment, because you need to act on all links of pathogenesis.

Some medications are aimed at destroying the pathogen.

Antibacterial and antiviral drugs have a similar effect.

Sulfonamides have a good bacteriostatic effect.

Others help improve the patient’s condition by getting rid of the symptoms of the disease.

Airway patency is ensured by bronchodilators.

They stimulate beta-adrenergic receptors, as a result of which the smooth muscles of the bronchi relax.

Mucolytic expectorants contribute to the liquefaction of sputum followed by expectoration.

Pharmacotherapy of respiratory system diseases requires careful diagnostic measures.

A qualified specialist must take into account the individual characteristics of each patient for a speedy recovery of the patient.

Prevention of lung diseases

Long, walking walks in the fresh air.
Getting rid of bad habits (smoking).
Cleanliness and freshness in the rooms where you spend most time (mites and dust provoke attacks of suffocation and spasms, impair the body’s performance).
Getting rid of allergic factors (harmful chemicals in powder form, cleaning and detergents).
Hardening the body and moderate physical exercise in accordance with individual characteristics person.
Regular visits to a pulmonologist.

This simple prevention will help protect your Airways and improve the health of the entire body.

But, if the disease has already overtaken you, do not delay treatment. Contact your doctor immediately!

The lungs are part of the respiratory system and are located inside the chest, above the diaphragm. Lungs- These are complex organs that consist of spongy, elastic tissue designed to absorb oxygen and get rid of carbon dioxide.

Oxygen enters the lungs when we inhale. It is distributed throughout the lungs by a system called the bronchial tree, which has smaller diameter branches (called bronchi and bronchioles). Bronchial tree carries oxygen to small sacs (alveoli) deep in the lungs, where oxygen (taken from inhaled air) moves from the lung into the bloodstream, and carbon dioxide (by-product our metabolism) moves from the bloodstream to the lungs and is released when we exhale.

Oxygen intake and the delivery of this oxygen (through the blood) to the tissues is necessary for the functioning of all cells in our body. Carbon dioxide removal necessary to maintain blood pH at an appropriate level as part of the system acid-base balance body.

Because the air we breathe contains many components from the environment (such as dust, pollen, bacteria, viruses, smoke and volatile chemical substances), the lungs maintain a defense system against these potentially toxic invaders. Lung protection system depends on immune cells and mucus secretions that contain and remove these unwanted components from the lungs.

Lung diseases

Lung diseases are conditions in which lung function is impaired. In some cases, the problem lies in the gas exchange process that occurs in the membrane between the alveoli and the blood; this prevents the efficient absorption of oxygen and removal of carbon dioxide.

In other cases, the problem is the inability of the bronchial system to effectively deliver air to the alveoli, perhaps due to blockage of the branches bronchial tree or because the chest muscles do not expand and contract enough to move air through the bronchi (the tree in the alveoli).

Sometimes the problem is the lungs' inability to remove or detoxify foreign substances, perhaps due to an underlying deficiency or due to the sheer volume of these substances overwhelming the lungs' defense systems.

List common diseases human lungs include:

Asthma

With chronic bronchitis, the bronchi become inflamed and scars form. With emphysema they are slowly destroyed. In both disorders, patients find it increasingly difficult to exhale and get enough oxygen when inhaling.

Smoking causes 80 to 90 percent of COPD-related deaths. Other risk factors include exposure to air pollution.

Pulmonary fibrosis

Clubbing of fingers in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is an interstitial (space between adjacent tissues) lung disease. causes damage and scarring of the tissue between the air sacs, inflammation of the air sacs and scarring of the lungs. Reasons include:

occupational or environmental exposure to fine particles (including repeated exposure Not organic matter such as asbestos, coal, beryllium and silica);
repeated exposure to organic matter (mold, hay, animal droppings, and grain dust), which can cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis and eventually lead to pulmonary fibrosis;
chemicals and drugs that are toxic to the lungs;
radiation therapy;
and others ;
fibrosis can also be idiopathic (ie, occurring on its own or due to an unknown cause).

Lung disease infections

Infections may occur primarily in the lungs, develop in the pleura (the membranes surrounding the lungs), or affect the entire body (including the lungs). They can be acute or chronic, caused by bacteria, viruses and, less commonly, fungi.

Infections caused by mycobacteria develop slowly and may be systemic or limited to the lungs.

Lungs' cancer

Lung cancer is the uncontrolled growth of malignant cells in the lungs. There are two main types: small cell and non-small cell lung cancer.

Other cancers can spread to the lungs and are considered metastatic because cancer cells do not occur in the lung tissue itself, but spreads, for example, from the liver or bone.

IN last years The number of deaths from lung cancer increased in women and decreased in men.

Lung cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death overall. Risks for lung cancer include:

active smoking;
passive smoking;
occupational exposure to asbestos, steel, nickel, chromium and coal gas processing;
irradiation.

Pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary embolism

A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that usually occurs in the veins of the legs or pelvis and travels to the lungs, where it blocks a blood vessel, causing chest pain, severe shortness of breath, and a cough. This condition can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a lung disease that develops mainly in premature infants who have undergone long-term oxygen therapy and/or long time were on mechanical ventilation, but can also occur in those who have experienced oxygen toxicity or had pneumonia. ,

In this disease, the airways become inflamed, do not develop normally, and may become damaged.

Respiratory distress syndrome

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a childhood disease. RDS in the newborn is a life-threatening breathing problem that can develop in babies born less than 6 weeks before their due date (ie, preterm).

The lungs of these premature babies are not developed enough to produce enough of a protective liquid substance in the lungs called surfactant. Without surfactant, the lungs cannot expand or inflate properly, and children have difficulty breathing in enough oxygen.

The condition can occur within hours of premature birth.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome

Other lung diseases

Other disorders do not directly affect the lungs, but they impair a person's ability to breathe properly because they affect the chest cavity, muscles, nerves and/or heart.

These violations include various states, such as neuromuscular diseases ( muscular dystrophy, polio, and) and disorders that result in abnormal development of the spine or movement of the chest, which can limit the expansion of the lungs.

Note: Specific examination and treatment of these disorders is not discussed in this article.

Signs and symptoms of lung diseases

Signs and symptoms associated with lung disease vary from person to person and change over time. At chronic conditions symptoms often appear gradually and get progressively worse.

In acute conditions, symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some illnesses can be life-threatening without immediate medical attention.

While each disease has its own characteristics, there are common signs and symptoms that are seen in many lung diseases, including: persistent cough And .

People may wheeze, choke, cough up blood or phlegm, and experience chest pain. People with obstructive pulmonary diseases (such as COPD) may experience problems with exhalation(some describe the condition as “trying to breathe through a straw”).

Lack of oxygen can lead to the patient's skin will take on a bluish tint. Over time, lack of oxygen in some people may lead to the emergence of clubs(enlarged fingertips and abnormal nail growth).

What examinations need to be completed?

Tests are carried out to diagnose lung diseases, determine their causes (where possible) and assess their severity.

Many doctors prescribe gas analysis arterial blood to assess oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, pulmonary function tests (PFT) to help diagnose and monitor lung function, and chest x-ray and/or CT (computed tomography) to look at the structure of the lungs.

Other tests are also performed to help diagnose certain diseases.

Lab tests

Blood gas analysis - a sample of arterial blood is collected to assess blood pH, oxygen and carbon dioxide;
Complete blood count (CBC) - looking for;
Tests for cystic fibrosis (CFTR gene analysis, sweat chloride, immunoreactive trypsin (IRT), fecal trypsin, pancreatic elastase) - to search for genetic mutations that cause the disease itself;
Alpha-1 antitrypsin - to determine if the patient has AAT deficiency;
Saliva test - to diagnose lung infections caused by bacteria;
AFB smear and culture - for the diagnosis of tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTMB);
Blood cultures - to diagnose bacteria and sometimes yeast infections that have spread into the blood;
Analysis - for diagnosing influenza;
Lung biopsy - to evaluate lung tissue for damage and cancer;
Sputum cytology - to evaluate lung cells for pathological changes and cancer;
Tests for the content of drugs in the body - to identify overdoses that lead to decreased breathing or acute respiratory failure.

Pulmonary function tests (pulmonary function tests, PFT)

Some of the most common tests are listed below.

Spirometry - measures the amount and rate of air exhaled as the patient deflates through the tube. It is performed to evaluate narrowed or blocked airways.
Air flow using a peak flow meter - the exhalation rate is measured. Patients with asthma can do it at home to control their condition.
Lung volume - measures the amount of air that a person takes into the lungs and the amount of air left in the lungs after exhalation. This helps evaluate the elasticity of the lungs, chest movement, and the strength of the muscles associated with breathing.
Lung diffusivity measurement - examines the transfer of oxygen from the lung air sacs into the bloodstream by assessing the absorption of carbon monoxide when a small amount (not enough to cause harm) is inhaled.

Visual examinations

Chest X-ray - examination of the structures of the lungs and the chest cavity;
CT ( CT scan) - allows you to evaluate the structure of the lungs in more detail;
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) - provides detailed images of organs and blood vessels in the chest;
Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) - detects fluid between the pleural membranes;
Nuclear lung scan - helps detect pulmonary embolism and is rarely used to evaluate the effectiveness of lung cancer treatment;
Positron emission tomography (PET) - helps diagnose lung cancer.

Other diagnostic methods

Electrocardiogram (ECG) - analyzes heartbeat to determine whether heart disease is affecting breathing;
Sleep studies - help determine whether a person is breathing normally during sleep and are usually performed in special sleep-wake centers.

Treatment and prevention of lung diseases

Treatment of lung diseases is aimed at preventing the disease wherever possible; treat infections and prevent their spread to other people; reduce inflammation; stop or slow the progression of lung damage; relieve symptoms; make breathing easier; minimize side effects associated with certain types of treatment; provide victims with sufficient oxygen.

Many cases of lung disease can be prevented by Quitting smoking by minimizing exposure to particulate matter (such as asbestos, coal, beryllium, silica, mold, grain dust, air pollution) and chemicals and drugs that are known to affect the lungs.

People with weakened immune system or existing lung disease, or the very young or elderly should talk to their doctor about the appropriateness annual flu injections And pneumococcal vaccines to minimize the risk of contracting influenza and pneumonia.

New treatments for lung disease continue to be developed, and patient treatment needs change over time. Patients should talk with their doctors periodically about treatment options that are appropriate for them.

Interesting

Lung diseases are a common phenomenon diagnosed in recent years. Due to the large number of varieties and similar symptoms, it is very difficult for a layperson to determine what may be causing bad feeling and pain.

Only an experienced doctor knows exactly what types of lung diseases there are and how to treat them correctly.

A huge number of types of diseases

The list of the most common lung diseases in humans is as follows:

All these diseases associated with the lungs manifest themselves in a rather acute form, and with untimely treatment can lead to serious consequences affecting both the health and life of the patient.

The manifestations of chronic lung diseases are very dangerous. Such diseases include:

Tracheobronchial dyskinesia;
Forms of pneumonia;
Chronic cor pulmonale;
Polycystic disease;
Asthma;
Bruton's disease;
Cartagena syndrome.

Pneumonia, also called pneumonia, develops due to the inflammatory process due to various types of infections: from fungal to viral. In addition, one of the possible pathogens may be a chemical that enters the body through inhalation. The disease spreads throughout the entire organ, or can “lurk” only in a certain part.

Another common abnormality in lung function are diseases whose names are pleurisy and bronchitis.

The first is associated with swelling of the pleura or an inflammatory process in it (the outer membrane that “envelops” the lungs). Pleurisy can occur due to infection or injury that affects the chest area. This disease can be the beginning of the development of a malignant tumor.

Bronchitis is diagnosed in 2 types: chronic and acute forms of manifestation. The cause of the latter is inflammation of the bronchial mucosa. The disease is especially common among older people and young children. The respiratory tract becomes infected due to allergies when inhaling chemically contaminated air.

Bronchial asthma most often manifests itself in the form of coughing attacks or painful suffocation of a periodic nature. While an attack occurs, the bronchi and the entire chest sharply narrow, which makes breathing difficult. In this case, the mucous membrane swells, epithelial cilia do not perform their main functions, which leads to improper functioning of the lungs.

Common dangerous lung diseases are asphyxia and silicosis.

The first is called oxygen starvation, which occurs due to negative external influences that directly affect the respiratory process. The disease appears due to compression, various injuries to the neck or chest, pathological abnormalities in the larynx, and disturbances in the functioning of the muscles responsible for breathing.

Silicosis is a disease common among people in certain professions who work in environments where there is a lot of dust, the particles of which contain silicon dioxide. Dangerous areas - objects under construction, mines, metallurgical industry,

The causative agent of a disease such as tuberculosis is mycobacterium. It is transmitted by the carrier through the air and through saliva. The main manifestations are directly related to the general health of the patient, as well as how many pathogenic microorganisms have entered. Emphysema is characterized by the separation of the walls located between the alveoli, due to which they significantly increase in volume.

The consequence of this is that the lungs grow, all passages narrow, and the structure of the organ becomes loose and flabby. Such damage reduces the level of oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange to critical levels. It becomes difficult for the patient to breathe.

The most dangerous of lung diseases is cancer, which in most cases ends in death. There is a chance of cure for those people who began a course of therapy before the main manifestation of symptoms. However, the whole problem is that cancer is the most difficult to recognize disease.

Medicine has not yet identified symptoms that would definitely indicate a terrible diagnosis. It is generally accepted that you should immediately go to the hospital if you have a severe cough, pain in the chest and the presence of blood in the expectorant discharge.

Consequences for the human body

The lungs are a rather complex organ, consisting of important elements of the respiratory tract. The bronchi, as well as the trachea, may be vulnerable if a person suffers from any of the possible diseases associated with the lungs.

List of diseases associated with the occurrence inflammatory process and purulent discharge, can be combined into a whole category purulent diseases lungs:

Suppurative lung diseases are represented by the following list:

Empyema of the outer membrane of the lungs;
Infectious destruction in acute form;
Gangrenous organ abscess (acute form);
Gangrene of a widespread nature;
Abscess of chronic type;
Acute purulent abscess.

The list of lung diseases is quite extensive; there is currently no clear classification. All disorders are differentiated based on the impact on certain organs or tissues, as well as on the source of occurrence.

Nonspecific lung diseases include:

Chronical bronchitis;
Some experts include bronchial asthma in this group;
Abscess of chronic type;
Pneumonia;
Obstructive emphysema;
Pneumofibrosis.

If we talk about the impact on the respiratory tract and the negative impact on it, then we can identify quite a lot of dangerous diseases. First of all, this is asthma, which is characterized by frequent spasms, causing severe shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.

A person can have the disease from birth, and also as a complication after an allergy; the possibility of occurrence from negative impact environment.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is characterized by a constant, painful cough. From birth, a child may develop cystic fibrosis, in which infections in the body periodically recur due to excessive accumulation of mucus in the bronchi. Acute bronchitis and emphysema negatively affect the airways.

Diseases that negatively affect the alveoli are pneumonia, tuberculosis, emphysema, and cancer. Plus, pulmonary edema, characterized by loss of pulmonary fluid from the smallest blood vessels. This category also includes respiratory distress syndrome in an acute form, causing irreparable damage to the main respiratory organ.

It is imperative to ventilate the lungs until the patient can recover. Another disease in this group is pneumoconiosis, which occurs due to inhalation of hazardous substances that can cause any kind of organ damage. This could be cement or coal dust, asbestos, and many others. etc.

Lung diseases that have a negative effect on blood vessels - pulmonary embolism and hypertension. The first is the result of thrombosis of the veins of the lower extremities. Blood clots, present in the pulmonary arteries, can cause a lack of oxygen and shortness of breath. Hypertension is increased pressure in the arteries of the lung. Most often, the patient feels severe chest pain and shortness of breath.

Lung diseases and their symptoms

Lung diseases in humans are united, in most cases, by common symptoms, which manifest themselves in frequent coughing, shortness of breath, pain in the chest and bleeding, and respiratory failure is also noted.

Fungal lung diseases are often diagnosed, the symptoms of which are as follows:

A cough that is noticeably different from what happens with colds;
A large amount of sputum, the discharge of which causes acute pain in the lung area;
Severe weakness;
Decreased activity;
Strong craving for sleep.

Signs of a lung disease such as pneumonia are pronounced and are accompanied by temperature changes, coughing and difficulty breathing. The patient feels exhausted, anxious, and complains of pain in the chest area.

Signs of emphysema appear in the later stages, when the lungs are severely damaged. Body weight decreases, the skin turns red, significant effort is required to exhale, and the chest becomes like a “barrel.”

Cancer is practically impossible to diagnose in the initial stages. Therefore, in case of any deviations from the norm, you must not delay your visit to the hospital. The symptoms of this lung disease in women are similar, in the early stages, to the common cold. Therefore, many do not pay attention to their malaise and the gradual deterioration of the body’s condition.

The following symptoms are identified:

Blood in sputum;
Unexplained weight loss;
“Whistling” from the chest when exhaling;
Pain when coughing;
Dyspnea.

Signs of lung disease - cancer - in men are fever, frequent viral illnesses, severe cough and heart rhythm disorders.

Lung diseases and their symptoms are similar to each other in initial manifestations, but the impact is on completely opposite parts of the respiratory tract. Asthma can cause damage to lung tissue.

The disease can be identified by noisy breathing, coughing, “bluish” skin, and frequent sneezing. Bronchitis in acute form is manifested by a severe night cough, causing acute pain. In the chronic stage, the symptom becomes more frequent, mucus is released, the body swells, and the skin tone approaches blue.

Pleurisy is characterized by severe pain when breathing and moving the chest.

Tuberculosis is considered dangerous in terms of symptoms, since the patient usually does not complain of any pain or cough. Only over time does it become noticeable that a person is suddenly losing weight, sweating, constantly sleepy, and his body temperature rises.

Main symptoms

People with lung diseases note the following signs of illness:

Cough

Most often, a cough can be triggered by irritation of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. In this case, the cough is both constant and episodic. There is also a distinction between a dry cough and a cough with sputum. The chronic manifestation of an irritating symptom leads to frequent exacerbation of bronchial diseases.

Expectoration of sputum is used as biological material for diagnostics, the results of which determine the causes of cough. Moreover, not only the shade of sputum is taken into account, but also their smell. If you neglect to consult a doctor in a timely manner and try to cope with the disease on your own, the disease may worsen and it will be more difficult to cope with it in the future.

Redness of the mucous membrane

Inflammation of the oral mucosa is a harbinger of more serious lung disease. Even allergic manifestation This symptom should not be left without due attention.

Snore

Unfortunately, this seemingly simple symptom is not given enough attention. However, according to statistics, most people suffering from such inconvenience, after a certain period of time, have enough big risk suffer a heart attack or stroke with a fatal outcome. In addition, constant fatigue is felt. To understand how dangerous snoring is for specific person, you need to contact a doctor with complaints, who will prescribe a comprehensive examination.

Shortness of breath or suffocation

Unlike other symptoms of lung diseases, complaints of such an ailment should be the reason for an immediate trip to the doctor. Shortness of breath can cause discomfort not only during exercise, but even during sleep.

Chest pain

Because there is no light nerve endings, as such, pain should not appear. However, if such a symptom does occur, then the lung tissue may be affected. If pain in the sternum does not subside, then this may be one of the first manifestations of a cancerous tumor.

Insufficient oxygen supply to the lungs

This symptom can occur for a number of reasons. It is expressed in the complication of the respiratory process, which in turn does not allow oxygen to be supplied to the blood in sufficient quantities. There is a feeling of slight malaise, sometimes leading to loss of consciousness. The color of the skin loses its natural shade. With prolonged lack of oxygen, even convulsions can occur. Finding out the reasons for this symptom is very important, since inaction can be fatal.

Expectoration processes, etc.

This process is a natural way of removing mucus from the lungs. The accumulated mucus after each expectoration releases the lungs, improving the patient’s well-being. Moreover, expectoration serves as a kind of indicator of the healing process.

The above symptoms of lung disease are evidence that you should urgently contact a qualified specialist who, depending on the complexity of the situation, will prescribe adequate therapy. Self-medication is unacceptable.

Lifestyle and the presence of bad habits can aggravate the course of the disease, which will ultimately lead to the appearance of such an ailment as tuberculosis. The most terrible diagnosis, which in most cases is incurable, is lung cancer.

Treatment can be prescribed only after thoroughly listening to the patient's breathing. If there are suspicions, the doctor is obliged to write out a referral for fluorography, which will provide a more accurate “picture” of the condition of the lungs. All currently available diagnostic methods provide each person with the opportunity to conduct an examination and promptly begin the treatment process, which can consist of either taking one drug or a whole complex.

Even well-trained people cannot live long without air. Death from the complete lack of a fresh portion of oxygen is the fate of any person who finds himself in a similar situation.

The sole supplier of such invaluable gas to the body is the respiratory system and its very center - a pair of lungs. These “oxygen monopolists”, consisting of many special bubbles - alveoli, in addition to their main function (the role of a “communication channel” between sources of valuable gas in the environment and the human circulatory system) also perform a number of others. Thus, they serve as one of the most capacious reservoirs of blood in the body - about ten percent of all such reserves in the human body are stored here. In addition, the lungs are one of the most important organs working to create the immune defense and barrier of the body's resistance. They also create the air flow needed to produce the voice.

Knowing all this, one can only imagine how complicated the work of various organs and systems of the body is when lung diseases occur, the symptoms of which are not always immediately detected (and the diseases, meanwhile, manage to do their dirty work). What makes me shudder most is the realization that a number of diseases of this kind are fatal - and people not involved in medicine are not even aware of the existence of many of them.

About ten years ago, the entire planet was shocked by the news of the emergence of a new, hitherto unknown disease - SARS, which soon became known as the “purple death”, or atypical pneumonia. A huge focus of this severe acute respiratory syndrome arose in the Asian region - mainly in China, soon “spreading” to Vietnam and Hong Kong. In just a few months of the first half of 2003, the rapidly spreading SARS affected almost 8.5 thousand people. Death then overtook more than eight hundred of them, that is, about ten percent.

Among the deadly lung diseases, of course, is tuberculosis. This terrible disease is considered one of the most common in the world, and is transmitted through air masses (when a patient coughs or sneezes), so it is extremely difficult to avoid infection. However, the worst thing is that the human body is not able to develop immunity against the causative agents of this disease - Koch bacilli. Therefore, those who have had it at least once run the risk of encountering this scourge again in the future.

Tuberculosis does not recognize any boundaries, especially social ones. It is capable of striking both a degraded marginalized person and a completely prosperous and financially secure person. Back in the last century, doctors learned to timely diagnose and successfully treat this disease, but the possibility of disability and death in case of long-term refusal medical care and/or incomplete therapy still hangs over humanity.

Among the most terrible diseases of the lungs is lung cancer. This, by the way, is the most common form of cancer among the male population of the planet - especially in developed countries. More than half of such cases end in a gravestone.

Passionate tobacco lovers expose themselves to a particularly high risk of contracting this dangerous disease: about ninety percent of those who contract lung cancer are smokers. However, there are other "carcinogenic" factors - for example, ionizing (radioactive) radiation and some viral infections. However, non-smokers have a tenfold lower risk of developing lung cancer - even despite the presence of the above-mentioned causes, which are in no way associated with tobacco smoke.

Another danger hangs over smokers like a sword of Damocles, which many of them are not even aware of. Its name is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which, according to some forecasts, by the end of this decade may firmly enter the top three among the “killer” diseases of humanity.

At this disease the inflammatory process that begins in one or both lungs at once becomes permanent, and its course becomes irreversible. Unfortunately, with all the advances in medicine, complete recovery from COPD is impossible, although adequate therapy can influence the course of the disease, somewhat slowing it down and improving the quality of life of the person suffering from it.

All this is a list of dangerous ailments respiratory organs is not limited at all. It is impossible not to mention another very common disease in the world - pneumonia. In fact, this term unites a whole group of diseases, most of which in the “pre-antibiotic” era were considered virtually a death sentence for those who, unfortunately, became infected with them.

With pneumonia (another name for the disease), the inflammatory process affects the alveoli. They fill with fluid and become unable to perform their function of transmitting oxygen to the blood. However, with adequate and timely antibiotic therapy, the prognosis for recovery from the disease is quite favorable.

However, if a person often experiences pneumonia and bronchitis, he runs the risk of getting another serious pulmonary disease- emphysema. This very insidious disease, the “victims” of which are the alveoli and their partitions, grows slowly, almost imperceptibly for the patient, and he often consults a doctor only when things take a serious turn.

The lungs are the main organ of the respiratory system of the human body, occupying almost the entire chest cavity. Like any other, lung diseases can be acute or chronic and are caused by both external and internal factors; their symptoms are very diverse. Unfortunately, lung diseases in Lately have become quite frequent and widespread and represent one of the most important threats to human life and health. Lung diseases rank 6th among the causes of high mortality throughout the world, often leading to disability and early loss of ability to work. All this depends on the high costs of hospitalization and medications required for their treatment.

The main function of the lungs is gas exchange - enriching the blood with oxygen from the air inhaled by a person and releasing carbon dioxide - carbon dioxide. The process of gas exchange occurs in the alveoli of the lungs and is ensured by active movements of the chest and diaphragm. But the physiological role of the lungs in the work of the whole organism is not limited only to the process of gas exchange - they also participate in metabolic processes, perform secretory and excretory functions and have phagocytic properties. The lungs also participate in the process of thermoregulation of the entire body. Like all other organs, the lungs are also susceptible to the occurrence and development of various diseases, which can be either inflammatory or infectious in nature - due to the ingress of various kinds of bacteria, viruses or fungi into them.

List of the most common lung diseases:

pneumonia;
bronchitis;
bronchial asthma;
tuberculosis;
emphysema;
lung cancer;
pneumonia.

Pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma

Pneumonia is an inflammatory process that develops in the lungs as a result of the ingress of various pathological microorganisms: bacteria, viruses or fungi. Sometimes the causative agents of pneumonia are various chemicals that enter the human body. Pneumonia can develop on all tissues of the lung, on both sides, and on any individual part of it. The symptoms of pneumonia are quite painful sensations in the chest, cough, difficulty breathing, chills, fever and a sudden feeling of anxiety. Pneumonia is treated with antibiotics penicillin series and is the most serious and dangerous lung disease, often leading to the death of the patient.

Bronchitis is an inflammatory disease of the mucous membrane of the lungs, bronchioles. Most often it occurs in young children and elderly people due to infection of the upper respiratory tract, as well as as a result of allergic reactions. A symptom of bronchitis is a dry, irritating, sharp cough that gets worse at night. Bronchitis comes in two types: acute and chronic, the characteristic symptoms of which are difficulty breathing with whistling, swelling of the upper body, severe and persistent cough, accompanied by copious secretion of mucus and sputum, the skin of the face acquires a bluish tint, especially in the area of the nasolabial triangle. Sometimes, in parallel with chronic bronchitis, a person develops obstructive bronchitis, its symptom is extremely difficult breathing, which is hampered by a narrowing of the lumen (obstruction) of the upper respiratory tract caused by the inflammatory process and thickening of the walls of the bronchi. Chronic obstructive bronchitis- a lung disease that occurs mainly in smokers.

Bronchial asthma- also a chronic disease, manifested in the form of attacks of dry, irritating cough, ending in suffocation. During such attacks, narrowing and swelling of the bronchi and the entire chest occurs, which makes breathing difficult. Bronchial asthma progresses quite quickly and leads to pathological damage to lung tissue. This process is irreversible and has characteristic symptoms: a constant debilitating cough, cyanosis of the skin due to a constant lack of oxygen and rather heavy, noisy breathing.

Tuberculosis, emphysema, cancer

Tuberculosis is a lung disease caused by mycobacterium - Koch's bacillus, transmitted by airborne droplets. Infection occurs from a carrier of the disease and initial stage is practically asymptomatic. This happens because antibodies produced by the human immune system envelop these mycobacteria in so-called cocoons, which can remain dormant in a person’s lungs for a fairly long period of time. Then, depending on the state of a person’s health, his lifestyle, external factors, and the number of mycobacteria that have entered the body, the disease begins to progress and manifests itself in the form of sudden weight loss, increased sweating, rather reduced performance, weakness and a constantly elevated temperature of up to 37 °C. body temperature.

Emphysema is the destruction of the walls between the alvioli of the lungs, which leads to an increase in lung volume and narrowing of the airways. Pathological tissue damage leads to impaired gas exchange and significant loss of oxygen, leading to breathing difficulties. For the lungs, emphysema is a rather secretive disease, its symptoms appear even with significant damage - a person develops shortness of breath, he rapidly loses weight, skin they turn red, it becomes difficult, almost impossible to breathe, and the chest becomes barrel-shaped.

Another disease is lung cancer. A pathological, fatal disease that is practically asymptomatic, especially at an early stage of its development. Sometimes cancer can be identified by the presence of chest pain, cough, shortness of breath and hemoptysis. Cancers characterized by the rapid growth of pathological cells (metastasis), which spread throughout all organs and systems of the body. Therefore, cancer is considered a fatal disease and practically cannot be cured, especially at the stage of metastasis.

Sometimes there are cases of pneumonia developing without a cough. This is a more dangerous disease, since when you cough, the body naturally clears itself of mucus and phlegm, which contain a fairly large number of pathogenic microorganisms that cause inflammation. A cough signals a pathological process in the lungs and allows you to start on time necessary treatment, which reduces the risk of complications. In the absence of cough syndrome, the bronchi are not cleared of phlegm and mucus, which leads to worsening of the inflammatory process and the appearance of pus in the mucus and sputum.

What should the treatment be?

If you have any cough, even not a very strong one, you should consult a doctor and do the necessary lab tests and get diagnosed. After identifying the cause, the symptoms of lung disease must be treated with medications prescribed by a doctor according to the disease and the degree of its development. Except drug therapy, you can use fairly simple and no less effective traditional medicine:

Lung balm based on aloe leaves - prepared from crushed aloe leaves, which should be poured with grape wine and mixed with liquid honey. Infuse the mixture in a cool place for several weeks, then strain and consume 3 times a day daily for any lung diseases.
A medicinal mixture of carrot, beet, and black radish juice with the addition of alcohol and honey must be infused in a dark place for 10 days, shaking occasionally. Then drink 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day until the infusion ends. Then take a break while the new mixture is prepared. This composition helps well in relieving and alleviating the symptoms of all lung diseases.
You can prepare a medicinal paste that should be consumed 3 times a day with a glass of goat milk or spread on bread, making a sandwich: mix 10 yolks from fresh chicken eggs with sugar, add melted chocolate, lard and grated apple. Mix everything thoroughly and store in the refrigerator. This mixture is an excellent expectorant and also has properties to strengthen the immune system.

But still, in order to correctly determine the diagnosis, take medications and traditional recipes, you should consult a doctor.

Lung diseases - symptoms and treatment.

Pulmonary embolism causes a blood clot to become lodged in the lungs. In most cases, embolisms are not fatal, but the clot can damage the lungs. Symptoms: sudden shortness of breath, sharp chest pain when taking a deep breath, pink, foamy cough discharge, acute feeling of fear, weakness, slow heartbeat.

Pneumothorax This is an air leak in the chest. It creates pressure in the chest. A simple pneumothorax can be treated quickly, but if you wait several days, surgery will be needed to unload the lungs. Those affected by this disease experience sudden and sharp pain on one side of the lungs and a fast heart rate.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

COPD is a mixture of two various diseases: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Narrowing of the airways makes breathing difficult. The first symptoms of the disease: rapid fatigue after light work, even moderate exercise makes breathing difficult. The chest feels cold, the expectoration turns yellow or greenish color, weight comes off uncontrollably. Bending over to put on your shoes reveals a lack of air to breathe. The causes of chronic disease are smoking and protein deficiency.

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the mucous tissue that covers the bronchi. Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial epithelium caused by an infection or virus. Bronchitis One of the common symptoms of bronchitis is a cough, an increase in the amount of mucus in the bronchi. Other common symptoms are sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, mild fever, fatigue. In acute bronchitis, it is important to drink expectorants. They remove mucus from the lungs and reduce inflammation.

The first sign of chronic bronchitis is persistent cough. If for two years the cough persists for about 3 or more months a year, doctors determine the patient has chronic bronchitis. In the case of chronic bacterial bronchitis, the cough lasts longer than 8 weeks with copious discharge of yellow mucus.

Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease. The cause of the disease is the entry of digestive fluid, sweat and mucus into the lungs through the producing cells. This is a disease not only of the lungs, but also of pancreatic dysfunction. Fluids accumulate in the lungs and create an environment for bacteria to grow. One of the first obvious signs of illness is a salty taste to the skin.

Prolonged constant cough, breathing with a sound similar to a whistle, acute pain during inspiration - first signs of pleurisy, inflammation of the pleura. The pleura is the covering chest cavity. Symptoms include dry cough, fever, chills, sharp pain in the chest.

Asbestos is a group of minerals. During operation, products containing fine asbestos fibers are released into the air. These fibers accumulate in the lungs. Asbestosis causes difficulty breathing, pneumonia, cough, lung cancer.

Studies show that exposure to asbestos provokes the development of other types of cancer: gastrointestinal tract, kidney, cancer, bladder and gall bladder, and throat cancer. If a production worker notices a cough that does not go away for a long time, chest pain, poor appetite, and a dry sound like a cracking sound comes out of his lungs when breathing, you should definitely do fluorography and consult a pulmonologist.

Cause of pneumonia is a lung infection. Symptoms: fever and breathing with great difficulty. Treatment of patients with pneumonia lasts from 2 to 3 weeks. The risk of developing the disease increases after the flu or cold. It is difficult for the body to fight infection and lung diseases when weakened after illness.

As a result of fluorography nodules detected? Don't panic. Whether it is cancer or not will be revealed by subsequent thorough diagnostics. This is a complex process. Has one or several nodules formed? Is its diameter greater than 4 cm? Does it adhere to the walls of the chest, or the muscles of the ribs? These are the main questions that a doctor should find out before deciding on surgery. The patient's age, smoking history, and, in some cases, are assessed. Observation of the nodule continues for 3 months. Often unnecessary operations are performed due to patient panic. A non-cancerous cyst in the lungs can resolve with the right medication.

Pleural effusion This is an abnormal increase in the amount of fluid around the lungs. May be the result of many diseases. Not dangerous. Pleural effusions fall into two main categories: uncomplicated and complex.

The cause of uncomplicated pleural effusion: the amount of fluid in the pleura is slightly greater than the required amount. This illness can cause symptoms of a wet cough and chest pain. A neglected, simple pleural effusion can develop into a complex one. In the fluid accumulated in the pleura, bacteria and infections begin to multiply, and a focus of inflammation appears. If left untreated, the disease can create a ring around the lungs, the fluid eventually turning into astringent mucus. The type of pleural effusion can only be diagnosed from a fluid sample taken from the pleura.

Tuberculosis affects any organ of the body, but pulmonary tuberculosis is dangerous because it is transmitted by airborne droplets. If the tuberculosis bacterium is active, it causes tissue death in the organ. Active form tuberculosis can be fatal. Therefore, the goal of treatment is to remove tuberculosis infection from open form closed. It is possible to cure tuberculosis. You need to take the disease seriously, take medications and attend procedures. Do not use drugs under any circumstances, lead a healthy lifestyle.

They are part of a complex organ system. They deliver oxygen and release carbon dioxide as they expand and relax thousands of times a day. Lung disease may be the result of problems in some other part of this organ system.

Lung diseases affecting the airways

The trachea branches into tubes called bronchi, which in turn gradually branch into smaller tubes throughout the lungs. Diseases affecting the respiratory tract include:

Asthma: The airways are constantly inflamed. Sometimes there may be spasm of the airways, causing wheezing and shortness of breath. Allergies, infections, or pollution can trigger asthma symptoms.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): a lung disease characterized by an inability to breathe out normally, which results in difficulty breathing.
Chronic bronchitis: a form of COPD characterized by a chronic cough.
Emphysema: In this form of COPD, damage to the lungs allows air to remain trapped in the lungs. Heavily exhaled air is distinctive feature of this disease.
Acute bronchitis: unexpected infection of the airways, often by a virus.
Cystic fibrosis: a genetic disease that causes slight highlight sputum (mucus) from the bronchi. Mucus buildup can lead to recurring lung infections.

Lung diseases affecting the air sacs (Alveoli)

The airways eventually branch into small tubes (bronchioles) that end in air sacs called alveoli. These air sacs make up most of the lung tissue. Lung diseases affecting the air sacs include:

Pneumonia: infection of the alveoli, usually by bacteria.
Tuberculosis: A slowly progressive pneumonia caused by the tuberculosis bacterium.
Emphysema results from damage to the fragile connections between the alveoli. The usual cause is smoking. Emphysema also restricts air circulation, also affecting the airways.
Pulmonary edema: Fluid leaks through the small blood vessels of the lungs into the air sacs and surrounding area. One form of this disease is caused by heart failure and high blood pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs. Another form, direct injury to the lungs causes edema.
Lung cancer comes in many forms and can develop in any part of the lungs. It most often occurs in the main part of the lungs, in or near the air sacs. The type, location and spread of lung cancer determines treatment options.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome: severe, sudden lung injury caused by serious illness. Mechanical ventilation is usually necessary to maintain life until the lungs heal.
Pneumoconiosis: a category of diseases caused by the inhalation of substances that damage the lungs. For example, pneumoconiosis as a result of systematic inhalation of coal dust and asbestosis resulting from inhalation of asbestos dust when working with asbestos.

Lung diseases affecting the interstitium

The interstitium is the microscopic thin tissue between the air sacs of the lungs (alveoli). Thin blood vessels pass through the interstitium and allow gas to be exchanged between the alveoli and the blood. Various lung diseases affect the interstitium:

Interstitial lung disease: a broad collection of lung diseases affecting the interstitium. Among the numerous types of ILD, diseases such as sarcoidosis, idiopathic pneumosclerosis and autoimmune diseases can be distinguished.
Pneumonia and pulmonary edema can also affect the interstitium.

Diseases affecting blood vessels

The right side of the heart receives low-oxygen blood through the veins. It pumps blood to the lungs through the pulmonary arteries. These blood vessels can also become susceptible to disease.

Pulmonary embolism: A blood clot (usually in the deep veins of the legs, deep vein thrombosis) breaks off and travels to the heart and into the lungs. The blood clot becomes lodged in the pulmonary artery, often causing difficulty breathing and low level oxygen in the blood.
Pulmonary hypertension: various diseases may lead to high blood pressure in pulmonary arteries. This may cause shortness of breath and chest pain. If the cause is not determined, the disease is called idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Lung diseases affecting the pleura

The pleura is a thin membrane that surrounds the lung and lines the inside of the chest wall. A thin layer of fluid allows the pleura to slide along the surface of the lungs along the chest wall with each breath. Pulmonary diseases of the pleura include:

Pleural effusion: Fluid usually accumulates in a small area of the pleura, between the lung and the chest wall. This usually occurs after pneumonia or heart failure. If a large pleural effusion makes breathing difficult, it must be removed.
Pneumothorax: Air can enter the area between the chest wall and the lung, causing the lung to collapse. A tube is usually inserted through the chest wall to remove air.
Mesothelioma: a rare form of cancer that forms in the pleura. Mesothelioma typically occurs several decades after asbestos exposure.

Lung diseases affecting the chest wall

The chest wall also plays important role when breathing. The muscles connect to the ribs, helping the rib cage expand. With every breath, the diaphragm, the editorial team of the health portal "To your health!" . All rights reserved.

Breathing is one of the most important and most basic processes that determines
Are we even alive, writes KhmerLoad. With every breath your lungs
saturate the body with oxygen, and with each exhalation they remove excess
carbon dioxide.

There are no nerve endings in the lungs, so, unlike other organs, they cannot hurt, warning us of impending problems.

Therefore, we notice that something is wrong with them only when they begin to act up, making it difficult for us to breathe. That's why it's so frequent chronic diseases lungs and the development of serious ailments such as bronchitis, tuberculosis, emphysema, cystic fibrosis.

Smoking causes them viral infections, toxic fumes, dust and smoke. Air pollution and prolonged exposure to closed office spaces also contribute.

So pay attention to these 8 symptoms that warn you of impending lung problems—or that they need immediate treatment!

1. Shortness of breath:

If you experience shortness of breath even during normal daily activities, this is the first sign that something is wrong with your lungs. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing occurs when your lungs have to work harder than usual. It may also occur due to a blockage in the airway.

When you experience shortness of breath, don't ignore it or blame it on your age. You should consult a doctor immediately.

2. Persistent cough:

Coughing helps protect the airways from irritants from the atmosphere and helps clear mucus from the airways. However, a chronic cough is an indicator that your lungs are not functioning properly. In fact, one of the first signs of unhealthy lungs is usually a persistent cough that doesn't improve even after you take medication.

If you cough for quite a long time and without visible reasons- consult a doctor. If the problem is mucus buildup, drink more water- this will help dilute it and facilitate its removal from the body.

3. Mucus accumulation:

Coughing usually goes hand in hand with mucus production. Mucus helps bind and remove germs, dirt, pollen and bacteria in your lungs. However, this is not a good sign unless the increase in mucus is associated with a cold or other common illness.

You may also notice a change in the color, odor, or thickness of the mucus. If it turns yellow, green, or contains blood, it is a clear sign problems with your lungs.

Blood in mucus may be a sign of emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or lung cancer.

4. Wheezing and whistling:

A wheezing sound from your lungs is a sign that your airways are narrowing. Because of this narrowing, air does not move through as quickly as it should, resulting in wheezing.

Constant wheezing can be a sign of asthma, emphysema, or even lung cancer. Therefore, if you experience wheezing, it is better to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

5. Swelling in the lower body:

Oddly enough, swelling and pain in the legs may indicate some problem in the lungs.

When your lungs don't function properly, your circulatory system doesn't receive enough oxygen to keep fluids healthy and circulating throughout your body. This can lead to swelling and swollen ankles and feet.

Additionally, due to poorly functioning lungs, your heart cannot pump enough blood to your kidneys and liver. Then these organs will not be able to properly flush out toxins and remove excess fluids from your body. This also leads to swelling.

6. Morning headaches:

If you regularly start waking up with headaches or dizziness, you need to see a doctor.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can cause dull, throbbing headache after waking up. This happens because you don't breathe deeply enough during sleep, accumulating carbon dioxide in your body. This buildup causes blood vessels in the brain to dilate, resulting in a throbbing headache.

7. Chronic fatigue:

When your lungs don't work well, you get tired much faster than before. If your lungs don't oxygenate your body enough, your other systems will also suffer and this can negatively impact your energy levels.

8. Sleep problems:

If you find it difficult to sleep lying down due to difficulty breathing, or if sleeping in a chair is more comfortable, then it probably has something to do with your lungs. You need to sleep lying down, this way you force your lungs to work harder. This affects the quality of your sleep and your mental and physical health.

If you regularly wake up at night with shortness of breath or coughing, be sure to consult your doctor.

Here are some more essential tips to keep your lungs healthy:

Stop smoking. Harmful substances and smoke affect your lung health and increase your risk of lung disease and cancer.
Avoid secondhand smoke. It is also very toxic and harmful to your lungs.
Avoid exposure to heavily polluted and industrial areas. If necessary, wear a mask to prevent inhalation of irritants.
Start houseplants to improve the air quality in your home.
Do exercises daily to increase your lung capacity.
Eat well and remember to detoxify your body and load it with antioxidants.