One of the most serious problems global health today. The success of their treatment depends on timely and correct diagnosis, as well as the correct selection of methods to combat these diseases. If you try to compile a complete list of all lung diseases, in total it will include more than forty names of ailments of various natures, including: bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, cancer, pneumoconiosis, pulmonary vascular diseases, tuberculosis, pulmonary fibrosis, etc.

Having made a conditional generalization, the entire list of lung diseases can be conditionally divided according to the specifics of their occurrence into:

acute respiratory diseases of the lungs caused by infection;
lung diseases that were provoked by certain external agents;
chronic lung diseases COPD.

The main task of the lungs is to provide the body with oxygen. In addition, they also perform an excretory function, excessive overload of which leads to most diseases. In addition, a malfunction in the functioning of other organs and systems of the body can also become one of the causes of some diseases from the list of lung diseases. It is safe to say that the leading place among all the items on this list is occupied by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or, for short, COPD. It accounts for more than 50% of the total number of respiratory tract diseases.

COPD is a lung disease with a medical history characterized by partially irreversible restriction of air flow in the respiratory tract. Ultimately, this can lead not only to a decrease in a person’s ability to work, but also, in the worst case, to disability. A lung disease like COPD has a fast flow. This is especially facilitated by the presence of other diseases of the respiratory and cardiac systems. Therefore, it is very important to identify the disease in time and take the necessary measures.

Causes of Lung Diseases

Ecologically unfavourable conditions, working in hazardous work and, above all, smoking are the causes of lung disease. (COPD) after all, it is smoke, penetrating the body through inhalation, that irreversibly damages the bronchi and pulmonary alveoli, causing negative changes in the respiratory system. Many people mistakenly believe that only cigarettes are a threat. Along with them, the cause of the development of chronic pulmonary diseases and COPD may include hookahs, pipes and smoking mixtures. And, although the disease does not manifest itself at the initial stages, after 7-10 years it will definitely make itself felt not only with shortness of breath and wheezing in chest, but also chronic bronchitis, and perhaps even cancer.

For medical history COPD that affects every 5 smokers is characterized by a progressive nature. The only test for diagnosis COPD is spirometry - analysis of the air exhaled by a patient using a special device to determine the nature of the symptoms of the disease.

Inflammatory Lung Diseases

Pneumonia. The most common inflammatory disease of the lower respiratory tract is pneumonia. This disease is also called pneumonia. Unlike viral diseases respiratory system pneumonia is bacterial in nature, which makes its course more severe and requires treatment with antibiotics. Often the disease occurs with pronounced intoxication: a sharp increase in temperature to 37.5-39C, wheezing in the lungs, sore throat, chills. The picture of the medical history of such a lung disease as pneumonia looks quite optimistic if the disease is detected in time using blood and sputum tests. After the first days of taking antibiotics, the patient experiences positive dynamics: the temperature decreases and the general physical condition improves. However, weakness can persist for up to 2 weeks after complete recovery from pneumonia.

It should be noted that the most important thing in the process of treating pneumonia is the correct selection of antibiotics. The fact is that some bacteria may be resistant to the components of a particular drug, and, accordingly, a positive effect from its use will not follow. In order to identify the causative agent of an inflammatory lung disease such as pneumonia, an appropriate blood test is performed.

Antibiotics are serious medications for fighting bacterial infections. Their use may lead to disruption of the body's microflora, so independent use of these medications for lung disease, in particular pneumonia, without prior consultation with a specialist who will tell you which group of antibiotics the patient should take is extremely undesirable.

remember, that pneumonia is a serious lung disease, complications of which can lead to death, therefore, when the first symptoms are detected, you must consult a doctor who will prescribe an individual drug suitable for treatment.

Prevention of Lung Diseases

Do not forget about the other mandatory comprehensive methods of combating infectious diseases lungs, in particular pneumonia, namely: drinking plenty of fluids, taking antihistamines and expectorants; eating vitamins; ventilation and wet cleaning of the room in which the patient is located.

An important role in the fight cancer, COPD, inflammatory lung diseases prevention plays a role, which, first of all, should consist of eliminating risk factors. You should avoid contact with sick people, strengthen your respiratory system by spending more time in the fresh air and playing sports, stop smoking and remember that preventing a disease is always much easier than curing it.

Thank you

The site provides background information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

Lung pain– this is a fairly broad concept. Underneath this symptom more than two dozen may be hiding various diseases, both of pulmonary origin, or as a result of problems with the respiratory system, and conditions completely unrelated to the respiratory system, such as digestive diseases, neurological pathologies, and even bone problems.

Pain in the lung area

From the point of view of anatomy and physiology, in themselves lungs they cannot get sick, there are no sensory nerves in their structure that perceive pain impulses, so there is no pain inside the lungs themselves, the usual manifestations of problems with the lungs are coughing and breathing problems. But what then does a person perceive as pain in the lung area?

Giving painful sensations in the lung area there may be pleura (a film covering the outside of the lung, which prevents it from being injured by friction against the chest), or the area of the trachea and large bronchi. They contain pain receptors, which cause pain when breathing or coughing.

Pain in the lungs - sharp or mild

In terms of diagnosing and determining the cause of the pain, the doctor needs to find out how intense it is, what its nature is, whether there is pain when coughing or when breathing deeply, whether shortness of breath occurs, whether painkillers help.

Sharp, intense pain will indicate an acute disease. Usually the pain is localized in the pleura, intensifies with breathing and may be accompanied by shortness of breath. Intense substernal pain usually occurs with acute tracheitis, especially if it intensifies with coughing. It will be important whether the intensity of pain changes with body position and whether the patient’s physical activity affects it. Typically, such pain is caused not by lung problems, but by nerves, spinal column problems, sciatica or muscle pain.

If pain in the lungs on one or both sides occurs when coughing, intensifies when inhaling and exhaling, turning the body to the side, subsides if you lie on the side of the pain, is combined with pain in the intercostal spaces when palpating them, sputum does not come out with a cough or comes out thick, sticky sputum (sometimes streaked with blood), you should contact Pulmonologist (make an appointment) or therapist (make an appointment), since such a symptom complex indicates pleurisy, tracheitis, bronchitis or infectious lesions of the pleura (for example, pleurisy due to measles).

When pain in the lungs is combined with elevated body temperature, cough with or without sputum, wheezing, symptoms of intoxication (headache, general weakness, etc.), you should consult a general practitioner as soon as possible, since such a symptom complex indicates acute infectious and inflammatory process in the organs of the respiratory system (for example, pneumonia, bronchitis, tracheitis, pleurisy).

If pain in the lungs is constantly present, intensifies when inhaling, and its intensification is similar to a lumbago or a prick with a sharp object, and is not combined with other symptoms of diseases of the respiratory system and heart (cough, fever, chills, night sweats, etc.), then you should contact neurologist (make an appointment), since such symptoms indicate intercostal neuralgia.

If the pain in the lungs is of a burning nature, localized between the ribs and inside the chest, combined with an increase in body temperature and headaches, and a few days after the onset of pain, small blistering red rashes appear on the skin of the chest, then you should contact infectious disease doctor (make an appointment) or a therapist, since such symptoms indicate herpes zoster.

If pain in the lungs becomes weaker or stronger when changing posture, increasing or decreasing motor activity (transition from calm state during active physical activities, for example, active walking, etc.), increases with coughing, laughing, sneezing, is localized not only inside the chest, but also along the ribs, and is not combined with other symptoms of lung or heart diseases (coughing, sweating, etc.) .d.) then you should consult a neurologist, since such a symptom complex indicates a disease of the nerves (neuritis, neuralgia, pinching, radiculitis, etc.).

If pain in the lungs intensifies and weakens with physical activity, is combined with headaches, pain in the thoracic spine, increased or decreased sensitivity in the hands, then this indicates diseases of the spine (for example, osteochondrosis), and therefore in this case it is necessary to contact Vertebrologist (make an appointment), and in his absence you can go to an appointment with a neurologist, neurologist (make an appointment), traumatologist (make an appointment), chiropractor (make an appointment) or osteopath (sign up).

If pain in the lungs intensifies when breathing and appears after any injuries or blows to the chest, then you should consult a traumatologist or surgeon (make an appointment), since such a condition indicates a fracture or cracks in the ribs.

If pain in the lungs inside the chest is combined with a clearly felt focus of pain at a certain point on the rib, and in some cases with low-grade or high body temperature and severe intoxication (headaches, weakness, fatigue, lack of appetite, etc.), then it is necessary to contact a surgeon, oncologist (make an appointment) And venereologist (make an appointment) at the same time, since the symptom complex may indicate osteomyelitis, cysts, tumors or bone syphilis.

If the pain in the lungs is sharp, stabbing, girdling, intensifying or appears during inhalation, exhalation and coughing, localized at a certain point in the chest, radiating to the arm, stomach, neck or spine, existing for a long time and not going away within 1 - 2 weeks , then you should contact an oncologist, since such symptoms may indicate the presence of malignant tumor in the lungs.

If pain in the lungs appears at a time of stress or strong emotional experience, passes without a trace after some time, does not cause a sharp deterioration in general well-being (pallor, drop in blood pressure, severe weakness, etc.) so much that a person cannot walk home or to his room rest, then you should contact psychologist (sign up) or psychiatrist (make an appointment), since such phenomena indicate neurosis.

If a person has pulling or stabbing pain in the lungs, they are combined with high fever, symptoms of intoxication (weakness, headache, sweating, etc.), a moderate decrease in pressure and rapid heartbeat, then you should contact Cardiologist (make an appointment) or rheumatologist (make an appointment), since such symptoms may indicate rheumatism.

Sharp shooting pain in the lungs on the right side, combined with digestive disorders, requires referral to Gastroenterologist (make an appointment), since it may indicate a pathology of the gallbladder or gastric ulcer.

What tests can doctors order for pain in the lungs?

Pain in the lungs is a symptom of various diseases and conditions, for the diagnosis of which different examination methods and tests are used. The choice of examinations and analyzes in each case depends on accompanying symptoms, thanks to which the doctor can guess what kind of disease a person has and, accordingly, prescribe the studies necessary to confirm the final diagnosis. Thus, below we will indicate lists of tests and examinations that a doctor may prescribe for pain in the lungs, depending on the combination with other symptoms.

When a person is bothered by stabbing pain in the lungs, felt throughout the chest or only at a certain point, intensifying when inhaling, combined with weakness, chills, sweating at night, long-lasting cough with or without sputum, the doctor suspects tuberculosis, and to confirm it or refutation, prescribes the following tests and examinations:

Microscopy of expectorated sputum;
Mantoux test (sign up);
Diaskintest (sign up);
Quantiferon test (sign up);
Analysis of blood, sputum, bronchial washings, lavage fluid or urine for the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis using PCR;
Study of washing water from the bronchi;
General blood analysis ;
General urine analysis ;
Chest X-ray (make an appointment);
Chest fluorography (sign up);
CT scan;
Bronchoscopy (sign up) with lavage collection;
Thoracoscopy (make an appointment);
Lung biopsy (sign up) or pleura.

The doctor does not prescribe all the tests from the given list at once, since this is not necessary, since in most cases a much smaller list of studies is sufficient for diagnosis. That is, first of all, the simplest, least traumatic and unpleasant tests for the patient are prescribed, which are highly informative and allow identifying tuberculosis in most cases. And only if such simple and non-traumatic tests do not reveal the disease, the doctor additionally prescribes other, more complex, expensive and unpleasant tests for the patient.

So, first of all, a general blood and urine test is prescribed, as well as microscopy of coughed up sputum. Also prescribed is either a chest x-ray, fluorography, or computed tomography. Moreover, only one diagnostic method is used, which is selected depending on the level of technical equipment of the medical institution and the ability of the patient, if necessary, to undergo examination on a paid basis. The most commonly used are x-rays and fluorography. In addition, first of all, in addition to sputum microscopy and instrumental examination of the chest organs, the doctor prescribes any of the following tests for the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the body: Mantoux test, Diaskintest, Quantiferon test or blood test, sputum, bronchial lavage, lavage fluid or urine for the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis using PCR. Best results They give blood or sputum tests using PCR and a quantiferon test, but they are used relatively rarely due to their high cost. Diaskintest is a modern and more accurate alternative to the Mantoux test, and it is this test that is currently prescribed most often.

Further, if it was not possible to establish the presence or absence of tuberculosis based on the results of tests for the presence of mycobacteria, instrumental examination chest and sputum microscopy, the doctor prescribes an additional study of lavage water from the bronchi, as well as bronchoscopy or thoracoscopy. If these studies also turn out to be uninformative, the doctor prescribes a biopsy of the lungs and pleura in order to examine pieces of organ tissue under a microscope and determine with absolute certainty whether the person has tuberculosis.

When a person is bothered by pain in the lungs on one or both sides, which occurs or intensifies when coughing, inhaling, exhaling, turning the body to the sides, subsides when lying on the affected side, is combined with pain and bulging of the intercostal spaces, cough without sputum or with a thick viscous sputum streaked with blood, then the doctor suspects pleurisy, tracheitis or bronchitis, and prescribes the following tests and examinations:

Auscultation of the chest (listening to the lungs and bronchi using a stethoscope);
Chest X-ray;
Computed tomography of the chest;
Ultrasound of the pleural cavity (sign up);
General blood analysis;
Pleural puncture (sign up) with the selection of pleural fluid for biochemical analysis (determining the concentration of glucose, protein, number of leukocytes, amylase and lactate dehydrogenase activity).

Usually, a complete blood count, chest auscultation and chest x-ray are ordered first, as these simple tests can make a diagnosis in most cases. However, if after the examinations there are still doubts about the diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe either a computed tomography scan or an ultrasound scan of the pleural cavity in combination with a biochemical analysis of the pleural fluid.

If pain in the lungs is combined with elevated body temperature, cough with or without sputum, wheezing and symptoms of intoxication (headache, weakness, lack of appetite, etc.), the doctor suspects an inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract and prescribes the following tests and examinations:

General blood analysis;
General sputum analysis;
Sputum microscopy;
Blood chemistry ( C-reactive protein, total protein, etc.);
Auscultation of the chest (listening to the respiratory organs using a stethoscope);
Chest X-ray;
Blood test for HIV (sign up);
Analysis of stool for worm eggs;
Electrocardiography (ECG) (sign up);
CT scan;
Determination of antibodies in the blood to Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Respiratory syncyt. vir., and herpes virus type 6 by ELISA;
Determination of the presence of streptococci, mycoplasmas, chlamydia, and Candida fungi in blood, saliva, sputum, lavages and bronchial washings using the PCR method.

The doctor first of all prescribes a general blood test, biochemical blood test, microscopy and general sputum analysis, chest auscultation, x-ray, blood test for HIV, ECG and stool test for worm eggs, since these studies in most cases make it possible to establish a diagnosis and start treatment. And only if, based on the results of the studies, it was not possible to determine the diagnosis, an additional prescription may be prescribed. CT scan and determination in blood, sputum, lavages and washings of the presence of antibodies or DNA of pathogenic microbes that can be causative agents of inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system. Moreover, the determination of antibodies or DNA of pathogens in biological fluids is usually used if the disease does not respond to standard therapy, in order to change the treatment regimen taking into account the sensitivity of the microbe to antibiotics.

When pain in the lungs is not combined with other symptoms of respiratory tract diseases (cough, shortness of breath, fever, night sweats, chills, etc.), is constantly present, can intensify when coughing, laughing, sneezing, sometimes felt in the form of lumbago, localized also along the ribs, may be combined with blistering red rashes on the skin of the chest, then the doctor suspects a nerve disease (neuralgia, pinching, neuritis, radiculitis, shingles, etc.) and may prescribe the following tests and examinations:

Chest X-ray (to assess the size of organs and the theoretical possibility of their pressure on the nerves);
Computer or Magnetic resonance imaging (sign up)(allows you to assess the likelihood of pressure on the nerves from organs and tissues);
Electroneurography (allows you to evaluate the speed of signal propagation along the nerve);
General blood analysis.

In general, these tests are rarely prescribed, since usually a survey and general examination of a person is sufficient to diagnose nerve diseases.

When pain in the lungs intensifies or subsides with movements, is combined with headaches, pain in the thoracic region spine, increased or weakened sensitivity in the hands, the doctor suspects a disease of the spine and may prescribe the following tests:

Survey X-ray of the spine (make an appointment). It can be used to identify osteochondrosis, curvature of the spinal column, etc.
Myelography (sign up). With its help, spinal hernias are detected.
Computer or magnetic resonance imaging. With their help, you can identify diseases of the spine that can lead to pain in the lungs.

Most often, a regular survey X-ray is prescribed, and if technically possible, it can be replaced with computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Myelography is rarely prescribed, since the method is complex and dangerous, since it is associated with the need to inject a contrast agent into the spinal canal.

When pain in the lungs appears as a result of any injury, the doctor will prescribe a chest x-ray to identify existing cracks, fractures and other bone damage. X-rays can be replaced by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, if technically possible.

When pain in the lungs is combined with a clear focus of pain at any point on the rib, sometimes with low-grade or high body temperature and severe intoxication (weakness, fatigue, lack of appetite, etc.), intensifies or appears during inhalations, exhalations and coughing radiates to the arm, neck or spine, the doctor may prescribe the following tests and examinations:

General blood analysis;
Blood chemistry;
Blood test for syphilis (sign up);
Ultrasound of the pleural cavity;
Chest X-ray;
Fluorography of the chest;
CT scan;
Magnetic resonance imaging;
Bronchoscopy;
Thoracoscopy;
Puncture of the pleural cavity or chest bones;
Biopsy of the lungs, bronchi, and chest bones.

As a rule, the doctor prescribes almost all the examinations on the list, but first of all, general and biochemical blood tests, a blood test for syphilis, ultrasound of the pleural cavity, X-ray and chest fluorography are performed. If technically possible, x-rays and fluorography can be replaced by tomography. Bronchoscopy, thoracoscopy, puncture and biopsy of chest tissue are prescribed only after receiving the results of previous examinations if they indicate the presence of a malignant tumor or cyst.

When pain in the lungs is caused by neuroses, the doctor can prescribe a wide range of tests and examinations, trying to identify a non-existent pathology. In such cases, diagnosis begins with general blood and urine tests, chest X-ray, tomography, sputum analysis, and then the doctor prescribes more and more new examinations, trying to identify the disease. But when the results of all studies show the absence of pathology that can cause pain in the lungs, the patient will be diagnosed with “neurosis” and a consultation with a psychologist or psychiatrist will be recommended. Some experienced doctors “identify” neurotics without examinations, and try to immediately refer such patients to a specialist of the appropriate profile without conducting tests, tests, etc., since he simply does not need them.

When the pain in the lungs is of a pulling or stabbing nature, combined with elevated body temperature, symptoms of intoxication (weakness, headache, sweating, etc.), a moderate decrease in pressure and rapid heartbeat, the doctor suspects rheumatism and prescribes the following tests and examinations:

General blood analysis;
Biochemical blood test (total protein and protein fractions, C-reactive protein, rheumatic factor, activity of AST, ALT, lactate dehydrogenase, etc.);
Blood test for ASL-O titer (sign up);
Auscultation of heart sounds (sign up).

All of the tests and examinations listed are usually prescribed, as they are necessary to identify rheumatic heart disease.

If the pain in the lungs is sharp, shooting, combined with digestive disorders, the doctor suspects a pathology of the gallbladder or stomach and prescribes the following tests and examinations:

General blood analysis;
Biochemical blood test (bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, AST, ALT, lactate dehydrogenase, amylase, elastase, lipase, etc.);
Detection of Helicobacter Pylori in material collected during FGDS (sign up);
The presence of antibodies to Helicobacter Pylori (IgM, IgG) in the blood;
Level of pepsinogens and gastrin in blood serum;
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EFGDS);
Computed or magnetic resonance imaging;
Retrograde cholangiopancreatography;
Ultrasound of organs abdominal cavity(sign up).

As a rule, first of all a general and biochemical blood test is prescribed, test for the presence of Helicobacter Pylori (sign up), EGDS and ultrasound of the abdominal organs, since these examinations and tests make it possible in the vast majority of cases to diagnose gastric ulcers and biliary tract pathologies. And only if these studies turn out to be uninformative, tomography, cholangiopancreatography, determination of the level of pepsinogens and gastrin in the blood, etc. can be prescribed. Before use, you should consult a specialist.

/ 28.02.2018

Lung diseases and their symptoms. Signs, classification and prevention of major lung diseases.

Lung diseases in humans are considered one of the most dangerous (after heart diseases). The list of them is quite long, but the frequency of occurrence and the danger to life of the diseases are not the same. At the same time, every competent person who treats himself with care should be aware of all possible ailments and their manifestations. After all, as you know, early access to a doctor greatly increases the chances of a successful outcome of treatment.

The most common lung diseases in humans: list, symptoms, prognosis

People often confuse common diseases of the respiratory system with those that are specific to the lungs. In principle, there is nothing wrong with this if the patient does not try to cure himself, but clarifies the diagnosis with a doctor who can accurately determine the type of lung disease in a person. The list of the most “popular” of them includes:

Pleurisy. Most often caused by a viral infection. One of the few pulmonary diseases accompanied by pain. As you know, there are no nerve endings in the lungs themselves, and they cannot hurt. Unpleasant sensations are caused by friction of the pleura. In mild forms, pleurisy goes away on its own, but it doesn’t hurt to see a doctor.
Pneumonia. It often begins as pleurisy, but is much more dangerous. A deep cough is very painful. Treatment must be professional, otherwise it will be fatal.
Signs: shortness of breath, chest swelling, box sounds, weak breathing. Primary is eliminated by breathing exercises and oxygen therapy. Secondary requires long-term medical or even surgical intervention.
Tuberculosis. Everything is clear here: only medical supervision, long-term treatment and antibiotics.
Tumors, including the second disease, accompanied by pain. Forecasts are usually pessimistic.

If we talk about lung diseases in humans, the list, of course, is not limited to this list. However, the rest are much rarer and often difficult to diagnose.

What do we pay attention to?

There are a number of signs that appear in almost any lung disease in humans. The list of symptoms can be presented as follows:

Cough. Depending on the disease, it can be either dry or wet, painless or accompanied by pain.
Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth.
Snoring - if you haven't suffered from it before.
Shortness of breath, difficulty or in some cases- suffocation. Any changes in the rhythm or depth of breathing are a signal to immediately visit the clinic.
Chest pain is usually caused by heart problems. But pulmonary diseases can also cause it in the above cases.
Lack of oxygen, up to pale and blue skin, fainting and convulsions.

All these signs strongly suggest that a visit to the doctor cannot be postponed. He will make a diagnosis after listening, additional tests, and maybe an x-ray.

Rare but dangerous

A few words should be said about such a human lung disease as pneumothorax. Even experienced doctors often forget about it, but it can manifest itself even in a completely healthy and young person. Pneumothorax is caused by the rupture of a small bubble in the lungs, which leads to their collapse, that is, deairing. Manifested by shortness of breath and sharp pain; if urgent measures are not taken, it leads to the adhesion of part of the lung, and often death.

Pneumothorax is more often observed in patients with emphysema, but can also occur in a person who has never suffered from pulmonary diseases.

Specific diseases

Some lung diseases are caused by a person's chosen profession. Thus, chronic pulmonary obstruction or silicosis is typical for workers chemical industry, and pulmonary barotrauma - for divers. However, people are usually warned about the possibility of such diseases, pay enough attention to prevention and undergo regular medical examinations.

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 different 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. You feel cold in your chest, the expectoration becomes yellow or greenish in color, and weight loss is uncontrollable. Bending over to put on your shoes reveals a lack of air to breathe. Causes chronic illness– 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 a lingering cough. If the cough persists for about 3 or more months a year over the course of two years, doctors determine that the patient has chronic bronchitis. In the case of chronic bacterial bronchitis, the cough lasts longer than 8 weeks with heavy discharge yellow mucus.

Cystic fibrosis is 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 the disease is salty taste 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, and severe chest pain.

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.

Research shows that exposure to asbestos increases the risk of other types of cancer: gastrointestinal tract, kidney, cancer, bladder and gall bladder, 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 additional diagnostics 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 disease may cause symptoms 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 tuberculosis can be fatal. Therefore, the goal of treatment is to remove tuberculosis infection from an open form to a closed form. 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.

Various lung diseases are quite common in human daily life. Most of the classified illnesses have severe symptoms of acute lung disease in humans and, if treated incorrectly, can lead to bad consequences. Pulmonology deals with the study of diseases.

Causes and signs of lung diseases

To determine the cause of any disease, you should contact a qualified specialist (pulmonologist), who will conduct thorough research and make a diagnosis.

Lung diseases are quite difficult to diagnose, so you need to undergo the entire list of recommended tests.

But there are common factors that can cause acute pulmonary infection:

There are a large number of objective signs characterizing lung disease. Their main symptoms:

Many of our readers actively use the Monastic Collection of Father George to treat coughs and improve their condition with bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchial asthma, and tuberculosis. It contains 16 medicinal plants that are extremely effective in the treatment of chronic COUGH, bronchitis and cough caused by smoking.

Alveoli, the so-called air sacs, are the main functional ones. When the alveoli are damaged, individual lung pathologies are classified:

Diseases affecting the pleura and chest

The pleura is the thin sac that contains the lungs. When it is damaged, the following respiratory diseases occur:

Blood vessels are known to carry oxygen, and their disruption causes chest diseases:

. Violation of pressure in the pulmonary arteries gradually leads to the destruction of the organ and the appearance of primary signs of the disease.
Pulmonary embolism. Often occurs with vein thrombosis, when a blood clot enters the lungs and blocks the supply of oxygen to the heart. This disease is characterized by sudden bleeding in the brain and death.

For constant pain in the chest, the following diseases are distinguished:

Hereditary and bronchopulmonary diseases

Hereditary respiratory diseases are transmitted from parents to child and can have several types. Basic:

Diseases of the bronchopulmonary system are based on acute respiratory infection. Most often, bronchopulmonary infectious diseases are characterized by mild malaise, gradually developing into acute infection in both lungs.

Bronchopulmonary inflammatory diseases caused by viral microorganisms. They affect the respiratory system and mucous membranes. Improper treatment can lead to the development of complications and the occurrence of more dangerous bronchopulmonary diseases.

The symptoms of a respiratory infection are very similar to the common cold, caused by viral bacteria. Infectious lung diseases develop very quickly and are of bacterial origin. These include:

pneumonia;
bronchitis;
asthma;
tuberculosis;
respiratory allergies;
pleurisy;
respiratory failure.

Infection in inflamed lungs develops rapidly. To avoid complications, you should full complex treatment and prevention.

Chest diseases such as pneumothorax, asphyxia, and physical causes severe pain and can cause breathing and lung problems. Here it is necessary to apply an individual treatment regimen, which has a sequence-related nature.

Suppurative diseases

Due to the increase purulent diseases The percentage of suppurative inflammations causing problems with damaged lungs has increased. Pulmonary purulent infection affects a significant part of the organ and can lead to severe complications. There are three main types of this pathology:

X-ray;
fluorography;
general blood analysis;
tomography;
bronchography;
testing for infections.

After all the studies, the doctor must determine an individual treatment plan, necessary procedures and antibacterial therapy. It should be remembered that only strict adherence to all recommendations will lead to a quick recovery.

Compliance preventive measures for lung diseases significantly reduces the risk of their occurrence. To exclude respiratory diseases, you should follow simple rules:

conducting healthy image life;
absence of bad habits;
moderate physical activity;
hardening of the body;
annual vacation on the seaside;
regular visits to a pulmonologist.

Every person should know the manifestations of the above diseases in order to quickly identify the symptoms of an incipient respiratory disease, and then seek qualified help in time, because health is one of the most valuable attributes of life!

The lungs are the main organ of the human respiratory system and consist of the pleura, bronchi and alveoli united into acini. In this organ, gas exchange of the body takes place: carbon dioxide, unsuitable for its vital functions, passes from the blood into the air, and oxygen received from the outside is carried through the bloodstream throughout all systems of the body. The basic function of the lungs may be impaired due to the development of any disease of the respiratory system or as a result of their damage (wound, accident, etc.). Lung diseases include: pneumonia, abscess, emphysema,.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a lung disease associated with inflammation of the bronchi, the constituent elements of the pulmonary bronchial tree. Most often, the cause of the development of such inflammation is the penetration of a viral or bacterial infection into the body, lack of proper attention to throat diseases, or entry into the lungs. large quantity dust and smoke. For most people, bronchitis does not pose a serious danger; complications of the disease usually develop in smokers (even passive smokers), people with weakened immune systems, chronic heart and lung diseases, the elderly and young children.

The clinical picture of incipient acute bronchitis coincides with the clinical picture of ordinary colds. The first thing that appears is a cough, first dry, then with sputum. An increase in temperature may also occur. If left untreated, the inflammation can spread to the entire lung and cause pneumonia. Treatment of acute bronchitis is carried out with the use of anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drugs, expectorants, drink plenty of fluids. If the cause of the disease is bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. Chronic bronchitis does not develop against the background of an incompletely cured acute form, as is the case with many diseases. Its cause may be prolonged irritation of the bronchi by smoke or chemicals. This pathology occurs in smokers or people working in hazardous industries. Main symptom chronic form bronchitis - cough with sputum discharge. Elimination of the disease is facilitated by changing lifestyle, quitting smoking, and ventilating the work area. To get rid of symptoms, bronchodilators are prescribed - special drugs that help expand the airways and make breathing easier by inhalation. During exacerbation, treatment with antibiotics or corticosteroids is recommended.

Alveolitis

Alveolitis is an inflammation of lung tissue with its subsequent degeneration into connective tissue. This disease should not be confused with alveolitis, which occurs after poor-quality tooth extraction. The main cause of the development of the inflammatory process in the lungs can be: allergies, infections, inhalation of toxic substances. The disease can be recognized by such signs as: headache and muscle pain, fever, aching bones, chills, shortness of breath, cough. Lack of treatment for pulmonary alveolitis leads to the development of respiratory failure. Measures to eliminate the main signs of the disease depend on the cause of its occurrence. In case of allergic alveolitis, the patient’s interaction with the allergen should be excluded and an antiallergic drug should be taken. At elevated temperature It is recommended to take antipyretic drugs, in case of severe cough - antitussives, expectorants. Quitting cigarettes promotes rapid recovery.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that occurs independently or as a complication of certain diseases of the respiratory system. Selected species pneumonia does not pose a danger to humans, while other types can be fatal. Lung infection is the most dangerous for newborns due to their still fragile immunity. The main symptoms of the disease are: heat, chills, chest pain, worse with deep inspiration, dry cough, blue lips, headaches, excessive sweating. The most common complications of pneumonia include: inflammation of the lining of the lungs (pleurisy), abscess, difficulty breathing, pulmonary edema. Diagnosis of the disease is based on the results of a chest x-ray and blood test. Treatment can be prescribed only after its causative agent has been identified. Depending on what caused the pneumonia (fungus or virus), antifungal or antibacterial drugs are prescribed. In case of extreme heat, it is recommended to take antipyretic drugs (no more than three days in a row). Respiratory failure developing as a result of an infectious lesion of the lungs requires oxygen therapy.

Lung abscess

An abscess is an inflammation of a separate area of the lung with the accumulation of a certain amount of pus in it. The accumulation of pus in the lung in most cases is observed against the background of the development of pneumonia. Predisposing factors may be: smoking, alcohol abuse, taking certain medical supplies, tuberculosis, drug addiction. Signs of the development of the disease are: coughing, chills, nausea, fever, sputum with minor blood. The heat that occurs when lung abscess, usually cannot be eliminated with conventional antipyretics. The disease requires treatment with large doses of antibiotics, since the drug must penetrate not just into the body, but also into the very source of inflammation and destroy its main pathogen. In some cases, drainage of the abscess is required, that is, removal of pus from it using a special syringe needle inserted into the lung through the chest. If all measures to eliminate the disease have not brought the desired result, the abscess is removed surgically.

Emphysema

Pulmonary emphysema is a chronic disease associated with impairment of the basic function of the lungs. The cause of the development of this pathology is chronic bronchitis, which results in disruption of the processes of breathing and gas exchange in the human lungs. The main symptoms of the disease: difficulty breathing or its complete impossibility, blueness of the skin, shortness of breath, widening of the intercostal spaces and supraclavicular area. Emphysema develops slowly, and at first its symptoms are almost invisible. Shortness of breath usually occurs only in the presence of excessive physical exertion, as the disease progresses, this symptom is observed more and more often, then it begins to bother the patient, even when he is in a state of complete rest. The result of the development of emphysema is disability. Therefore, it is very important to start treatment at the initial stage of the disease. In most cases, patients are prescribed antibiotics, drugs that dilate the bronchi and have an expectorant effect, breathing exercises, and oxygen therapy. Full recovery is possible only if you follow all the doctor’s instructions and stop smoking.

Pulmonary tuberculosis

Pulmonary tuberculosis is a disease caused by a specific microorganism - Koch's bacillus, which enters the lungs along with the air containing it. Infection occurs through direct contact with a carrier of the disease. There are open and closed forms of tuberculosis. The second occurs most often. The open form of tuberculosis means that the carrier of the disease is able to excrete its pathogen along with sputum and transmit it to other people. With closed tuberculosis, a person is a carrier of the infection, but is not able to transmit it to others. The signs of this form of tuberculosis are usually very vague. In the first months from the onset of infection, the infection does not manifest itself in any way; much later, general weakness of the body, fever, and weight loss may appear. Treatment for tuberculosis should be started as early as possible. This is the key to saving a person’s life. To achieve optimal results, treatment is carried out using several anti-tuberculosis drugs at once. Its goal in this case is the complete destruction of the Koch bacillus present in the patient’s body. The most commonly prescribed drugs are ethambutol, isoniazid, and rifampicin. Throughout the entire treatment period, the patient is in inpatient conditions specialized department of a medical clinic.

Diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract are the third most common in the world. And in the future they may become even more common. Lung diseases are second only to cardiovascular diseases and liver pathologies, which affect every fifth person.

Lung diseases are common in modern world, perhaps this is provoked by the unstable environmental situation on the planet or by excessive hobby modern people smoking. In any case, pathological phenomena in the lungs must be combated as soon as the first symptoms of the disease appear.

Modern medicine copes very well with pathological processes in the human lungs, the list of which is quite large. What types of lung diseases are there, their symptoms, as well as ways to eliminate them, today we will try to look at them together.

So, a person has lung diseases of varying severity and intensity of manifestation. Among the most common are the following:

alveolitis;
asphyxia;
bronchitis;
bronchial asthma;
pulmonary atelectasis;
bronchiolitis;
neoplasms in the lungs;
bronchiectasis;
hyperventilation;
histoplasmosis;
hypoxia;
pulmonary hypertension;
pleurisy;
chronic obstructive disease (COPD);
pneumonia;
sarcoidosis;
tuberculosis;
pneumothorax;
silicosis
apnea syndrome.

For most uninformed people without medical education, a list of such names means nothing. To understand what exactly this or that lung disease means, let’s consider them separately.

Alveolitis is a disease that consists of inflammation of the pulmonary vesicles - the alveoli. In the process of inflammation, fibrosis of lung tissue begins.

Asphyxia can be recognized by characteristic attack suffocation, oxygen stops entering the blood and the amount of carbon dioxide increases. Atelectasis is the collapse of a certain part of the lung, into which air ceases to flow and the organ dies.

Chronic illness lungs - bronchial asthma, which is very common lately. This disease is characterized by frequent attacks of suffocation, which can vary in intensity and duration.

Due to a bacterial or viral infection, the walls of the bronchioles become inflamed, and signs of a disease called bronchiolitis appear. In the case of inflammation of the bronchi, bronchitis appears.

Bronchospasm manifests itself in the form of frequent muscle contractions, as a result of which the lumen significantly narrows, causing difficulties in the entry and exit of air. If the lumen in the vessels of the lungs narrows gradually, then the pressure in them increases significantly, which causes dysfunction in the right chamber of the heart.

Bronchiectasis is characterized by constant dilation of the bronchi, which is irreversible. A feature of the disease is the accumulation of pus and sputum in the lungs.

Sometimes the mucous membrane of the lungs - the pleura - becomes inflamed, and a certain plaque forms on it. Such problems of the respiratory organs are called pleurisy in medicine. If the lung tissue itself becomes inflamed, pneumonia occurs.

In cases where a certain amount of air accumulates in the pleural area of the lung, pneumothorax begins.

Hyperventilation is a pathology that can be congenital or occur after a chest injury. It manifests itself in the form of rapid breathing at rest.

The causes of hypoxia can be different, ranging from injuries to nervous tension. This disease is characterized by obvious oxygen starvation.

Tuberculosis and sarcoidosis

Tuberculosis can deservedly be called a modern plague, because every year this disease affects more and more people, as it is very contagious and transmitted by airborne droplets. The causative agent of this disease is Koch's bacillus, which can be treated with constant exposure to drugs on the body.

Among pulmonary diseases, which still have unclear causes of formation, sarcoidosis can be noted. This disease is characterized by the appearance of small nodules on the organ. Often, cysts and tumors form on these paired organs, which must be removed surgically.

Fungal infections lungs are called histoplasmosis. Fungal infections of the lungs are dangerous diseases; they can be caught by constantly being in damp, unventilated areas. If a person’s living or working conditions are associated with dusty rooms, then an occupational disease called silicosis may develop. Apnea syndrome- this is an unreasonable cessation of breathing.

The chronic form can develop in each of the above diseases. The main provoking factor is ignoring the signs of the disease and lack of qualified help.

Symptoms of respiratory tract diseases

The above lung diseases have their own characteristics and manifestation patterns, but there are a number of symptoms that are characteristic of all diseases of the respiratory system. Their symptoms are quite similar, but they can have different intensity and duration of manifestation. Typical symptoms include:

attacks of suffocation accompanied by coughing;
weight loss;
loss of appetite;
expectoration of pus and sputum;
spasms in the sternum;
increased temperature, chills and fever;
dizziness;
decreased performance and weakness;
increased sweating;
whistling and wheezing in the chest;
frequent shortness of breath;

Treatment regimens for lung disease itself and its symptoms are selected only by a qualified doctor based on examinations and test results.

Some people try to treat themselves, but this is not worth doing, because you can cause a number of serious complications, which will be much more difficult to get rid of than the original illness.

Treatment and prevention

In most cases, antibacterial, antiviral and restorative therapy is prescribed to eliminate respiratory tract diseases. To combat cough, antitussive expectorants are used, and painkillers and antispasms are prescribed to reduce pain. The selection of drugs is carried out taking into account the age, weight and complexity of the patient’s disease. In the most severe cases, surgery is prescribed with further chemotherapy in the case of oncology, physiotherapeutic and health resort treatment.

There are many reasons for the development of respiratory tract diseases, but prevention will help prevent lung diseases. Try to spend more time in the fresh air, stop smoking, pay attention to the cleanliness of the room you are in, because it is the dust and mites living in them that provoke spasms and attacks of suffocation. Eliminate allergic foods from your diet and avoid breathing chemical fumes that may come from powders and cleaning products. By following these simple rules, you may be able to avoid diseases that can affect the lungs and respiratory tract. Don't neglect your health, because it is the most valuable thing you have. At the first signs of lung disease, immediately contact an allergist, therapist or pulmonologist.

Lung diseases are a common occurrence in the modern world, perhaps this is caused by the unstable environmental situation on the planet or by modern people’s excessive passion for smoking. In any case, pathological phenomena in the lungs must be combated as soon as the first symptoms of the disease appear.

Modern medicine is very good at treating pathological processes in the human lungs, the list of which is quite large. What types of lung diseases are there, their symptoms, as well as ways to eliminate them, today we will try to look at them together.

So, a person has lung diseases of varying severity and intensity of manifestation. Among the most common are the following:

alveolitis;
asphyxia;
bronchitis;
bronchial asthma;
pulmonary atelectasis;
bronchiolitis;
neoplasms in the lungs;
bronchiectasis;
hyperventilation;
histoplasmosis;
hypoxia;
pulmonary hypertension;
pleurisy;
chronic obstructive disease (COPD);
pneumonia;
sarcoidosis;
tuberculosis;
pneumothorax;
silicosis
apnea syndrome.

For most uninformed people without medical education, a list of such names means nothing. To understand what exactly this or that lung disease means, let’s consider them separately.

Alveolitis is a disease that consists of inflammation of the pulmonary vesicles - alveoli. In the process of inflammation, fibrosis of lung tissue begins.

Asphyxia can be recognized by a characteristic attack of suffocation; oxygen stops entering the blood and the amount of carbon dioxide increases. Atelectasis is the collapse of a certain part of the lung, into which air ceases to flow and the organ dies.

Chronic lung disease - bronchial asthma - has become very common lately. This disease is characterized by frequent attacks of suffocation, which can vary in intensity and duration.

Bronchiectasis is characterized by constant dilation of the bronchi, which is irreversible. A feature of the disease is the accumulation of pus and sputum in the lungs.

Sometimes the mucous membrane of the lungs, the pleura, becomes inflamed, and a certain plaque forms on it. Such problems of the respiratory organs are called pleurisy in medicine. If the lung tissue itself becomes inflamed, pneumonia occurs.

In cases where a certain amount of air accumulates in the pleural area of the lung, pneumothorax begins.

Hyperventilation is a pathology that can be congenital or occur after a chest injury. It manifests itself in the form of rapid breathing at rest.

The causes of hypoxia can be different, ranging from injuries to nervous tension. This disease is characterized by obvious oxygen starvation.

Tuberculosis and sarcoidosis

Among the pulmonary diseases that still have unclear causes of formation, sarcoidosis can be noted. This disease is characterized by the appearance of small nodules on the organ. Often, cysts and tumors form on these paired organs, which must be removed surgically.

Fungal infections of the lungs are called histoplasmosis. Fungal infections of the lungs are dangerous diseases; they can be caught by constantly being in damp, unventilated areas. If a person’s living or working conditions are associated with dusty rooms, then an occupational disease called silicosis may develop. Apnea syndrome is an unjustified stop in breathing.

The chronic form can develop in each of the above diseases. The main provoking factor is ignoring the signs of the disease and lack of qualified help.

Symptoms of respiratory tract diseases

attacks of suffocation accompanied by coughing;
weight loss;
loss of appetite;
expectoration of pus and sputum;
spasms in the sternum;
increased temperature, chills and fever;
dizziness;
decreased performance and weakness;
increased sweating;
whistling and wheezing in the chest;
frequent shortness of breath;

Treatment regimens for lung disease itself and its symptoms are selected only by a qualified doctor based on examinations and test results.

Some people try to treat themselves, but this is not worth doing, because you can cause a number of serious complications, which will be much more difficult to get rid of than the original illness.

Treatment and prevention

There are a huge number of causes for the development of respiratory tract diseases, but prevention will help prevent lung diseases. Try to spend more time in the fresh air, stop smoking, pay attention to the cleanliness of the room you are in, because it is the dust and mites living in them that provoke spasms and attacks of suffocation.

Eliminate allergic foods from your diet and do not breathe chemical fumes that may come from powders and cleaning products. By following these simple rules, you may be able to avoid diseases that can affect the lungs and respiratory tract. Don't neglect your health, because it is the most valuable thing you have. At the first signs of lung disease, immediately contact an allergist, therapist or pulmonologist.

Lesions of the human pulmonary system go far beyond the limited spectrum that is considered critical. So, many people know what pneumonia or tuberculosis is, but they may hear about such a deadly disease as pneumothorax for the first time in the doctor’s office.

Each section of the respiratory apparatus, and in particular the lungs, is important for its irreplaceable functionality, and the loss of one of the functions is an irreparable disruption in the operation of the entire complex mechanism.

How do lung diseases occur?

In the modern world, it is customary to open the list of lung diseases in humans with a long list of vices acquired due to poor environmental conditions. However, it would be more appropriate to place first among the reasons congenital pathologies. The most severe lung diseases fall specifically into the category of developmental anomalies:

cystic formations;
additional pulmonary lobe;
"mirror lung"

Next in line are diseases not related to the patient’s living conditions. These are genetic lesions, that is, inherited. Distorted chromosomal code becomes a frequent culprit of such anomalies. An example of such a congenital anlage is considered to be a pulmonary hamartoma, the causes of which are still the subject of debate. Although one of the leading reasons is still called the weak immune defense that is formed in the child in the womb.

Further, the list of lung diseases in humans continues the list of acquired disorders that are formed through the penetration of pathogenic microflora into the body. First of all, the bronchi and trachea suffer from the activity of the bacterial culture. On the background viral infection inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia) develops.

And the list of lung diseases in humans is completed by pathologies provoked by environmental conditions, environmental conditions or the patient’s lifestyle.

Lung diseases affecting the pleura

Paired organs - the lungs - are enclosed in a transparent membrane called the pleura. A special pleural fluid is placed between the layers of the pleura to facilitate the contractile movements of the lungs. There are a number of diseases that disrupt the distribution of lubricant in the pleural plane or are responsible for the entry of air into a sealed cavity:

Pneumothorax is a life-threatening disease, since the air escaping from the lungs fills the voids in the chest and begins to compress the organs, limiting their contractility.
Pleural effusion, or otherwise the formation of fluid filling between the chest wall and the lung, prevents the full expansion of the organ.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, often a late consequence of frequent contact of the respiratory system with asbestos dust.

Below we will consider one of the most common diseases of the pleura - pulmonary pleurisy. The symptoms and treatment of this pathology depend on the form in which it develops.

Pleurisy of the lungs

Factors provoking pleural inflammation are any conditions that contribute to incorrect functioning of the lungs. These may be protracted illnesses that cannot be treated or have not been treated:

tuberculosis;
pneumonia;
colds;
advanced rheumatism.

Sometimes pleurisy develops as a result of a heart attack or severe physical trauma to the sternum, especially if the patient has had a rib fracture. A special place is given to pleurisy that develops against the background of tumors.

Varieties of pleurisy determine two directions of development of pathology: exudative and dry. The first is characterized by a painless course, since pleural cavity filled with moisture, which conceals inconvenience. The only sign of illness will be pressure in the sternum, the inability to take a full breath without a feeling of tightness.

Dry pleurisy causes chest pain when inhaling or coughing. Sometimes discomfort and pain are transferred to the back and shoulders. The difference in the symptoms of two types of one disease is expressed by the presence or absence (as in this case) of liquid filling in the voids of the pleura. Moisture does not allow the sheets of the shell to rub together and cause pain, while a small amount of it is not able to form a sufficient barrier from friction.

As soon as the symptoms of pulmonary pleurisy are identified and the treatment of the underlying disease is prescribed, they begin to relieve the alarming consequences. So, to pump out excess fluid, which creates pressure on the organs and prevents full breathing, a puncture is used. The procedure has a double meaning - it restores the ability of the lungs to contract normally and provides material for laboratory analysis.

Lung diseases affecting the airways

Respiratory tract damage is diagnosed based on several indicators:

Shortness of breath, shortness of breath, or shallow, shallow breathing. In advanced forms of the disease, acute asphyxia is observed. All types of disorders in the functioning of the respiratory system are characterized by a disruption of the respiratory rhythm, which manifests itself in a painless or painful form.
Cough - wet or dry, with or without blood in the sputum. Based on its nature and the time of day when it manifests itself most strongly, the doctor can make a preliminary decision on the diagnosis, having only a package of primary studies.
Pain, varying in localization. When visiting a doctor for the first time, it is important to correctly assess the pain sensations that arise as sharp, pulling, pressing, sudden, etc.

The list of lung diseases in humans that reflect these symptoms includes:

All types of asthma - allergic, nervous, hereditary, caused by toxic poisoning.
COPD is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that underlies such pathologies as lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory failure. COPD is, in turn, divided into bronchitis chronic course and emphysema.
Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary abnormality that prevents the regular removal of mucus from the bronchi.

Let us consider below the last disease on the list as the least known of those listed.

Cystic fibrosis of the lungs

Manifestations of cystic fibrosis are noticeable in the first year of a child’s life. Expressive signs are a cough with heavy discharge of thick, viscous mucus, lack of air (shortness of breath) with little physical effort, inability to digest fats, and retardation in height and weight relative to normal.

The origin of cystic fibrosis is blamed on a distortion of the seventh chromosome, and the hereditary transmission of the damaged gene is due to a high percentage (25%) when the pathology is diagnosed in two parents at once.

Treatment often involves removing acute symptoms course of antibiotics and replenishment of the enzyme composition of the pancreas. And measures to increase bronchial patency depend on the severity of the patient’s condition.

Lung diseases affecting the alveoli

The bulk of the lungs are made up of alveoli - air-saturated voluminous bags covered by a dense capillary network. Cases of fatal lung diseases in humans are usually associated with damage to the alveoli.

Among these diseases are:

pneumonia (pneumonia) as a result of bacterial infection;
tuberculosis;
pulmonary edema caused by direct physical damage to the lung tissue or disruption of the myocardium;
a tumor localized in any segment of the respiratory organ;
pneumoconiosis, classified as an “occupational” disease and developing from irritation of the lungs by dust elements of cement, coal, asbestos, ammonia, etc.

Pneumonia is the most common lung disease.

Pneumonia

The main symptom of pneumonia in adults and children is a cough - dry or wet, as well as an increase in temperature in the range of 37.2° - 37.5° (with focal inflammation) and up to 39 ° C with a standard clinic.

The influence of pathogenic bacteria is called the main cause of pneumonia. A smaller percentage is attributed to the action of viruses and only 1-3% is attributed to fungal infections.

Infection with infectious agents occurs through airborne droplets or by transfer of the agent from the affected organ. The second situation often occurs with advanced caries.

Hospitalization for severe symptoms of pneumonia in adults occurs in severe cases; in milder forms of inflammation, the patient is prescribed home treatment subject to bed rest. The only one effective method against pneumonia, are broad-spectrum antibiotics. If the patient’s body does not have a positive reaction to the chosen remedy after three days, the doctor selects an antibiotic of a different group

Interstitial lung diseases

The interstitium is a kind of frame that supports the alveoli with almost invisible but durable tissue. At different inflammatory processes in the lungs, the interstitium thickens and becomes visible during hardware examination. Damage to the connective membrane is caused by various factors and can be of bacterial, viral, or fungal origin. Exposure to non-removable dust elements and medications cannot be ruled out.

Alveolitis

Idiopathic fibrosing alveolitis is a progressive disease affecting the alveoli through damage to the interstitium. The symptoms of diseases in this group are not always clear, as is the nature of the pathology. The patient suffers from shortness of breath and a dry, painful cough, then difficulties with breathing lead to the fact that the simplest physical efforts, such as climbing to the second floor, become impossible for the person. Treatment of idiopathic fibrosing alveolitis, up to complete reversibility of the disease, is possible in the first three months after the first signs appear and involves the use of glucocorticoids (drugs that relieve inflammation).

Chronic nonspecific lung diseases

This group includes various lesions respiratory organs of an acute and chronic nature, characterized by similar clinical manifestations.

The leading factor in nonspecific lung diseases is called negative environmental conditions, which include human inhalation of harmful chemical substances or nicotine tars when smoking.

Statistics distribute the ratio of cases of COPD between two main diseases - chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma - and attribute the percentage balance (about 5%) to other types of respiratory tract damage. With absence proper treatment nonspecific pulmonary diseases progress to tuberculosis, cancer, pneumosclerosis, and chronic pneumonia.

There is no general systemic therapy for the treatment of COPD. Treatment is carried out based on the diagnostic results and involves the use of:

antimicrobial agents;
UV and microwave;
bronchodilators;
immunomodulators;
glucocorticosteroids.

In some cases, for example, when acute and chronic lung abscess has developed, a decision is made to remove a section of the affected organ in order to stop further spread of the disease.

Prevention of lung diseases

The basis of measures to prevent the development of pulmonary diseases is an accessible diagnostic procedure - a fluorogram, which must be taken every year. It is equally important to monitor the health of the oral cavity and urinary system, as areas where infections are most often localized.

Any cough, difficulty breathing or a sharp increase in fatigue should be a reason to contact a therapist, and pain in the sternum, combined with any of these symptoms, is a good reason to make an appointment with a pulmonologist.