Lung Diseases: Symptoms, Function, Classifications, Treatment

What Are Lung Diseases?

Lung diseases are various disorders taking place in the lungs, the organs that assist our breathing. They hinder respiration and cause lots of problems. Therefore, it is crucial to know more about lung diseases, their causes, symptoms, and remedies for respiratory health.

Anatomy And Physiology Of The Lungs

The anatomy and physiology of the lungs is discussed below:

Structure of Lungs

These are paired, spongy, air-filled organs located in the cavity of the thorax on either side. The trachea, or the windpipe, conducts the inhaled air down to the lungs through a tubular branch called the bronchi. Each of the bronchi further subdivides and forms smaller and smaller branches known as bronchioles that terminate in rather small sacs called alveoli, where the gas exchange takes place.

Function of Lungs

The lungs are major organs whose work is indispensable in putting oxygen from the atmosphere into the blood and removing carbon dioxide from the blood into the atmosphere.

Types Of Lung Diseases

Two important types of lung diseases are acute and chronic. The acute forms of lung diseases generally come up very rapidly and persist only for a short period. On the other hand, chronic lung diseases persist for a long period and usually remain along with the concerned patient throughout his or her life.

Major Lung Diseases (With Short Descriptions)

Some of the major lung diseases are:

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that maturates in the swelling of airways and their narrowing, leading to breathing difficulty, coughing, and wheezing.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A group of chronic lung disorders characterized by progressive reduction in airflow, expressed as increasing breathlessness and involving emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Pneumonia

There is an acute infection and inflammation in the airbags of one or both lungs, which are filled with fluid or pus. It presents with a cough and production of mucus or pus accompanied by fever, chills, and shortness of breath.

Tuberculosis

This is a much more serious infectious disease that affects the lungs, due to the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Lung Cancer

A type of cancer that begins in the lungs, and normally affects those who smoke.

Pulmonary Fibrosis

Irreproachable damage and scarring of lung tissue, leading to difficulty breathing.

Cystic Fibrosis

A failure in some of the cells producing mucus, sweat, and digestive juices themselves at the gene level that causes bad damage to the lungs and digestive system.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

A serious life-threatening medical condition wherein the lungs fail to take in sufficient oxygen to satisfy the demand of the vital organs of the body.

Causes And Risk Factors

They can be due to genetics, environment, infections, and choices in the way of life of human beings.

Genetic Factors

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder/inherited lung disease.

Environmental Factors

Air pollution, inhaling harmful chemicals, and occupational hazards are responsible for lung diseases.

Infections

Most other bacterial, viral, and fungal infections result in pneumonia and tuberculosis.

Lifestyle Choices

Therefore, smoking is the primary cause of most lung diseases, to which count COPD and lung cancer.

Signs And Symptoms Of Lung Diseases

Though varying from one another, in general, all lung diseases present with the following signs and symptoms:

• Persistent cough or measurement

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain

• Wheezing

• Fatigue

• Blood in the cough

Diagnosis Of Lung Diseases

Lung diseases are diagnosed based on the history of the patient, his physical examination, and a series of diagnostic tests and procedures.

Medical History and Physical Examination

The intellectuals of the onset of the disease because of symptoms, the smoking history of the patient, and environmental toxin exposure.

Diagnostic Tests

• Chest X-ray: This test is done to produce images of the lungs to detect any anomalies.

• CT Scan: Done to obtain sliced pictures of the lung data set.

• Pulmonary Function Tests: record the status of the lungs w.r.t. whether functioning or not.

• Bronchoscopy: Inside conditions of bronchi are examined through a long flexible tube equipped with a camera at its end.

• Blood tests: Blood tests are done for the detection of infection, among many more causes.

Treatment And Management

Lung diseases require different modalities of treatment according to the nature and seriousness of the disease. The common modes of treatment are:

• Medications: Inhalers, antibiotics, and others for management, and to counteract infections.

• Oxygen Therapy: Ensure that patients who have problems related to advanced lung diseases are properly cared for.

• Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Betterment of one's lung ability by use of exercise, education, and support.

Disease-Specific Treatments

• Asthma: Corticosteroids and bronchodilators

• COPD: Long-term bronchodilators and corticosteroids

• Tuberculosis: Course of antibiotics over some months.

• Lung Cancer: Operations, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

Prevention Of Lung Diseases

As a way of preventing lung diseases, healthy living standards should be observed alongside limiting one's exposure to hazardous materials and gases.

• Avoid Smoking: Cessation of smoking is the best mode of preventing various lung diseases.

• Exposure to Pollutants: Avoid locations in which All Source Natural Ambient Air Quality Standards are exceeded and take precautionary measures properly by using protective equipment in dangerous places of work.

• Vaccinations: Flu and pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination

• Good Hygiene: Keeping good hygiene by frequently washing hands and avoiding direct contact with cold people or those who suffer from any other air-borne diseases.

• Regular Medical Check-up: Early detection of lung disease enables one to prevent further complications from the disease.

Recent Development In Lung Diseases Research

The recent research has resulted in developments in diagnosis and lung disease treatment.

• New Drugs and Technologies: Developed new drugs, invasive surgical procedures, and advanced therapies.

• Diagnostic Innovations: Image enhancement techniques and early detection biomarkers.

• Continuing Research: Research in the genetic/molecular basis of lung diseases that will expedite the development of active treatments be pursued.

Lung Diseases NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)

Important topics for NEET are:

• Major lung diseases

• Diagnosis and treatment of the lung disorders

Practice Questions for NEET

Q1. Among the given options, which combination correctly identifies the distinctive pulmonary events present in asthma and emphysema, respectively?

1. Bronchiole inflammation accompanied by a reduction in respiratory surface area

2. A rise in bronchiole count and an increase in respiratory surface area

3. An expansion of the respiratory surface area along with bronchiole inflammation

4. A decrease in the respiratory surface area coinciding with bronchiole inflammation

Correct answer: 1) Bronchiole inflammation accompanied by a reduction in respiratory surface area

Explanation:

Asthma is characterized by wheezing and breathing difficulties resulting from inflammation of the bronchi and bronchioles. On the other hand, emphysema is a chronic condition that leads to abnormal distension of the bronchioles or alveolar sacs in the lungs, resulting in a decreased respiratory surface area for oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1) Bronchiole inflammation is accompanied by a reduction in respiratory surface area.

Q2. Which is an occupational disorder ?

1. Emphysema

2. Asthma

3. Silicosis

4. Hay fever

Correct answer: 3) Silicosis

Explanation:

Silicosis and asbestosis are occupational disorders caused by prolonged exposure to harmful dust particles in certain industries. Silicosis results from inhaling silica dust often found in mining, construction, and sandblasting, leading to lung damage, scarring, and breathing difficulties. Asbestosis is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers common in construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing, leading to lung scarring, inflammation, and an increased risk of lung cancer or mesothelioma. Both conditions can cause chronic cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath, and are preventable through protective measures to limit exposure to these substances in the workplace.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3) Silicosis.

Q3. Which of the following conditions is characterized by the collapse of a part or all of a lung?

1. Asthma

2. Pneumonia

3. Pulmonary embolism

4. Atelectasis

Correct answer: 4) Atelectasis

Explanation:

Atelectasis refers to the collapse of a part or all of a lung. It occurs when the alveoli (air sacs) within the lung become deflated or collapse, leading to incomplete or no air exchange in that area. This condition can be caused by various factors, such as blockage of the air passages (obstructive atelectasis), compression of the lung tissue (compressive atelectasis), or surfactant deficiency.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4) Atelectasis.

Also Read:

• Disorders of the Respiratory System

• Respiratory System
• Vocal cords