Sadly, diseases of the lung are not uncommon in numerous regions of the world. This is due to the fact that lung disease is a broad term into which many illnesses fall. Certain diseases are contagious, while others are genetic, such as emphysema and asthma.
According to numerous medical experts, approximately half a million people in the US alone die of pulmonary disease each year, accounting for 20% of all deaths. Many of these, such as lung cancer, are highly preventable. Cancer of the lungs was very rare prior to the invention of cigarettes.
Lung cancer has the highest mortality rate of all pulmonary disorders, and it is one of the most fatal types of malignancy. On the North American continent, more people die from this kind of cancer that die from lymph, colon, prostate, and breast cancers combined. However, malignant tumors in the lungs can be prevented in most cases, as 90% of patients who suffer from this illness are smokers.
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi, and frequently occurs when a person is suffering from a cold or respiratory infection. This type of bronchitis is referred to as acute. However, chronic bronchitis is more serious, and is characterized by continuous bronchial inflammation.
Emphysema is a pulmonary disorder that limits the amount of oxygen one can exhale from his or her body. Emphysema frequently occurs in long-term smokers, but it has been known to occur in non-smokers as well. As the illness progresses, it destroys the air sacs that allow oxygen to enter a person's lungs. Medical treatments can slow the progression, but there is no cure.
Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs caused by an infection, and in many cases it accompanies the flu. Although not as deadly as it once was, the elderly and young children are at a high risk for serious complications if proper medical care is not sought. The treatment of choice is typically penicillin, although additional antibiotics are often prescribed as well.
Asthma is a disease that occurs when an individual's bronchial tubes become inflamed and constricted. One can have serious or mild asthma; however, most people afflicted with the disorder wheeze frequently. In some instances, an asthma attack can be life-threatening. Medication in pill form, as well as inhaled drugs are often prescribed by healthcare providers as treatment for this kind of disorder. Any individual who thinks that he or she may have lung disease should speak to a physician at once. In this way, the person can be sure that an appropriate diagnosis is made and proper care pursued.
According to numerous medical experts, approximately half a million people in the US alone die of pulmonary disease each year, accounting for 20% of all deaths. Many of these, such as lung cancer, are highly preventable. Cancer of the lungs was very rare prior to the invention of cigarettes.
Lung cancer has the highest mortality rate of all pulmonary disorders, and it is one of the most fatal types of malignancy. On the North American continent, more people die from this kind of cancer that die from lymph, colon, prostate, and breast cancers combined. However, malignant tumors in the lungs can be prevented in most cases, as 90% of patients who suffer from this illness are smokers.
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi, and frequently occurs when a person is suffering from a cold or respiratory infection. This type of bronchitis is referred to as acute. However, chronic bronchitis is more serious, and is characterized by continuous bronchial inflammation.
Emphysema is a pulmonary disorder that limits the amount of oxygen one can exhale from his or her body. Emphysema frequently occurs in long-term smokers, but it has been known to occur in non-smokers as well. As the illness progresses, it destroys the air sacs that allow oxygen to enter a person's lungs. Medical treatments can slow the progression, but there is no cure.
Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs caused by an infection, and in many cases it accompanies the flu. Although not as deadly as it once was, the elderly and young children are at a high risk for serious complications if proper medical care is not sought. The treatment of choice is typically penicillin, although additional antibiotics are often prescribed as well.
Asthma is a disease that occurs when an individual's bronchial tubes become inflamed and constricted. One can have serious or mild asthma; however, most people afflicted with the disorder wheeze frequently. In some instances, an asthma attack can be life-threatening. Medication in pill form, as well as inhaled drugs are often prescribed by healthcare providers as treatment for this kind of disorder. Any individual who thinks that he or she may have lung disease should speak to a physician at once. In this way, the person can be sure that an appropriate diagnosis is made and proper care pursued.
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