COMMON EIGHT LUNG DISEASES AND HOW TO PREVENT THEM

 COMMON  EIGHT  LUNG DISEASES AND HOW TO PREVENT THEM

Lungs are two organs in the chest that take in the oxygen from the air and remove carbon dioxide from the air , lungs play vital role in our health of oxygen supply , remove waste regulate    levels , filter harmful substance ,support immune function since it contains immune cells that help fight infections and diseases   However, they are vulnerable to various diseases that can cause breathing difficulties, infections, and long-term complications. 

1. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD is a progressive lung disease  it is a long term disease that makes it hard to breath .however it damages airways and lungs which makes it hard to breath, it gets worth overtime and cant be cured  . It includes two main conditions:

• Chronic bronchitis – Inflammation and swelling , excess mucus narrowing of the airways it has symptoms like persistent coughing , shortness of breath , and  wheezing , it is caused by smoking , air pollution , genetrices  and respiratory infections 
• Emphysema – Damage to the air sacs slowly  (alveoli) which  reduces oxygen exchange in that it makes breathing difficult , and causing shortness breath  , it has symptoms like coughing , fatigue , wheezing 

Causes of COPD

• Smoking (the primary cause in 90% of cases).
• Long-term exposure to air pollution, industrial chemicals, and dust.
• Genetics, especially alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, which makes the lungs more vulnerable to damage
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
  .

Symptoms of COPD

• Persistent cough with mucus (smoker’s cough).
• Shortness of breath (initially during activity, later at rest).
• Wheezing and chest tightness.
• Frequent respiratory infections (such as pneumonia).

Prevention of COPD

• Quit smoking, this makes breathing easier 
• Limit exposure to air  pollution  which damages the lungs  and this can be Dane by using protective gear , keep your home clean , using eco friendly products 
• Exercise regularly , this can keep your lungs healthy and strong by improving its regular function ,,increased endurance ,and reducing risk of chronic diseases.
• Eat a healthy diet rich in antioxidants to support lung function.
• Get vaccinated against flu and pneumonia to reduce infections.

2. Asthma

Asthma is a lung diseases that makes it hard to breath  since the tubes  that carry air in and out of your lungs get inflamed and narrow  

Causes of Asthma

• Allergens (pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold).
• Air pollution and cigarette smoke.
• Cold air and infections (such as flu).
• Exercise-induced asthma (triggered by physical activity).
• Genetic factors (family history increases risk). that to say if your parent have asthma your are more likely to get it 
• Allergies , allergies ti dust mites ,pollen or pet dander can trigger asthma 

Symptoms of Asthma

• Wheezing (whistling sound while breathing).
• Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.
• Chest tightness.
• Persistent coughing, especially at night or after exercise.

Prevention of Asthma

• Identify and avoid triggers (such as pollen or smoke).
• Use prescribed inhalers and medications to manage symptoms.
• Improve indoor air quality with air purifiers.
• Get regular checkups to monitor lung function.

3. Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection  lungs that inflames the air sacs (alveoli),  which are responsible for for exchanging oxygen and carbo dioxide  when it occurs the air sacs become filled with  fluid , pus making it harder for oxygen to reach the blood stream s. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

Causes of Pneumonia

• Bacterial infections (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae).
• Viral infections (e.g., flu, COVID-19).
• Fungal infections (more common in weakened immune systems).

Symptoms of Pneumonia

• Fever, chills, and sweating.
• Cough with mucus or pus. coughing yellow or green mucus which may be bloody 
• Chest pain and difficulty breathing.
• Fatigue and loss of appetite.
• Nausea and vomiting
• shortness of breath  which involves difficult berthing 

Prevention of Pneumonia

• Get vaccinated against pneumonia and flu.
• Practice good hygiene (wash hands, cover mouth when coughing).
• Avoid smoking, which weakens lung defenses.
• Strengthen immunity with a healthy diet.
• avoid close contact with sick people 

4. Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is type of cancer that originates from lungs  occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, forming tumors that block airflow and spread to other body parts. They is two types of lung diseases for example non small cell lung cancer which accounts for about 85% of lung cases and small cell lung cancer which accounts about 15% of lung cancer diseases

Causes of Lung Cancer

• Smoking (causes 85% of cases).
• Genetic factors (family history increases risk).
• air pollution 

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

• Persistent cough that worsens over time.
• Coughing up blood (hemoptysis).
• Shortness of breath and chest pain.
• Unexplained weight loss and fatigue.

Prevention of Lung Cancer

• Quit smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Reduce exposure to harmful chemicals (asbestos, radon gas).
• Eat a healthy diet rich in antioxidants.
• Regular lung screenings for early detection

5    Tuberculosis  is bacteria infection caused by mycobacterium  tuberculosis which majorly affects the lungs bat can also affect other parts of body , it has two types pulmonary which majorly affects the lungs ,extrapulmonary which affects other parts of the body such as kidney , spine or Braine

Causes of Tuberculosis

• Mycobacterium tuberculosis, spread through airborne droplets.
• Weakened immune system (e.g., HIV, malnutrition).
• close contact with some one with TB 
• Age that to say older adults and young ones are more susceptible
• malnutrition . poor nutrition   can increase the risk of TB

Symptoms of Tuberculosis

• Persistent cough (lasting over 3 weeks).
• Coughing up blood.
• Night sweats, fever, and chills.
• Unintentional weight loss.

Prevention of Tuberculosis

• Get vaccinated (BCG vaccine) in high-risk areas.
• Wear masks in crowded places.
• Complete TB medication if diagnosed
• Avoid close contact , that to say avoid contact with some one with TB.

---

6. Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary refers to the lungs and the breathing system which includes lungs , airways , blood vessels , (the lungs ability to take in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide )and this can be measured with tests like spirometry , and lung volume measurements , pulmonary  fibrosis is a a lung diseases where lungs become scared making it hard to berth  

Causes of Pulmonary Fibrosis

• Long-term exposure to pollutants (silica dust, asbestos, mold spores).
• infections , certain infections like pneumonia .
• Certain medications or radiation therapy.
• genetic ; family history 

Symptoms of Pulmonary Fibrosis

• Shortness of breath, even at rest.
• Dry, persistent cough.
• Fatigue and weight loss.

Prevention of Pulmonary Fibrosis

• Avoid exposure to environmental toxins.
• Manage autoimmune conditions properly.
• Get regular lung checkups.

---

7. Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in lung arteries, straining the heart. That to say under this the blood pressure  becomes elevated  which makes it harder for the heart to pump blood through lungs , it has different types eg pulmonary arterial hypertension , pulmonary venous hypertension , pulmonary  hypertension due to heart diseases , pulmonary hypertension due to lung  diseases

Causes of Pulmonary Hypertension

• Heart disease and chronic lung conditions.
• Blood clots in lungs (pulmonary embolism).
• genetical . family history 
• heart diseases 

Symptoms of Pulmonary Hypertension

• Shortness of breath during activity.
• Chest pain or tightness.
• Swelling in legs and ankles.
• shortness of breath 
• fatigue feeling week or tired

Prevention of Pulmonary Hypertension

• Control heart disease.
• Exercise regularly.
• Avoid smoking.

---

8. Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder affects the body ability to move salt and water in and out the cells which can cause problems in the lungs and digestive system  , it has different types eg classic  with sever respiratory and digestive symptoms , non classic  with fewer symptoms  , and atypical  with unusual symptoms 

Causes of Cystic Fibrosis

• Inherited genetic mutation affecting mucus production.

Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis

• Chronic lung infections.
• Persistent cough with thick mucus.
• Shortness of breath.

Prevention of Cystic Fibrosis

• No prevention (genetic), but early diagnosis helps manage symptoms.

---

9. Bronchitis

Bronchitis is when the airways in lungs get  inflamed it has different types such as Acute Bronchitis , which is a short term sickness that lasts few weeks , and Chronic bronchitis which is long term which lasts month or several years  the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, leading to mucus buildup.

Causes of Bronchitis

• Viral infections (most common).
• Bacterial infections
• air pollution 
• smoking 

Symptoms of Bronchitis

• Persistent cough with mucus.
• Shortness of breath.

Prevention of Bronchitis

• Avoid smoking and pollution.
• Wash hands regularly.