Respiratory Disorders

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It causes difficulty in breathing and coughing, which gradually worsens over time. Smoking is the main cause of COPD, but air pollution, genetics, and exposure to dust and chemicals also contribute to its development.

Chronic bronchitis is a type of COPD characterized by a persistent cough, mucus production, and inflammation of the bronchial tubes. It is caused by long-term exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, and dust.

Emphysema is a type of COPD that results from damage to the air sacs in the lungs, leading to shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. The main cause of emphysema is long-term exposure to cigarette smoke, but other factors such as air pollution, genetics, and exposure to dust and chemicals also contribute.

Lung cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells in the lung grow uncontrollably, eventually forming a tumour. It is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Smoking is the most significant risk factor for developing lung cancer, but exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, and genetics can also play a role.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) and bronchiectasis are both chronic lung diseases that can lead to bronchial wall damage and recurrent lung infections. CF is caused by a genetic mutation that affects the body’s production of mucus, leading to thick and sticky secretions that clog the airways. Bronchiectasis is characterized by the widening and scarring of the airways, often due to recurrent infections.

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Symptoms include coughing, fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Pneumonia can range from mild to severe, and some types of pneumonia can be prevented through vaccination.

Pleural effusion is a condition in which excess fluid builds up between the lining of the lungs and the chest cavity. This can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing. Causes of pleural effusion include infection, heart failure, cancer, and lung diseases such as pneumonia or tuberculosis.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Triggers for asthma attacks can include allergens, exercise, pollution, and respiratory infections.

Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection and resolves on its own within a few weeks, while chronic bronchitis is a type of COPD characterized by a persistent cough and mucus production.

Allergic cough is a type of cough caused by an allergic reaction to environmental irritants such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. It is often accompanied by other allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.

A smoker’s cough is a type of chronic cough caused by long-term smoking. It is characterized by a persistent cough, often accompanied by phlegm, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Quitting smoking is the best way to prevent and manage a smoker’s cough.