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Pulmonary Disease

153744008Pulmonary disease pertains to anything affecting the lungs. Since humans need oxygen and lungs are the human apparatus of breathing, any disease that hampers lung function or capacity is of great concern. There are a vast number of lung conditions, three of which seriously affect breathing airways for many including: asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. Asthma is often periodic and comes in the form of “attacks” that obstruct air flow in and out of the lungs. However, it may be treated with inhalers, other types of medication and lifestyle changes in the case of Allergy triggers. If a person is sick with coughing and mucus present, he or she may have a variety of conditions, such as,  bronchitis and/or a sinus infection. Emphysema is typically related to shortness of breath, and often this condition is associated with habitual smoking. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is another serious health concern because it is composed of all three lung conditions. This “storm” of lung troubles severely affects a person because blocked airways limit exertion and create problems for leading a normal life.

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Types of Pulmonary Diseases

Pulmonary diseases are often grouped into three main categories, including:

Obstructive Airway Diseases: Lung function hindered by an airway blockage or narrowing. Common conditions include asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis. Inhaling and exhaling are difficult for such people, and the lack of oxygen places them in danger without immediate treatment.

Lung Circulation Diseases: Here, blood vessels in the lungs are impacted adversely. Scars, clots and inflammation of blood vessels hamper the lungs from taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide, which can be toxic.  This kind of disease also may affect the function of the heart.

Lung Tissue Diseases: This is where there is scarring or inflammation of lung tissue, which limits the lungs from being able to work at full capacity. Pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis are examples of lung tissue diseases. People with such maladies report upper respiratory shortness of breath.

There are many, many additional pulmonary diseases that affect people, and that is why it is wise to consult with a pulmonary doctor for an accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

Pulmonary Disease Forum: In the coming months, we plan to bring you information about some of the most concerning areas in the field of pulmonary care. 

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99267126Every Breath You Take

We don’t think about every breath we take. Human lungs don’t just expand and contract to accomplish the need for inhaling and exhaling oxygen for our bodies. The lungs take oxygen from the air and transfer it to the blood, while taking the waste product carbon dioxide from the blood and expelling it into the air. This exchange of gases involves airways and alveoli. Thus, the lung is the organ for gas exchange. To accomplish gas exchange, the lung has two components; airways and alveoli. The lung system is like a large tree, with tubular airway branches, plus two larger segments called the trachea and bronchi. The walls of the alveoli are composed of capillaries, and these small blood vessels allow for the exchange of gases between the blood and air. The quality of our lungs has a crucial impact on the quality of or lives.

174247392Selecting Your Pulmonary Disease Doctor

What are the steps involved to locating the pulmonary doctor who’s right for you? You might want to do some search engine research on pulmonologists or pulmonary disease specialists who are able to diagnose and treat pulmonary conditions of all varieties. In medical parlance, pulmonology is a sub-specialty of the internal medicine sub-specialty, and therefore requires substantial education and training in the wider field. Pulmonologists must graduate from medical school and complete a 3-year internal medicine residency program before taking an internal medicine board certification examination. Then, additional training is needed to secure certification in pulmonology or pediatric pulmonology. Next Visit, Q and A For Your Doctor

Costs and Insurance

As with all medical care, it is advised to consult with your insurance company and your pulmonary care doctor or staff to make sure that diagnostic methods and treatment approaches are covered by your insurance provider.  Being able to breathe is essential for life. So, if you are having issues with your lungs, don’t hesitate to take action and find a pulmonary specialist.

It is important to recognize that all information contained on this website cannot be considered to be specific medical diagnosis, medical treatment, or medical advice. As always, you should consult with a physician regarding any medical condition. Your Health Access disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.