Respiratory diseases
Respiratory diseases
Respiratory diseases or lung diseases are pathological conditions that affect the organs and tissues that make gas exchange possible in higher organisms, and includes conditions of the respiratory tract including the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli, pleurae, pleural cavity, and the nerves and muscles of respiration.
Pronunciation
Respiratory diseases: /rɛspɪrətɔːri dɪziːz/
Etymology
The term "respiratory" comes from the Latin respirare which means "to breathe". The term "disease" comes from the Old French desaise, meaning lack of ease, discomfort, or distress.
Types of Respiratory Diseases
There are many different types of respiratory diseases, including:
- Asthma: A condition in which a person's airways become inflamed, narrow and swell, and produce extra mucus, which makes it difficult to breathe.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A type of obstructive lung disease characterized by long-term breathing problems and poor airflow.
- Pneumonia: An inflammatory condition of the lung affecting primarily the small air sacs known as alveoli.
- Tuberculosis: A potentially serious infectious disease that mainly affects your lungs.
- Lung cancer: A type of cancer that begins in the lungs.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of respiratory diseases include:
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent cough
- Chest pain
- Wheezing
- Fatigue
Treatment
Treatment for respiratory diseases depends on the specific disease, its severity, and the overall health of the patient. Treatments may include medication, pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy, or surgery.
See also
References
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