HEALTH MATTERS: Signs of lung disease: chronic cough, shortness of breath
Lung disease is the third leading cause of death in America, responsible for one in seven deaths. Today, more than 35 million Americans are living with some form of lung disease.
Diseases such as lung cancer, asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis are all harmful lung diseases that are potentially fatal if not detected and treated early. The lungs are a vital part of the human respiratory system and are responsible for bringing oxygen into the body and releasing carbon monoxide out of the body.
Lung disease can be detected by several warning signs. Chronic cough is a major symptom of lung disease. A cough that lasts more than one month is considered to be chronic. Shortness of breath is another symptom of lung disease. Shortness of breath that continues after a brief rest following normal exercise, or happens after little or no exercise at all, is abnormal. Chronic phlegm production is also an indicator. The lungs produce phlegm as a defense mechanism that responds to infection or other irritants. If one experiences phlegm production for more than a month, an underlying lung problem may exist. Wheezing, another symptom of lung disease, is a noisy breathing that indicates something is blocking the airflow of the lungs or making the airways too narrow. Coughing up blood and frequent chest colds are warning signs as well.
Many factors can contribute to lung disease. The most harmful factor for lung disease is cigarette smoke. Cigarette smoke has many negative effects, such as:
Weakening the lungs' cilia (a defense mechanism), making them more susceptible to infection;
Closing up air passage, making breathing more difficult;
Causing chronic inflammation or swelling in the lungs, which can lead to bronchitis and
Changing the enzyme balance of the lungs, which leads to the destruction of lung tissue that occurs in emphysema.
Occupational hazards also contribute to lung disease. Certain work environments expose workers to unhealthy air dusts from things such as coal, silica, asbestos or raw cotton. Metal fumes and chemical vapors are also occupational hazards. Workers who are overexposed to such conditions greatly increase the risk of lung disease. Viruses, fungus, and bacterium are airborne germs that can be inhaled into the lungs and cause additional lung problems. Several actions can be taken to prevent lung disease, which include:
Don't smoke. Quitting smoking is the best way to protect your lungs and dramatically reduce the risk of lung disease;
Be knowledgeable of the symptoms of lung disease and see your physician immediately if any symptoms arise;
Avoid heavy exposure to air pollution. Refer to local radio or television reports as well as local newspapers on the air quality. Avoid increased physical activity on days with high levels of pollution.
Avoid lung hazards such as secondhand smoke, air pollution and occupations where unclean air is inhaled on a regular basis.
Get immunizations. Getting vaccinated can prevent lung diseases such as pneumococcal pneumonia and influenza.
If you want to learn more about maintaining healthy lungs or facts about lung disease, contact your primary care physician.
Sources: American Lung Association: http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=33316 and American Lung Association of Georgia & East Central Region: http://abrannen.home.mindspring.com/alag/healthy.htm.
Dr. Ronald Trudel specializes in internal medicine and geriatrics. His practice is located at 1959 N. Aaron Dr. Suite C in Tooele
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