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Lung diseases
Lung diseases can cause a variety of symptoms, including cough and shortness of breath. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen suddenly.
Basic facts about lung diseases
- Lung diseases include various diseases that impair lung function, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer and lung infections, such as tuberculosis.
- The prevalence of lung diseases is increasing, partly due to air pollution and the ageing of the population.
- Treatment may consist of medication, respiratory support devices, lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and treating obesity, sometimes oxygen therapy or respiratory physiotherapy, or combinations of these.
Symptoms of lung diseases
Symptoms of lung diseases can range from a mild cough to severe breathing difficulties. The duration and severity of the symptoms depend on the type and stage of the disease, but they can worsen without appropriate treatment.
Typical symptoms of lung diseases include:
- A cough that can be dry or mucous producing
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Feeling of pressure in the chest
- Recurrent bronchitis or pneumonia
- Sleep respiratory disorders such as sleep apnoea
Lung diseases, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications such as lung function impairment, increased strain on the heart, and a decline in quality of life. It is, therefore, important to identify symptoms in good time and seek medical attention, if necessary.
Treatment of lung diseases
The treatment of lung diseases depends on the type and severity of the disease. Symptoms may worsen if left untreated.
The most common lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, are usually treated with inhalers designed to make breathing easier and/or reduce inflammation.
Various treatment options for lung diseases include:
- Medical treatment
- Oxygen therapy
- Respiratory support treatment
- Physiotherapy and breathing exercises
- Smoking cessation (and withdrawal treatment)
Examining lung diseases
The diagnosis of lung diseases is based on a symptom assessment, interviews, physical examination and diagnostic tests such as spirometry, which measures the lung’s functional capacity.
In addition, imaging tests such as X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scans can be used to help identify structural changes in the lungs and possible diseases such as pneumonia or tumours.
When should you see a physician because of a lung disease?
Seek a medical appointment if:
- You experience a sudden, severe or recurrent shortness of breath
- You have a prolonged cough (more than 3 weeks or more often than 2 weeks)
- If you suffer from recurrent bronchitis or pneumonia
- The symptoms affect your daily functional capacity or their cause is unclear.
In these situations, it is important to seek a doctor’s appointment, as timely treatment can prevent worsening of the symptoms and possible serious complications.
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Revised 10/25/2024
Frequently asked questions about lung diseases
More rare lung diseases include pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis and pulmonary hypertension, which may require specialised treatment and monitoring.
These diseases can manifest as a variety of symptoms, including difficulty breathing, coughing and fatigue.
The diagnosis of sleep apnoea is typically based on a clinical evaluation of symptoms and night polygraphy (sleep recording). During sleep, this study monitors breathing, oxygen levels, heart rhythm and other body functions to detect nocturnal respiratory arrest.
A lung scan is usually taken to assess the condition of the lungs when determining the causes of a symptom, such as a shortness of breath or prolonged cough, or when suspecting diseases such as pneumonia or lung cancer. An X-ray helps to see the structures of the lungs and any abnormalities, such as infections or tumours.
A shadow in the lungs can be caused by a number of reasons, such as an infection, inflammation, tumour or blood clot. The exact cause is often determined by additional examinations, such as computed tomography (CT), which provides more detailed information about the nature and location of the shadow.
Consolidation in the lungs refers to an area that is more densely visible on the X-ray when compared to the surrounding lung tissue. This may be a sign of pneumonia, a tumour or other changes in the lung tissue. The cause and nature of the consolidation is usually determined by further examinations, such as a CT scan or sample (biopsy).
