There are quite a number of lung diseases that affect people. Their severity is what differs. Every day more and more women are succumbing to lung disease. These deaths can be prevented with early diagnosis and treatment at Hunterdon Pulmonary.
Below are some of the most common lung diseases that are affecting mostly women.
- CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD, is a condition of the lung that affects the bronchial tubes. Here, these tubes become inflamed and cause excessive secretion of mucus and breathing difficulties. This inflammation is mostly permanent.
This mucus causes the patient to have persistent coughs making them prone to other opportunistic infections.
This disease also affects air sacs located at each end of the bronchial tubes thus limiting oxygen flow into the bloodstream. This is where you will find the patient suffering from shortness of breath coupled with coughing and wheezing.
The main cause of COPD is cigarette smoking.
To avoid deaths that are associated with COPD it is advisable to seek medical attention, particularly from pulmonary doctors in NJ.
- ASTHMA
This is a condition of the lungs where its bronchial tubes are affected causing inflammation and sensitivity. The airways are then sensitive to things such as dust, molds, cigarette smoke and other respiratory infections.
During an asthma attack, the patient has difficulty breathing due to the coughing, wheezing and tightening of the chest. Compared to men, women are more prone to succumb to asthma unless medical attention is sought fast.
- LUNG CANCER
Contrary to the belief that cervical cancer is what affects most women, studies show that lung cancer is what is killing most women in the United States. There are two types of lung cancer; small cell and non-small cell lung cancer.
Small cell lung cancer is the most dangerous as it is known to spread more rapidly.
- PULMONARY HYPERTENSION
Pulmonary hypertension is a disease of the lungs that causes the blood pressure in the lungs to skyrocket. This, in turn, causes the heart (right side) to work twice as hard to pump blood rich in oxygen back into the lungs. If not treated early, this may lead to heart failure.
Some of the reasons why a woman may catch this disease are scleroderma, childhood infections and other lung infections.
- INFLUENZA AND PNEUMONIA
During the cold season, especially winter, there are a number of influenza and pneumonia cases that are reported in medical centers. These are generally common but can be fatal if left untreated. Influenza is caused by a viral infection to the respiratory system that could cause short-term lung damage.
Pneumonia, on the other hand, is either a viral or bacterial infection that affects the respiratory system. With pneumonia, there is a buildup of fluid in the lungs and this limits the amount of oxygen flowing into the bloodstream.
Medication for these two is readily available and the infection should clear up in a week or so. However, extra caution should be taken when treating these diseases among children and the elderly because the condition can turn life-threatening.
In conclusion, these are just a few of lung diseases women are prone to. With proper hygiene, you will be able to minimize the number of germs you come into contact with, significantly reducing the chances of catching the above diseases.
