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Lung disease

Lung disease is any problem in the lungs that prevents the lungs from working properly. There are three main types of lung disease:

  1. Airway diseases -- These diseases affect the tubes (airways) that carry oxygen and other gases into and out of the lungs. They usually cause a narrowing or blockage of the airways. Airway diseases include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiolitis, and bronchiectasis (which also is the main disorder for persons with cystic fibrosis). People with airway diseases often say they feel as if they're "trying to breathe out through a straw."
  2. Lung tissue diseases -- These diseases affect the structure of the lung tissue. Scarring or inflammation of the tissue makes the lungs unable to expand fully (restrictive lung disease). This makes it hard for the lungs to take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. People with this type of lung disorder often say they feel as if they are "wearing a too-tight sweater or vest." As a result, they can't breathe deeply. Pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis are examples of lung tissue disease.
  3. Lung circulation diseases -- These diseases affect the blood vessels in the lungs. They are caused by clotting, scarring, or inflammation of the blood vessels. They affect the ability of the lungs to take up oxygen and release carbon dioxide. These diseases may also affect heart function. An example of a lung circulation disease is pulmonary hypertension. People with these conditions often feel very short of breath when they exert themselves.

Many lung diseases involve a combination of these three types.

The most common lung diseases include:

Managing COPD Quiz

  • What's the best way to slow down lung damage due to COPD?

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is stop smoking. If you have COPD, the best thing you can do for your lungs is to quit smoking. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor about quit smoking groups, medicines, and other tools that can help you kick the habit.

  • You can avoid flare-ups at home by doing which of the following?

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is all of the above. Cold air, fireplace smoke, and cigarette smoke can all trigger COPD symptoms. Avoiding triggers can help you breathe more easily and have fewer flare-ups. Ask your doctor about other ways to improve your symptoms.

  • Men with COPD are more likely to feel depressed than women.

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is false. Both men and women with COPD are at risk for depression or anxiety, but women are more likely to be depressed or anxious than men. Depression and anxiety can make your flare-ups worse. If you think you may be depressed, see your doctor.

  • Overnight oxygen therapy can help you sleep better.

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is true. About half of people with severe COPD have trouble sleeping. Overnight oxygen therapy may help with sleep problems. See your doctor if you're having trouble sleeping to be tested for low oxygen levels.

  • What can pulmonary rehabilitation do for you?

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is all of the above. Pulmonary rehabilitation can help you manage your COPD better. Talk with your doctor to see if it's an option for you.

  • Pulmonary rehabilitation can teach you a new way to breathe.

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is true. You can learn a new way to breathe called pursed lip breathing. Breathing this way before you begin activities or exercise can help your lungs work better. Ask your health care provider about pursed lip breathing.

  • Walking is the best exercise for people with emphysema.

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is true. In studies, patients who exercised often were able to walk farther and breathe better. Try to walk three or four times a day for 5 to 15 minutes.

  • Flying can make breathing problems worse.

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is true. If you're planning to travel by plane, talk with your doctor first. You may need to arrange for in-flight oxygen or a wheelchair. You also may need to let the airline know if you need to take certain medicines or have breathing machines on the plane.

  • Medicines help people manage COPD, but not cure it.

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is true. There are many different kinds of medicines to treat the symptoms of COPD. But they won't cure it. Medicines help people with COPD breathe better, live more fully, avoid flare-ups, and treat flare-ups when they happen. If you have any questions about your medicines, talk to your doctor.

  • Strengthening exercises are good for people with COPD.

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is true. Strengthening exercises can help build muscles and improve breathing. This type of exercise also may help you with simple activities such as standing up from a chair and climbing stairs. Talk with your doctor about what exercises you can do to build strength.
Review Date: 7/31/2022

Reviewed By

Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, MHS, Paul F. Harron Jr. Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

References

Clifton IJ, Ellames DAB. Respiratory medicine. In: Penman ID, Ralston SH, Strachan MWJ, Hobson RP, eds. Davidson's Principles and Practice of Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 17.

Kraft M. Approach to the patient with respiratory disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 77.

Disclaimer

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Pulmonary mass - side view chest X-ray - Illustration Thumbnail

Pulmonary mass - side view chest X-ray

This individual has a mass in the upper part of the lung. Although the cause of the mass can be suspected, based on this person's history, there are many diseases that can produce lung lesions.

Illustration

Lung mass, right lung - CT scan - Illustration Thumbnail

Lung mass, right lung - CT scan

This is a CT scan of the upper chest showing a mass in the right lung (seen on the left side of the picture).

Illustration

Lung mass, right upper lung - chest X-ray - Illustration Thumbnail

Lung mass, right upper lung - chest X-ray

This picture is a chest x-ray of a person with a lung mass. This is a front view, where the lungs are the two dark areas and the heart and other structures are visible in the middle of the chest. The x-ray shows a mass in the right upper lung, indicated with the arrow (seen on the left side of the picture).

Illustration

Lung with squamous cell cancer - CT scan - Illustration Thumbnail

Lung with squamous cell cancer - CT scan

This CT scan shows a cross section of the lungs of a person with lung cancer. The two dark areas in the middle of the screen are the lungs. The light areas in the right lung (on the left of the screen) represent the cancer.

Illustration

Secondhand smoke and lung cancer - Illustration Thumbnail

Secondhand smoke and lung cancer

Secondhand smoke has been classified as a known cause of lung cancer in humans (Group A carcinogen).

Illustration

Yellow nail syndrome - Illustration Thumbnail

Yellow nail syndrome

Yellow nail syndrome is characterized by yellow nails that lack a cuticle, grow slowly, and are loose or detached (onycholysis). Yellow nail syndrome is most commonly associated with lung disorders, and with lymphedema.

Illustration

Respiratory system - Illustration Thumbnail

Respiratory system

Air is breathed in through the nasal passageways, travels through the trachea and bronchi to the lungs.

Illustration

 
 
Pulmonary mass - side view chest X-ray - Illustration Thumbnail

Pulmonary mass - side view chest X-ray

This individual has a mass in the upper part of the lung. Although the cause of the mass can be suspected, based on this person's history, there are many diseases that can produce lung lesions.

Illustration

Lung mass, right lung - CT scan - Illustration Thumbnail

Lung mass, right lung - CT scan

This is a CT scan of the upper chest showing a mass in the right lung (seen on the left side of the picture).

Illustration

Lung mass, right upper lung - chest X-ray - Illustration Thumbnail

Lung mass, right upper lung - chest X-ray

This picture is a chest x-ray of a person with a lung mass. This is a front view, where the lungs are the two dark areas and the heart and other structures are visible in the middle of the chest. The x-ray shows a mass in the right upper lung, indicated with the arrow (seen on the left side of the picture).

Illustration

Lung with squamous cell cancer - CT scan - Illustration Thumbnail

Lung with squamous cell cancer - CT scan

This CT scan shows a cross section of the lungs of a person with lung cancer. The two dark areas in the middle of the screen are the lungs. The light areas in the right lung (on the left of the screen) represent the cancer.

Illustration

Secondhand smoke and lung cancer - Illustration Thumbnail

Secondhand smoke and lung cancer

Secondhand smoke has been classified as a known cause of lung cancer in humans (Group A carcinogen).

Illustration

Yellow nail syndrome - Illustration Thumbnail

Yellow nail syndrome

Yellow nail syndrome is characterized by yellow nails that lack a cuticle, grow slowly, and are loose or detached (onycholysis). Yellow nail syndrome is most commonly associated with lung disorders, and with lymphedema.

Illustration

Respiratory system - Illustration Thumbnail

Respiratory system

Air is breathed in through the nasal passageways, travels through the trachea and bronchi to the lungs.

Illustration

 
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