7 Common Lung Diseases and Their Causes

The lungs are human vital organs that play a crucial role in the respiratory system. Sadly, many lung diseases can significantly disrupt the daily lives of those affected. Therefore, it is essential to understand the variety of lung diseases. 

 

One of the common lung diseases is asthma. However, there are also other lung diseases that people often encounter.

 

Types of Lung Diseases and Their Causes

 

Several common lung diseases include tuberculosis, pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis, etc. You can read the explanation below to discover the various types of lung diseases.

 

1. Tuberculosis

 

The first type of lung disease is tuberculosis (TB or TBC). As the name suggests, this lung disease is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterial infection. When it enters and infects the lungs, Mycobacterium tuberculosis can cause shortness of breath and chronic cough in those affected.

 

Tuberculosis is a contagious lung disease. Hence, the patients and the people around them should be vigilant of this disease. Aside from the lungs, TB may also infect other organs, such as the spine, lymph nodes, brain, intestines, and even the heart.

 

2. Pneumonia

 

The next lung disease is pneumonia. Pneumonia is a type of ARI or Acute Respiratory Infection characterized by inflammation of the air sacs in the lungs (alveoli). Pneumonia, often called lung inflammation, is a disease that fills the air sacs in the organ with fluid or pus. The cause of this lung disease is viral or bacterial infection. Some symptoms of pneumonia include:

 

• Frequent coughing with the presence of yellow, green, or even bloody mucus.

• Shortness of breath.

• Chest pain.

• Fever. 

 

3. Lung Cancer

 

Lung cancer is a disease marked by the growth of abnormal cells in the lungs. The cause of lung cancer is gene mutations in the organ. In addition, smoking, both active and passive, is one of the most common risk factors that can lead to lung cancer.

 

4. Asthma

 

Asthma that occurs in the lungs is often referred to as bronchial asthma. Bronchial asthma is a disease that narrows, swells, and produces excess mucus in the airways. It is still uncertain as to what causes bronchial asthma. Regardless, genetics and environment (air pollution, exposure to allergens, viral infection, etc.) are known to trigger this lung disease. Some symptoms of this disease include:

 

• Wheezing.

• Shortness of breath.

• Coughing.

• Difficulty breathing.

 

5. Emphysema

 

Emphysema is a type of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Similar to lung cancer, emphysema is most commonly caused by smoking habits. It occurs because the walls of the alveoli or air sacs are damaged.

 

6. Bronchitis

 

The next common lung disease is bronchitis. It occurs due to inflammation in the walls of bronchial tubes. The cause of bronchitis is viral or bacterial infections by Rhinovirus, Adenovirus, Influenza, Coronavirus, etc.

 

7. Pulmonary Embolism

 

Pulmonary embolism is a disease that occurs due to a blood clot in the lung’s arteries. This blockage causes inadequate blood supply in the lungs and results in symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and even coughing up blood.

 

That is an overview of the various types of lung diseases. If you experience any respiratory tract problems, promptly consult our doctor to receive early treatment. In doing so, medical measures can be taken to avoid more serious health complications. 

 

Thus, you can use the teleconsultation service provided by Siloam Hospitals. This teleconsultation service will allow you and your family to consult with our doctors more easily anywhere and anytime.

 

This feature is available in our MySiloam app. This teleconsultation feature will connect you with our professional and experienced doctors. Your medical data will also be stored online, making it easier to monitor.

 

In addition to using the teleconsultation service, you can maintain your health by consuming nutritious food by subscribing to our Siloam at Home - Catering package. The menu has been customized based on our nutrition specialist doctor’s recommendation. Moreover, this catering service will be delivered directly to your home.