Lung Disorder

Lung disorder is a broad term covering health problems that prevent your lungs from working as they should, affecting millions of people worldwide and ranking among the leading causes of death.

Table of contents

• What is lung disorder?
• Types of lung disorders
• Symptoms
• Causes
• Complications
• How doctors diagnose lung disorders
• Treatment options
• Prevention and healthy habits
• Living with lung disorder

What is lung disorder?

Lung disorder is a general term for health conditions that affect your airways (tubes leading into your lungs) or the tissue that makes up your lungs^[1]. When you breathe, your lungs take in oxygen from the air and deliver it to the bloodstream, and the cells in your body need oxygen to work and grow. During a normal day, you breathe nearly 25,000 times^[2]. People with lung disorders have difficulty breathing, and this prevents their body from getting enough oxygen each time they breathe^[6].

Most lung disorders are long-term, meaning they are chronic conditions that last for a long time or permanently. You may be born with a lung disorder, such as cystic fibrosis, or you might develop one later in life, such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). A few lung disorders, like infections, are short-term and can be cured^[1].

If all types of lung disease are grouped together, lung disorder is the number three killer in the United States^[2]. Millions of people in the United States have lung disease, making it one of the most common medical conditions in the world^[3].

Types of lung disorders

Lung disorders can be divided into three main categories based on which part of the respiratory system they affect^[4].

Airway diseases affect the tubes that carry oxygen and other gases into and out of the lungs. These diseases usually cause a narrowing or blockage of the airways. People with airway diseases often say they feel as if they are trying to breathe out through a straw. Examples include asthma, COPD, bronchiolitis, and bronchiectasis. Chronic bronchitis is a form of COPD that brings a long-term wet cough, while emphysema is another form of COPD where lung damage allows air to be trapped in your lungs^[3][4].

Lung tissue diseases affect the structure of the lung tissue. Scarring or inflammation (swelling) of the tissue makes the lungs unable to expand fully, which is called 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 cannot breathe deeply. Examples include pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis^[4].

Lung circulation diseases affect the blood vessels in the lungs. They are caused by clotting, scarring, or inflammation of the blood vessels. These diseases affect the ability of the lungs to take up oxygen and release carbon dioxide, and may also affect heart function. An example is pulmonary hypertension. People with these conditions often feel very short of breath when they exert themselves^[4].

Many lung disorders involve a combination of these three types^[4]. The most common lung disorders include asthma, collapsed lung, swelling and inflammation in the main passages that carry air to the lungs (bronchitis), COPD, lung cancer, lung infection (pneumonia), abnormal buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), and blocked lung artery (pulmonary embolus)^[4].

Symptoms

Symptoms of lung disorders can vary depending on the specific condition, but common signs include^[1]:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath, also called dyspnea
• Wheezing or whistling noises from your chest
• Tiredness, also called fatigue
• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Clubbed fingers (fingertips that become wider and rounder)
• Bluish or grayish skin, lips or nails, called cyanosis

Symptoms might come on quickly or get worse over time. Most symptoms of lung disease are caused by narrowing of or blockages in the airways or air sacs, which are called alveoli^[1].

Causes

Smoking, infections, and genes cause most lung diseases^[3]. Some causes of lung disorders include^[1]:

• Smoking
• Germs, like viruses, bacteria and fungi
• Connective tissue and inflammatory diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma and sarcoidosis
• Inhaling harmful substances, like asbestos and radon
• Allergic reactions to something you inhale, called hypersensitivity pneumonitis
• Certain medications or treatments
• Genetic changes—either that you are born with or that you acquire as you get older

Complications

Swelling and blockages of your respiratory tract from lung diseases can lead to life-threatening complications. These include^[1]:

• Collapsed lung, also called pneumothorax
• Fluid around your lungs, also called pleural effusion
• High levels of carbon dioxide in your blood, also called hypercapnia
• Low levels of oxygen in your blood, called hypoxemia, or in tissues, called hypoxia
• Pneumonia
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Respiratory failure
• Right-sided heart failure, also called cor pulmonale

How doctors diagnose lung disorders

Depending on your symptoms and health history, your provider might use some of these tests to diagnose lung disorder^[1]:

Pulmonary function tests: Providers can use spirometry and other tests to see how well your lungs are working. In this test, you breathe out quickly and forcefully through a tube connected to a machine. The machine measures how much air the lungs can hold and how quickly air moves in and out of the lungs^[1].

Pulse oximetry: This test uses a device on your finger to measure oxygen levels in your blood^[1].

Imaging tests: Chest X-rays and CT scans (computed tomography scans) can look for lung changes and damage^[1].

Blood tests: Blood tests can check your overall health. Your provider might also order special types of blood tests, like an arterial blood gas test or genetic testing^[1].

Bronchoscopy: Your provider can use this procedure to look inside your airways and take tissue and fluid samples for biopsy (examination of tissue under a microscope)^[1].

Electrocardiogram, also called ECG or EKG: This test checks heart function and rules out heart disease as the cause of your symptoms^[1].

Exercise testing: Your provider uses this to determine if the oxygen level in your blood drops when you exercise^[1].

Treatment options

Treatment depends on the type of lung disorder you have^[1]. There is currently no cure for chronic lung diseases like COPD, but lifestyle changes and treatments can help you feel better, stay more active, and slow the progress of the disease^[21].

Medications include several different types^[1]:

Bronchodilators are medicines that make breathing easier by relaxing and widening your airways. Short-acting bronchodilator inhalers should be used when you feel breathless, up to a maximum of four times a day. Long-acting bronchodilators work for at least 12 hours and only need to be used once or twice a day^[14].

Steroid inhalers contain corticosteroid medicines, which can help reduce inflammation in your airways. They are normally prescribed as part of a combination inhaler that also includes a long-acting medicine^[14].

Antibiotics are a standard treatment for lung diseases like pneumonia and bronchiectasis. They can be used for sudden illnesses but also during flare-ups of chronic conditions^[13].

Mucolytic medicines make the thick mucus in your throat thinner and easier to cough up^[14].

Oxygen therapy is a treatment that delivers oxygen for you to breathe. You can receive oxygen therapy from tubes resting in your nose, a face mask, or a tube placed in your windpipe. You may need oxygen therapy if you have a condition that causes your blood oxygen levels to be too low^[9].

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a supervised program that includes exercise training, health education, and breathing techniques for people who have certain lung conditions. This treatment can help you breathe easier and improve your quality of life^[9].

Surgery may be necessary for some lung disorders. In severe cases, lung transplantation may be an option for patients with severe functional impairment, oxygen dependency, and a deteriorating condition^[16].

Prevention and healthy habits

There are several things you can do to protect your lungs and reduce your risk of lung disorders^[19]:

Stop smoking: If you smoke, stopping is the most effective way to prevent lung disorders from getting worse. Although any damage done to your lungs cannot be reversed, giving up smoking can help prevent further damage^[1].

Get vaccinated: Infections like the flu and pneumonia can be particularly dangerous for people with lung disorders. Make sure you stay up to date with your vaccinations^[23].

Avoid triggers: Identify and avoid things that can worsen your symptoms, such as smoke, pollution, strong odors, and allergens. Keep your living space clean and well-ventilated^[23].

Stay active: Regular physical activity can improve your overall health and lung function. Start with gentle exercises like walking or yoga, and gradually increase your activity level^[23].

Follow a healthy eating plan: Eating a healthy diet with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fish may help protect your lungs^[21].

Living with lung disorder

Living with a lung disorder can be challenging, but with the right strategies and support, you can manage your symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life^[23].

Monitor your symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms daily. Use a journal or an app to note any changes in your breathing, energy levels, and medication use. This can help you and your healthcare provider adjust your treatment plan as needed^[23].

Follow your medication plan: Take your medications as prescribed by your doctor. This includes inhalers, pills, and any other treatments. Make sure you understand how and when to use each medication^[23].

Practice breathing techniques: Techniques like pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing can help you manage shortness of breath. Practice these techniques regularly to improve your breathing efficiency^[23].

Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids can help keep your mucus thin and make it easier to clear your lungs. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day unless your doctor advises otherwise^[23].

Join a support group: Connecting with others who have similar conditions can provide emotional support and practical advice. Look for local or online support groups for people with lung disorders^[23].

Talk to your healthcare team: You are your own best advocate. If you have any concerns with your treatment or do not understand something about your disease, it is essential that you talk to your care providers^[24].

Managing daily life with a lung disorder often means making adjustments. Put items you use often in one easy-to-reach place. Find simple ways to cook, clean, and do other tasks. Ask your provider what types of activities you can safely do^[21].