FAQs about Respiratory Diseases

1.  What Are Respiratory Diseases?

It is a disease that negatively affects the lungs and respiratory tracts in such a way that it makes the gaseous exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide difficult, causing problems with breathing and other problems linked with lack of oxygen supply.

They may range from mild to life-threatening symptoms.

2.  What Are Some Common Respiratory Diseases?

They include the following:

1. Asthma

2. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

3. Emphysema

4. Lung cancer

5. Chronic Bronchitis

6. Pneumonia

7. Cystic Fibrosis

8. Pleural Effusion

3.  What Causes Respiratory Disease?

There are various types of respiratory and the causes vary. The most common causes include:

1. Infections due to pathogens

2. Consumption of tobacco

3. Other forms of air pollutants

4. Undeveloped lungs

5. Genetic factors

4.  Can You Prevent a Respiratory Disease?

You can reduce the risk of respiratory diseases and keep your lungs healthy by:

1. Quit smoking

2. Exercise, yoga and breathing exercises

3. Wearing a mask to protect your lungs from pathogens and dust particles

4. Maintain hygiene, especially with your face and hands

5. Avoid breathing toxic chemicals

6. Get vaccinated for pneumonia

5.  What Are The Symptoms of Respiratory Disease?

The most common symptoms include:

1. Difficulty breathing

2. Heavy breathing

3. Excessive cough and mucus formation

4. Chest pain

5. Coughing up blood

6.  How Long Can You Survive with Lung Cancer?

More than 50% die in the first year of being diagnosed with lung cancer, making it one of the most deadly diseases.

Most lung cancers cannot be cured but with effective treatment, there is a five-year survival rate but it varies with the extent and nature of the disease.

However, if caught at an early stage it can be treated and cured. Unfortunately, only 16% of lung cancer cases are detected at early stages due to its complex nature.

7.  What Are the Stages of Lung Cancer?

They are the following:

For non-small cell cancer-

1. Stage 1: Cancer formed but has not spread.

2. Stage 2: Secondary cancer growths spread to lymph nodes nearby.

3. Stage 3: Cancer had spread to the lymph nodes at the centre of the chest.

4. Stage 4: Cancer has spread to the other lung and distant organs.

For small cell cancer-

1. Limited stage: Cancer found in one lung and lymph nodes in the lungs.

2. Extensive stage: Spreads to the other lungs and additionally spreads to distant organs, bone marrow, and lung fluid.

8.  Do I Have Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is often confused for the flu initially. The most significant and alarming symptoms are:

1. Bluish or greyish lips and fingernails

2. Excessive breathing or trouble breathing

3. Chills that make you tremble

4. High fever

5. Low energy and fatigue

9.  What Is an Asthma Attack?

During an asthma attack, the airway passages that transfer air to your lungs become swollen and shrink. As a result, the person is unable to inhale and exhale, leading to suffocation.

The attack is usually triggered by dust particles, tobacco, smoke, insect allergens, pets, molds, grass, etc

10. Why is Exercise Important For COPD Patients?

COPD patients suffer from shortness of breath. A lot of people wrongly assume that one must rest in order to better their breathing.

When you exercise, it helps your body utilize and consume oxygen better and faster as long as it is done in moderation and your body is not overworked.