What Are The Most Common Lung Diseases?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease that causes damage to the bronchi or larger branches in the lung that carry air to smaller branches. COPD is an umbrella term used to encompass two different long-term diseases that occur concurrently, including the chronic form of bronchitis and emphysema. The combination of these lung diseases causes the airways to swell severely and results in an impaired ability to breathe in and out. Symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease include shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, persistent cough, and chest tightness. COPD that has progressed to a severe stage can result in symptoms such as appetite loss, sexual dysfunction, blue lips, fatigue, morning headaches, depression, sleep problems, blue nail beds, frequent infections of the lungs, and weight loss. Diagnosis of this condition is made using a physical examination, pulse oximetry, pulmonary function tests, computerized tomography scans, chest x-rays, and blood tests. Treatment for COPD includes the administration of bronchodilators, steroid medications, mucolytics, oxygen therapy, protein therapy, administration of vaccines, and surgery.

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