What is lung disease

Other times, treatments are used to stop the cancer from spreading and to relieve symptoms. Surgery is used to remove the lung tissue that has the cancerous tumor. Sometimes a large part of a lung or all of it is removed. When the cancer has not spread, surgery can cure the patient. Radiation therapy uses a machine to aim high-energy x-rays at the tumor. This energy kills cancer cells. Radiation therapy can relieve pain and make a person feel better.

Chemotherapy uses medicine to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy medicines can be given through a vein or taken as a pill. Targeted therapy uses medicine to block the growth and spread of cancer cells. It can be given through a vein or taken as a pill. To find out about research studies on new treatments for lung cancer, visit clinical trials website of the National Cancer Institute.

For more information about lung disease, call the OWH Helpline at or contact the following organizations:. Department of Health and Human Services.

ET closed on federal holidays. Breadcrumb Home A-Z health topics Lung disease. Lung disease Lung disease Lung disease refers to disorders that affect the lungs, the organs that allow us to breathe. What is lung disease? Examples of lung diseases are: Asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema Infections, such as influenza and pneumonia Lung cancer Sarcoidosis sar-KOY-doh-sis and pulmonary fibrosis Lung disease is a major concern for women.

What types of lung disease are most common in women? Asthma Asthma is a chronic ongoing disease of the airways in the lungs called bronchial tubes. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD refers to chronic obstructive bronchitis and emphysema.

Lung cancer Lung cancer is a disease in which abnormal malignant lung cells multiply and grow without control. They are: Small cell lung cancer. This kind of lung cancer tends to spread quickly. Non-small cell lung cancer.

This is a term for several types of lung cancers that act in a similar way. Most lung cancers are non-small cell. This kind of lung cancer tends to spread more slowly than small cell lung cancer. Other lung diseases Less common lung problems that affect women include: Pulmonary emboli. These are blood clots that travel to the lungs from other parts of the body and plug up blood vessels in the lungs. Some factors that increase your risk include being pregnant, having recently given birth, and taking birth control pills or menopausal hormone therapy.

Pulmonary emboli can affect blood flow in the lungs and can reduce oxygen flow into the blood. Very large emboli can cause sudden death. Pulmonary hypertension. This is high blood pressure in the arteries that bring blood to the lungs. It can affect blood flow in the lungs and can reduce oxygen flow into the blood.

Sarcoidosis and pulmonary fibrosis. These inflammatory diseases cause stiffening and scarring in the lungs. This is a rare lung disease that mostly affects women in their mids and 40s. Muscle-like cells grow out of control in certain organs, including the lungs. Influenza the flu and pneumonia. Flu is a respiratory infection that is caused by a virus and can damage the lungs. Usually, people recover well from the flu, but it can be dangerous and even deadly for some people. Those at greater risk include older people, young children, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions like asthma.

Pneumonia is a severe inflammation of the lungs that can be caused by bacteria , viruses , and fungi. Fluid builds up in the lungs and may lower the amount of oxygen that the blood can get from air that's breathed in. People most at risk are older than 65 or younger than 2, or already have health problems. Vaccines are the best protection against flu and pneumonia. What causes lung disease? These include: Smoking. Smoke from cigarettes, cigars, and pipes is the number one cause of lung disease.

Don't start smoking, or quit if you already smoke. If you live or work with a smoker, avoid secondhand smoke. Ask smokers to smoke outdoors. Secondhand smoke is especially bad for babies and young children. This colorless, odorless gas is present in many homes and is a recognized cause of lung cancer. You can check for radon with a kit bought at many hardware stores.

Radon can be reduced in your home if you find out there are high levels. This is natural mineral fiber that is used in insulation, fireproofing materials, car brakes, and other products. Asbestos can give off small fibers that are too small to be seen and can be inhaled.

Asbestos harms lung cells, causing lung scarring and lung cancer. Air pollution. Recent studies suggest that some air pollutants like car exhaust may contribute to asthma, COPD, lung cancer, and other lung diseases. How would I know if I have a lung disease? The signs and symptoms can differ by the type of lung disease.

Common signs are: Trouble breathing Shortness of breath Feeling like you're not getting enough air Decreased ability to exercise A cough that won't go away Coughing up blood or mucus Pain or discomfort when breathing in or out Make sure to call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. How can I find out if I have asthma? Common symptoms of asthma are: Coughing Wheezing Chest tightness Shortness of breath To diagnose asthma, the doctor asks about your symptoms and what seems to trigger them, reviews your health history, and does a physical exam.

To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may do other tests, such as: Spirometry speye-ROM-eh-tree. The doctor uses a medical machine called a spirometer.

Lung Function Tests Lung function tests provide an easy way of measuring the function of your lungs without the need to physically examine the lungs themselves. Lung function or breathing tests are important investigations which: Help diagnose suspected lung disease Help in planning treatments and deciding whether treatments should be continued, changed, or are no longer needed Find out more by downloading our Lung Function Test fact sheet.

Lung disease in Australia Anyone can get lung disease. Lung disease overview There are over 30 types of lung disease Almost 1 in 3 Australians has a lung disease. In , it is estimated over 12, Australians will be diagnosed with lung cancer in Australia. IPF is a rare and progressive lung disease causing irreversible scarring of the lungs.

While it is not currently known exactly how many people are affected by IPF in Australia, experts estimate approximately 1, people are diagnosed with this devastating disease each year.

PAH diagnosis is delayed on average 3. Bronchiectasis is a common lung disease caused by chronic infection damaging the lungs. Females and the elderly are more frequently affected.

In Australia there is currently very limited, if any, information, support, treatment and research available for children diagnosed with a rare lung disease. The stigma surrounding lung disease is a major barrier to accessing research, funding, treatment and support.

Bronchiolitis Obliterans Popcorn Lung hello. Bronchitis Acute hello. Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia hello. Chronic Bronchitis hello. Chronic Cough hello. Coccidioidomycosis Valley Fever hello. Coronavirus hello. COVID hello. Cystic Fibrosis CF hello. Emphysema hello. Histoplasmosis hello. Human Metapneumovirus hMPV hello. Find out more about the symptoms of COPD.

Do not ignore the symptoms. If they're caused by COPD, it's best to start treatment as soon as possible, before your lungs become significantly damaged. The GP will ask about your symptoms and whether you smoke or have smoked in the past. They can organise a breathing test to help diagnose COPD and rule out other lung conditions, such as asthma. Find out more about how COPD is diagnosed. COPD happens when the lungs become inflamed, damaged and narrowed.

The main cause is smoking, although the condition can sometimes affect people who have never smoked.