Our respiratory system, one of the most vital, exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide. It has issues that may hinder its performance. To properly treat patients, one must grasp the causes, symptoms, and therapies of common respiratory ailments. In commemoration of World Lung Day 2023 on September 25, Dr. Swapnil Mehta, a pulmonologist at Dr. LH Hiranandani Hospital in Powai, Mumbai, discussed the causes, symptoms, and treatments of common respiratory illnesses.
Asthma
The chronic respiratory condition asthma affects millions globally. Common causes include pollen, pet dander, irritants such cigarette smoke, perfume, paint, and cleaning chemicals, respiratory disorders, exercise, and inherited factors. Asthma symptoms include wheezing, breathing problems, coughing, and chest tightness. These symptoms regularly range from moderate to severe. Asthma can be controlled using bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory inhalers that lower airway edema. In addition to an asthma action plan with a doctor, triggers must be identified and prevented.
COPD
Smoking and dust exposure aggravate COPD, a chronic lung condition. Chronic coughing, dyspnea (especially after heavy exercise), mucus production, and decreased resistance to strenuous exercise are symptoms. COPD can be managed with bronchodilators and corticosteroids but not cured. If lung function is severely damaged, they may recommend oxygen therapy or pulmonary rehabilitation.
Pneumonia
One or both air sacs might be inflamed by pneumonia. It could be fungus, virus, or bacterium. Fever, coughing up phlegm, chest pain, and shortness of breath are frequent symptoms. The cause affects pneumonia therapy. Usually antibiotics treat bacterial pneumonia, however antivirals can treat viral pneumonia. Rest, water, and painkillers can control symptoms.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis widens the bronchial passages that supply air to your stomach and back. It may be acute or persistent. Most acute bronchitis is caused by viral infections, which cause coughing, congestion, and mucous. Smoking is often connected to chronic bronchitis, a long, mucus-filled cough that lasts three months for two years. Rest, water, and OTC medications are common treatments. Chronic illness patients must quit smoking.
Conclusion:-
Respiratory problems impair the vital respiratory system. On World Lung Day 2023, Dr. Swapnil Mehta, a pulmonologist at Dr. LH Hiranandani Hospital in Powai, Mumbai, explained common respiratory ailments’ causes, symptoms, and treatments. Millions of people have asthma, which causes wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. Dust and smoking worsen COPD, which causes coughing, dyspnea, mucus production, and lung function deficiencies. Antibiotics or antivirals can treat pneumonia, which inflames the lungs’ air sacs. Acute or chronic bronchitis expands bronchial passages. Chronic bronchitis patients must quit smoking.
