Lungs are one of the most crucial organs of our body, with the vital function of providing oxygen, removing carbon dioxide, and maintaining acid-base equilibrium. However, lung health often gets overlooked, until disease sets in. Thus, it is essential to know about lung health, the prevailing diseases which can affect our lungs, and how we can prevent or control them.
We spoke to Dr Rajneesh Kumar Srivastava, Senior Consultant - Respiratory and Sleep Medicine - Pulmonology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Lucknow, India, who listed the seven most common lung diseases.
7 Most Common Lung Diseases
1. Asthma
Asthma is one of the most prevalent chronic lung diseases, both in children and adults. “It is an inflammatory airway condition in which tubes that transport oxygen and carbon dioxide get narrowed and inflamed, limiting airflow. It results in wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the chest, and frequent attacks, usually precipitated by weather changes, cold, or exposure to dust”, explained Dr Srivastava.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2019, approximately 262 million people worldwide were affected by asthma, resulting in around 455,000 deaths.
It has a genetic aetiology, and sensitising agents like pollen, fungi, viruses, dust mites, or air pollution worsen the condition. Asthma can be easily controlled by adopting lifestyle modifications and inhalation medication. Regular follow-ups and adherence to prescribed treatment can allow patients to live full, active lives.
2. Pneumonia
"Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It is indicated by fever, difficulty breathing, and cough with or without phlegm. It is prevented by proper handwashing, wearing a mask, sanitisers, and immunisation, particularly among high-risk groups," added Dr Srivastava.
According to Frontiers in Pediatrics, pneumonia is the leading cause of illness and death among children under five. In 2016, it was estimated that nine lakh children in this age group died from pneumonia worldwide. Between 2000 and 2019, the global mortality rate for under-five children decreased by approximately 50%. However, the progress remains sluggish, as 65 out of 204 countries (32%), mainly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, are not on track to achieve the sustainable development goal (SDG) 3.2 by 2030.
3. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, where the lung's respiratory function decreases and airways narrow, leading to breathlessness, persistent cough, and mucus production. It occurs most frequently in smokers, but long-term exposure to indoor smoke (cooking stoves), industrial air pollution, or uncontrolled asthma can also be the cause. Prevention is largely a question of not smoking.
According to WHO, globally, COPD ranks as the fourth leading cause of death, accounting for around 3.5 million deaths in 2021, which is roughly 5% of all deaths worldwide.
4. Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a fatal disease in which cells in the lungs grow abnormally and uncontrollably. Smoking is the most significant risk factor, but exposure to radon gas, asbestos, environmental pollutants, and even genetic predisposition can also play a role. Early-stage lung cancer may present no symptoms, but as the disease progresses, individuals may notice a persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, and unexplained weight loss.
Lung cancer accounted for approximately 2.2 million new cases and 1.8 million deaths worldwide in 2020, as stated in a study published in Science Direct.
5. Tuberculosis (TB)
Despite being an ancient disease, tuberculosis is still a big public health problem in much of the world, particularly India. It is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is largely confined to the lungs but may also affect other organs.
It is characterised by chronic cough, fever, hemoptysis, loss of appetite, and weight loss. TB can be fully cured if it is diagnosed early and treated. As reported by StatPearls, 90% of individuals infected with TB will have a latent infection. About 5% of those infected go on to develop active disease within the first two years, while another 5% will develop it at a later time.
6. Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
OSA is a disorder that is often encountered in obese patients, wherein oxygen saturation during sleep is low due to transient airway obstruction. Its initial symptoms are nocturnal snoring and daytime somnolence. According to Sleep Medicine, approximately 425 million adults globally are estimated to suffer from moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Over the past ten years, significant epidemiological studies on sleep from various countries have shown that the prevalence of OSA ranges from 43-72%, with moderate-to-severe cases ranging from 11-36%.
OSA is diagnosed with a sleep test (polysomnography) and is treated with lifestyle modifications like weight loss and CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy use.
7. Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD)
“ILD is a collection of uncommon conditions that cause permanent scarring (fibrosis) of lung tissue, causing shortness of breath and chronic cough. The cause is smoking, organic dust exposure, autoimmune diseases, or sometimes unknown,” said Dr Srivastava. The prevalence of IPF ranges from 0.63 to 7.6 per 100,000 individuals in the USA and Europe, with a significant rise observed with age, according to the BMJ Journal.
Diagnosis may involve a high-resolution CT scan, lung function tests, and, in some cases, a lung biopsy. While ILDs are progressive, early diagnosis and treatment with anti-fibrotic therapy, oxygen, and pulmonary rehabilitation can delay disease progression and preserve quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happens if you have lung disease?
You may experience symptoms like breathlessness, cough, expectoration, fever, or chest pain if you have lung disease.
2. How to know if lungs are healthy?
There is a test known as spirometry or Pulmonary Function Test which measures the health of lungs by measuring the amount of air inhaled and exhaled. Other than that chest X-ray some blood tests and CT scan of lungs are helpful in evaluating lung health.
3. How to improve your lungs?
Lungs can be improved by:
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a diet rich in protein, antioxidants, fresh fruits, vegetables, and adequate hydration.
- Regular exercise for at least 30 minutes per day for minimum of five days per week.
- Avoiding smoke exposure both active and passive, and avoidance of any occupational dust or fume exposure, if present.
- Routine consultation with a chest specialist if you have any of these symptoms and maintain regular follow ups, do not stop medications without consulting your doctor.
- Some vaccines like Pneumococcal, Influenza and Pertussis are helpful in preventing infections in susceptible individuals.
4. Can you live a long life with lung disease?
Yes, it is possible to live a long life with lung diseases. In fact, most patients do so, provided you follow your doctor's advice, take medicines regularly, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]