There are a huge number of respiratory diseases, the study and treatment of which is carried out by a separate section of medicine - pulmonology. Every person encounters such pathologies from time to time. Moreover, each disease is accompanied by a unique set of symptoms and requires appropriate treatment.
Of course, many people are interested in more information. What are the symptoms of diseases and injuries of the respiratory system? What are the causes of inflammatory and purulent processes? What to do if there are violations of the respiratory system? What diagnostic and treatment methods does modern medicine offer? Are there any possible complications? The answers to these questions are of interest to many readers.
Basic forms of pathological processes
The incidence of respiratory diseases is very high. There is hardly a person who at least once in his life has not encountered such problems as cough, runny nose and sore throat. Such pathologies can be independent or develop against the background of other diseases, in particular infectious ones.
There is a whole branch of medicine called pulmonology, which studies the functioning of the respiratory organs and their pathologies. At the same time, a pulmonologist deals with the treatment and prevention of diseases of the trachea, lungs, bronchi, pleura, larynx, diaphragm, nearby lymph nodes, nerve bundles, vessels that feed these organs.
As already mentioned, respiratory diseases are extremely diverse and in modern medicine the following types of pathological processes are distinguished:
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (this group includes pulmonary hypertension, emphysema, pneumosclerosis, chronic forms of bronchitis, bronchial asthma, chronic pneumonia);
- destructive diseases such as gangrene or lung abscess;
- lesions of the pleural cavity (hemothorax, spontaneous pneumothorax, various forms of pleurisy);
- chest injuries;
- benign tumors of the pleura and lungs, cancer, the appearance of malignant neoplasms;
- acute inflammatory respiratory diseases (pneumonia, bronchitis, tracheitis);
- acute respiratory failure and conditions that lead to its development (shock lung syndrome, status asthmaticus, thromboembolism);
- systemic pathologies that also affect the lungs, in particular, sarcoidosis, fibrosing alveolitis, cystic fibrosis);
- congenital and acquired malformationstrachea, lungs, bronchi.
Of course, there are many other classification schemes for such diseases.
Causes of disease development
The causes of respiratory diseases can be very different. In most cases, the inflammatory process is associated with the activation of a bacterial infection. Various microorganisms can act as pathogens, including pneumococci, mycobacterium tuberculosis, chlamydia, Haemophilus influenzae. Respiratory diseases caused by viruses are also not uncommon - flu viruses, colds, etc. lead to lesions of certain respiratory organs.
It is worth noting that sometimes the occurrence of certain pathologies is associated with the activation of conditionally pathogenic microflora, in particular, streptococci, staphylococci, etc. In this case, the immune system plays a huge role.
By the way, infection is not the only factor that causes respiratory diseases. Biology in this case is much more complicated. For example, there are dozens of pathologies of allergic origin. To date, there are several main groups of allergens:
- household, such as skin particles, dust, etc.;
- medicinal (allergic reactions often develop while taking this or that drug; often therapy with antibiotics, enzymes leads to such lesions);
- food allergens (citrus, cocoa, milk, honey);
- often allergic reactions occur after contact with plant pollen;
- possible exposure to allergens of animal origin (wool, particles of the epidermis, proteins released during life);
- Yeasts and molds also release substances that can cause respiratory reactions;
- allergies can be related to the use of chemicals, cosmetics, household cleaners/detergents, etc.
It is worth noting that there are some risk factors that make patients more likely to develop internal illnesses. The respiratory system functions well when protected by the immune system. Any weakening of the immune system increases the risk of developing pathology. The list of adverse factors includes:
- smoking, alcohol abuse and other bad habits;
- living in a territory with bad ecology;
- unfavorable climatic conditions (living in areas with high humidity, fluctuations in atmospheric pressure, low temperatures);
- presence of foci of chronic inflammation in the body;
- occupational hazards (working with potentially hazardous chemicals).
Respiratory diseases: briefly about common symptoms
What signs should I look out for? In fact, diseases of the respiratory system are accompanied by different symptoms. There are several common features of the clinical picture.
- Shortness of breath. This is one of the earliest and most characteristic signs of diseases of the respiratory system. Some patients have difficulty breathingoccur during physical activity, while the rest are present at rest. A similar symptom is accompanied by pneumonia, bronchitis, tracheitis.
- Pain. Many patients complain of chest discomfort and pain, which can occur during a coughing fit, for example.
- Cough. It is difficult to find a disease of the organs of respiration, which in one way or another would not be associated with a cough. Such a reflex act may be accompanied by sputum or be dry, suffocating.
- Hemoptysis is a symptom that often accompanies diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and lung cancer. If there are blood impurities in the sputum, then this indicates a dangerous violation - you should immediately consult a doctor.
- Intoxication. If we are talking about inflammatory and infectious diseases, then patients will certainly be disturbed by the symptoms of general intoxication of the body. There is an increase in body temperature, muscle aches, weakness, fatigue, irritability.
Upper Respiratory Diseases
Respiratory diseases and their prevention - important information that many people are interested in. Of course, there are dozens of similar pathologies that are conditionally divided into diseases of the airways and the lungs proper. Consider a list of the most common problems.
- Rhinitis is perhaps the most common airway disease. This pathology is accompanied by inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose. Time fromFrom time to time, every person faces a runny nose. In the initial stages, the disease is accompanied by swelling and nasal congestion. Further, abundant mucous secretions appear, sometimes with impurities of pus. It is worth noting that rhinitis appears against the background of various infectious diseases, in particular, with influenza, scarlet fever, measles, etc. In addition, a runny nose and nasal congestion may indicate an allergic reaction.
- Anosmia is a pathology that is accompanied by a violation of the sense of smell. This disease can be the result of an injury to the nasal septum. Some genetic anomalies and congenital anatomical disorders can lead to the same result.
- Sinusitis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. The disease is accompanied by nasal congestion, profuse discharge, periodically appearing headaches. There is also weakness, fever and other symptoms of intoxication. Most often, sinusitis is a kind of complication after a person has previously had influenza, measles, scarlet fever and some other infectious diseases.
- Adenoiditis is a disease accompanied by inflammation of the nasal tonsil. According to statistics, children aged three to eleven years are most susceptible to this disease. The tissues and shape of the tonsil change, resulting in difficulty in nasal breathing. Such problems lead to sleep disturbances - the child cannot rest normally, becomes irritable, complains of constant fatigue and absent-mindedness. Perhaps the appearance of headaches, a change in the timbre of the voice. Somepatients have hearing problems.
- Tonsillitis is characterized by hyperemia and swelling of the tonsils located in the pharynx. As a rule, inflammation in this area is associated with the activity of a viral and / or bacterial infection. The acute form of the disease is accompanied by swelling of the pharynx, breathing problems, pain during swallowing, fever. In the absence of treatment, the likelihood of the disease becoming chronic is high. It is worth noting that chronic tonsillitis is dangerous. Despite the absence of external symptoms and discomfort, the chronic inflammatory process is accompanied by the release of dangerous toxins that adversely affect myocardial tissue.
- Pharyngitis is called inflammation of the mucous membranes of the pharynx. This pathology may be associated with the activity of pathogenic microorganisms or prolonged inhalation (sometimes swallowed) of potentially hazardous chemicals that irritate the tissues of the pharynx. Pharyngitis is accompanied by the appearance of a dry cough. Patients complain of burning and sore throat.
- Laryngitis is associated with inflammation of the tissues of the larynx. The disease is accompanied by fever, hoarseness, dry throat, discomfort. In the early stages of the development of the disease, a dry cough appears. At night the coughing attacks become suffocating. Gradually, sputum begins to stand out. The disease can occur against the background of penetration into the tissues of infection, hypothermia, exposure to other environmental factors.
- Retropharyngeal abscess is a dangerous pathology, which is accompanied by the accumulation of purulent masses insubmucosa of the pharynx. Patients complain of severe pain when swallowing. The disease requires immediate treatment.
- It is also worth noting that in almost all parts of the respiratory system, tumors can form, both benign and malignant. Such diseases are accompanied by pain, weakness, asthenia, bleeding.
Losses of the bronchi and lungs
Modern medicine knows a huge number of respiratory diseases. First aid and an effective treatment regimen largely depend on the causes and localization of the pathological process. If we talk about diseases directly of the lungs and bronchi, then we can distinguish several of the most common ailments.
- Bronchitis is characterized by acute or chronic inflammation of the bronchial mucosa. As a rule, the disease begins with a dry cough and fever. As the disease progresses, the cough becomes wet and is accompanied by the release of mucopurulent sputum. The disease responds well to treatment.
- Pneumonia is accompanied by an infectious and inflammatory lesion of the lung tissues (the cause may be a viral, bacterial, fungal infection, the penetration of protozoan parasites into the body). The pathological process affects the alveoli, as a result of which their cavities are filled with fluid. The disease is characterized by severe treatment. The likelihood of complications is high. Therapy is carried out in a hospital, as it often requires intravenous administration of drugs and constantcontrol over the patient's condition.
- Asthma is a chronic inflammatory pathology associated with allergic reactions. In patients, the lumen of the bronchi narrows, their patency is impaired. The disease is accompanied by asthma attacks, coughing and other breathing problems.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is associated with non-allergic inflammation. The lumen of the bronchi narrows, which leads to a chronic violation of gas exchange in the tissues of the body.
- Respiratory distress syndrome is characterized by the development of acute respiratory failure, which is associated with damage to the lungs. This is a dangerous condition that is accompanied by pulmonary edema, chest pain, cough, purulent sputum.
- Pulmonary embolism is accompanied by blockage of the vessel by a thrombus. This is a dangerous condition that, if left untreated, can result in the death of the patient.
- Pleurisy is an ailment that is accompanied by inflammation of the pleural membrane that covers the lungs. Pathology may be accompanied by the appearance of exudate and its accumulation between the sheets of the pleura.
Primary diagnostics
Respiratory diseases are diverse, therefore, during the diagnosis, various procedures are carried out.
- As a rule, the doctor first takes an anamnesis, collects information about the symptoms.
- Auscultation allows the specialist to hear uncharacteristic wheezing in the lungs.
- Percussion (percussion) - a procedure that is carried out in order to determine the boundaries of the lungs and find out how muchreduced their volume.
- A general examination is being performed (e.g. throat examination).
- The patient donates blood for analysis - such testing allows you to determine the presence of an inflammatory process in the body.
- Sputum samples are taken for testing, which are then examined for antipyretic cells. Bacteriological culture is also carried out, which will allow to isolate the causative agent of the disease and to evaluate the effectiveness of drugs.
Instrumental diagnostics
Of course, examination and laboratory tests give doctors the opportunity to suspect the presence of a particular disease. However, additional procedures are carried out to make an accurate diagnosis:
- radiography of the lungs allows you to determine the presence of foci of inflammation, determine their size, number, location;
- angiopulmonography - a procedure that allows you to examine the work of blood vessels and is performed in case of suspected thromboembolism;
- bronchography and bronchoscopy is performed to check the functioning of the bronchi, to detect certain anatomical disorders, neoplasms, etc.;
- Lung CT allows the doctor to get three-dimensional images of the respiratory organs, assess their condition, and detect certain disorders.
Methods of conservative treatment
Respiratory diseases in children and adults are very common. Each pathology has its own causes and a unique set of symptoms. That is why therapy is selected depending onthe origin and characteristics of the course of the disease, the general condition and age of the patient. The treatment regimen may include:
- antitoxic drugs (for example, Polyvinol, Neocompensan);
- anti-inflammatory drugs that help relieve pain and swelling, stop the further development of the inflammatory process (Ibuprofen, Nurofen, Paracetamol, Reopirin, Hydrocortisone);
- antibiotics (generally broad spectrum);
- respiratory diseases caused by viruses require the use of antiviral and immunomodulatory drugs (Amizon);
- expectorants help clear mucus from the lungs;
- antihistamines help relieve spasm and swelling, block the further development of allergic reactions;
- painkillers and antipyretics help relieve symptoms ("Analgin", "Aspirin");
- bronchodilator drugs (Eufilin is considered effective);
- antitussives help with choking coughs (Codeine, Amezil);
- respiratory stimulants are sometimes used.
Other therapeutic interventions
Conservative treatment of respiratory diseases, as a rule, gives good results. Nevertheless, patients are often recommended classes in therapeutic and respiratory gymnastics, special massage, physiotherapy procedures (for example, warming up), spa treatment. Such manipulations help to quickly restore the full functioning of organs and prevent the developmentcomplications.
Unfortunately, some internal respiratory diseases require surgical intervention. For example, surgery is indicated for patients with rupture or severe damage to the pleura, abscesses, thromboembolism, benign or malignant neoplasms.
Prevention of respiratory diseases
Such pathologies are very common - they are faced by people regardless of age and gender. That is why the questions about what constitute respiratory diseases and their prevention are so important. The rules are actually very simple and they can all be grouped under the term "he althy lifestyle".
- Preventive measures are primarily associated with strengthening immunity. Experts recommend keeping fit, playing sports, spending enough time outdoors, stabbing the body, giving preference to outdoor activities.
- Prevention of respiratory diseases necessarily includes the correction of nutrition. The diet should include such plant foods as honey, garlic, onions, lemon juice, sea buckthorn, ginger. Such food contains a huge amount of vitamins, has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and has a positive effect on the functioning of the immune system. It is also important to make the menu balanced, include fresh fruits and vegetables, do not overeat.
- To enhance immune protection from time to time you can take vitamins, immunomodulators,some herbal medicines, such as echinacea tincture.
- Give up bad habits, in particular smoking, as this significantly increases the risk of developing various diseases of the respiratory system.
- It is worth avoiding hypothermia and overheating, as this increases the likelihood of developing certain pathologies. It is important to dress appropriately for the weather, not to wrap up too much in summer and spring, and to wear warm clothes in winter.
- Regular breathing exercises will positively affect the state of the respiratory system.
- It is important to avoid stress, as any emotional overstrain affects the level of certain hormones, which in turn can reduce the activity of the immune system.
There are many factors that can lead to the development of the disease. And respiratory diseases can be prevented by avoiding the negative impact of the external and internal environment. And of course, when the first symptoms appear, you need to consult a specialist. These ailments are much easier to treat if treated early.
