Lungs and the Importance of Respiration
The lungs are sponge-like organs located within the chest cavity and form the foundation of our respiratory system. Their main functions are to mix the oxygen we breathe into the blood and to expel carbon dioxide accumulated in the blood from the body. Thanks to this vital gas exchange, all cells and organs in the body can continue their functions. Maintaining lung health is indispensable for overall body health.
What Are the Common Lung Diseases?
Lung diseases refer to a broad group of illnesses affecting the respiratory pathways, lung tissue, or the vessel structures of the lungs. Some of the most common conditions include:
- Asthma: It is a chronic (long-lasting) inflammatory disease of the airways. It causes hypersensitivity in the airways, leading to narrowing when exposed to triggers. It manifests with symptoms such as coughing in episodes, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A disease that particularly develops after long-term smoking, characterized by progressive and permanent restriction of airflow in the lungs. It includes chronic bronchitis (persistent cough and sputum) and emphysema (destruction of air sacs in the lungs). The most notable symptom is increasing shortness of breath with exertion.
- Pneumonia (Lobar Pneumonia): It is the inflammation of lung tissue caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It appears suddenly with symptoms such as fever, cough, sputum, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
- Lung Cancer: Tumors formed by uncontrolled proliferation of cells in the lung tissue. The most significant risk factor is smoking. It can present with symptoms such as persistent cough, coughing up blood, weight loss, and chest pain.
- Pulmonary Embolism: A condition where a blood clot (thrombus) formed in the deep veins of the legs breaks loose and blocks the pulmonary artery. It is characterized by sudden onset of shortness of breath and chest pain, requiring urgent intervention; it is a life-threatening condition.
General Symptoms
Respiratory diseases often lead to similar symptoms. It is important to consult a doctor if any of the following complaints occur:
- Persistent cough lasting more than two weeks
- Shortness of breath during exertion or at rest
- Wheezing or whistling sound during breathing
- Chest pain
- Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
- Unintentional weight loss
- Recurrent respiratory infections
Diagnosis and Treatment Approach
The diagnosis of lung diseases relies on a detailed patient history (especially smoking history) and physical examination (listening to the lungs). Imaging methods such as chest x-ray, computed tomography (CT), as well as pulmonary function tests (PFT) and blood tests, are used to confirm the diagnosis. In necessary cases, further examinations such as bronchoscopy (inspection of the airways with a camera) may be performed.
Treatment is planned according to the underlying disease. The goals are to control symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and improve the patient's quality of life. Various methods, including inhaler (respiratory route administered) medications, antibiotics, oxygen therapy, and lifestyle changes (particularly quitting smoking), are applied. Regular medical follow-up is especially important in chronic conditions like COPD and asthma.
This content has been translated using artificial intelligence technology.