Respiratory diseases are among the most common health issues experienced by people across the globe. These diseases can range from temporary illnesses such as the common cold to chronic conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Since the airways are affected, and more especially the lungs, the symptoms of respiratory diseases can cross over as they can all be similar in nature to each other. These can include breathlessness, coughing, wheezing, and low blood oxygen levels.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition. It occurs when there is inflammation and narrowing of the airways. This can result in symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.
It is estimated that over 300 million people suffer from asthma worldwide, with the condition being more prevalent in urban areas and among children. Asthma can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life.
It can interfere with daily activities and lead to frequent hospitalisations and emergency room visits due to asthma attacks. These can be fatal, especially if the sufferer has no medication, such as an inhaler, at hand.
COPD is a group of progressive lung diseases that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It is primarily caused by long-term exposure to irritants. These can include air pollution, cigarette smoke, or occupational dust.
COPD is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. The symptoms include shortness of breath, chronic cough, and sputum production. This disease regularly leads to severe disability and reduced quality of life. It is also associated with cardiovascular disease and even depression.
Influenza is also commonly referred to as the flu. It is a respiratory illness that is very contagious and caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe sickness and, in some cases, lead to death. The flu is characterised by symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue.
Each year, influenza epidemics result in significant mortality rates, particularly among the elderly, young children, and individuals with underlying health conditions. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent influenza and its complications.
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, and it causes inflamed air sacs in one or both lungs. This can result in them filling with fluid or pus. It can be caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Pneumonia’s impact can range from mild to life-threatening, and it is a leading cause of death among children under five years of age, as well as among the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Pneumonia symptoms can include cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
The most common symptom of respiratory disease is coughing. Coughing is a natural reflex of the body, designed to clear the airway of irritants and excessive mucus. When a person has a respiratory disease, the airways become inflamed and can produce excessive mucus, leading to persistent coughing. This symptom is the body’s way of trying to clear the airways and eliminate any irritants or bacteria that may be causing the disease.
Coughing can be both physically and emotionally distressing, too, as it can disrupt daily activities, interfere with sleep, and lead to embarrassment and social isolation.
Persistent coughing can also be a symptom of lung cancer or even tuberculosis, so it is important to seek medical advice if a cough comes on gradually or suddenly and becomes chronic in nature.
Other symptoms, in addition to coughing, may also develop, such as wheezing and breathlessness. All these symptoms can be caused by respiratory disease and, therefore, need investigating.
Some respiratory diseases can be prevented, especially those that are caused by environmental and occupational factors. Mask wearing if working regularly with respiratory tract chemical irritants can prevent these from entering the lining of the lungs and causing cell damage and inflammation.
Vaccinations such as those against influenza and some types of pneumonia can help to prevent serious illness from these diseases, especially in the very young, the elderly, and those with existing health conditions that make them more vulnerable to such illnesses.
Not smoking and efforts to improve air quality in towns and cities are other important steps that can help prevent certain respiratory diseases in individuals.
Early diagnosis can help to prevent the progress of respiratory illnesses, but this relies on the sufferer seeking medical attention quickly. Therefore, if wheezing, coughing, and breathlessness are regularly experienced, then a diagnosis by a medical professional should be obtained to rule out any of the more serious respiratory diseases.