The most common respiratory diseases include:
- Asthma: A chronic condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): An umbrella term for progressive lung diseases, primarily emphysema and chronic bronchitis, that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems.
- Pneumonia: An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus, causing cough with phlegm, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
- Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often following a cold or respiratory infection, resulting in cough and mucus production. It can be acute or chronic.
- Tuberculosis (TB): A serious infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs, caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, leading to symptoms like a persistent cough, chest pain, and coughing up blood.
- Lung Cancer: A type of cancer that begins in the lungs, often associated with smoking, and can cause coughing, chest pain, weight loss, and other symptoms.
- Influenza (Flu): A contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, leading to fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue.
- Pulmonary Fibrosis: A condition in which lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred, making it difficult for lungs to work properly, causing progressive shortness of breath.
- Sleep Apnea: A disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and other health issues.
- Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever): An allergic response to airborne substances such as pollen, causing sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion, which can impact the respiratory system.
These conditions vary in severity and can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. Proper diagnosis and management by healthcare professionals are crucial for controlling symptoms and preventing complications.
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