Nowadays, thanks to the ever-increasing air pollution in our cities, we are witnessing a commensurate increase in the frequency of lung conditions and diseases. Exposure to environmental pollutants is one of the major causes of lung ailments, followed by genetic factors.

The different types of lung diseases and their causes are:

Asthma

It is a long-term chronic disease that results in narrowing of the airways and makes it difficult to breathe. Due to this, the person’s airways arr very sensitive to certain substances, which if inhaled, can result in increased swelling and production of mucus, which causes further inflammation. The onset of this condition is usually during childhood and it continues through the adult years, although late onset has also been observed.

Asthma is usually triggered by:

• tobacco

• allergies to substances like pollen

• weather

• medications

• exercise

• exposure to air pollution

• infections

Pneumonia

This is a lung disease characterized by an infection in the lungs, which may be bacterial, viral or fungal in nature and causes lung inflammation. Some of the common symptoms are shivering chills, shortness of breath, cough and fever. The air sacs in the lungs are filled with fluid or pus and the effects can be

particularly severe in infants, old people and those with a weak immunity.

Pneumonia is caused by:

• pneumococcal infection due to a bacteria called “streptococcus pneumonia”

• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), inflenza A or B

• inhaling vomit, chemicals, smoke etc.

• Exposure to breathing machines or ventilators at hospitals while being treated for other conditions.

Chronic Broncitis

This is a lung disease in which the patient experiences chronic coughing, at times accompanied by sputum. This occurs due to an increased productio of mucus in the airways. It can be caused by virus, bacteria or other particles that irritate the bronchial tubes. Some of the common causes of bronchitis are:

• virus that causes cold and flu

• air pollution

• exposure to dust, fumes, vapors, tobacco smoke etc.

Emphysema

It is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in which the air sacs in the lungs are irreversibly damaged. Tthe most common cause is smoking and this leads to the person requiring extra oxygen to meet the breathing requirements of the person.

The risk factors for emphysema are:

• smoke from cigarettes, indoor cooking erc.

• Inhaling chemicals such as coal, cadmium and others

• dust

• other respiratory disorders



As seen from the brief description, the most common causes of lung diseases are smoke due to tobacco inhalation and other dust particles, allergens and chemicals. The usual treatment methods are

• devices like inahlers and bronchodialators that help open up the airways

• delivering prescribed levels of oxygen through a mask, known as oxygen therapy

• medications like corticosteroids to reduce inflmmation

• lung transplant, which is opted for during the end stages of lung disease.