lung problems
As one of the respiratory organs, it is no wonder that when there is a problem with the lungs, it can cause breathing problems. Lung diseases also vary, but here are the most common lung diseases that can be the cause of shortness of breath.
1. Asma
Asthma is an inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Just like allergies, asthma can be triggered by various diseases. Triggers can be different for each person, but in general, smoking, exercise, dust, and other allergens can trigger them.
Asthma usually has the following symptoms:
- difficult to breathe
- wheezing (sounding breath)
- Feel the pressure in your chest
- Cough
2. Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a lung condition in which inflammation occurs in the lungs and can produce fluid and pus in the lungs.
Symptoms include:
- difficult to breathe
- Cough
- Heavy sweating
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- fatigue
Pneumonia is classified as a chronic disease and therefore requires medical attention as soon as possible.
3. Pulmonary embolism
A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot in the blood vessels that lead to the lungs. This can occur due to various risk factors such as smoking, obesity or heart disease.
Symptoms include:
- difficult to breathe
- abnormal heartbeat
- Cough
- Chest pains, like a heart attack
- A lot
- Dizzy
- Pass out
- swelling in the legs
Just like pneumonia, pulmonary embolism is a chronic condition that needs medical attention as soon as possible.
4. Pulmonary hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension is a disease in which high blood pressure affects the blood vessels in the lungs. The vessels can narrow and harden, which can lead to heart failure.
Early symptoms usually include:
- difficult to breathe
- It’s hard to train
- feeling very tired
- chest pain
Late symptoms may resemble a pulmonary embolism. If the shortness of breath worsens, make sure the patient receives emergency medical treatment.
5. Croup
Croup usually occurs in children and is a respiratory infection that causes breathing difficulties. Croup generally occurs in babies from 6 months to 3 years of age and is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Early symptoms in the form of usual flu symptoms (stuffy nose, cough, fever).
- Advanced symptoms in the form of shortness of breath and cough that sounds like barking.
If you feel like you or your baby has croup, contact a doctor right away.
6. Epiglottitis
Epiglottitis is an infection that causes swelling of the windpipe and blocks the airways. Symptoms include:
- difficult to breathe
- Difficult to swallow
- Fever
- sore throat
- salivation
- Strange breathing
- bluish skin
Epiglottitis can be life-threatening and requires medical attention as soon as possible. Epiglottitis has a vaccine called Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib vaccine), which is usually given to children under 5 years of age.
7. Emphysema
The emphysema thins and can damage the alveoli, or air sacs, in the lungs. Smoking is the main cause of emphysema.
Emphysema symptoms include:
- difficult to breathe
- Lots of mucus or phlegm
- Cough
8. COVID-19
COVID-19 also called corona virus which caused a pandemic can also be a cause of shortness of breath. If you suspect that you or those around you have been infected with COVID-19, contact a doctor immediately.
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