The lungs are one of the most important respiratory organs. Both because of its function and as an organ that is susceptible to various diseases. In the Excretory System, the lungs function to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor (H2O).
In the lungs, there is an exchange process between oxygen and carbon dioxide. After releasing oxygen, red blood cells capture carbon dioxide as a result of the body's metabolism to be carried to the lungs. In the lungs, carbon dioxide and water vapor are released and expelled from the lungs through the nose.
Seeing how important lung function is, let's get to know the various kinds of lung diseases, complete with their symptoms and how to treat them.
1. Pneumonia (pneumonia)
is a type of infectious disease, while the cause of this disease is due to infection due to exposure to viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Generally, the bacteria that most often cause pneumonia are types of Streptococus and Mycoplasma pneumoniae which can cause lung or parencrimal tissue infections. The main symptoms are cough with bloody sputum, shortness of breath, chest pain and high fever with decreased consciousness.
2. Legionnaires' disease
is a lung disease caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophilia. The form of infection is similar to pneumonia. The legionella bacteria that cause this disease are rod-shaped bacteria found in most water sources. They multiply very quickly. They are found in plumbing systems or anywhere else water can pool. The symptoms are similar to pneumonia or other pneumonia, but sufferers also develop diarrhea, abdominal pain, or jaundice. The disease occurs most often in people of middle age or older and can be serious or even fatal in people with weakened immune systems.
3. Tuberculosis (TB)
a disease caused by an infection that attacks the lung tissue. The cause of a person suffering from TB is the bacterium mycobacterium tuberculosis. Most people have the TB microbe in their body, but this microbe only causes disease in a few people, usually when the person's immunity is compromised. Symptoms include fever and persistent cough, decreased appetite, and weakness.
4. Pneumothorax
disease in the lining of the lungs or called the pleura. Pneumothorax occurs when one or both pleural membranes are penetrated and air enters the pleural cavity causing the lung to collapse. If more air enters the cavity but cannot get out, the pressure around the lungs increases which can be life-threatening. Spontaneous pneumothorax can result from the rupture of abnormally enlarged alveoli on the surface of the lung or from lung conditions, such as asthma. Other causes are broken ribs and chest injuries. The occurrence of pneumothorax triggers chest tightness, pain, and shortness of breath.
5. Shortness of Breath (Asthma)
is a narrowing of the air passages in the lungs. In most children, the trigger for an attack is an allergic reaction to a foreign object, or allergen, which can be inhaled small particles, such as pollen, mold from the excrement of house dust mites, and particles from animal hair or dander. Other cases are caused by food or drink allergies, certain medications, stress, respiratory infections, and strenuous activity in cold weather. Asthma attacks in each person's condition is different. Some people experience infrequent mild attacks, some tend to suffer from life-threatening severe shortness of breath and some other sufferers get varied and unexpected attacks every day.
If you experience symptoms of lung disease as mentioned above, immediately go to the nearest hospital, so that you can be treated by specialist doctors before the disease gets worse.
*quoted from various sources*