Pulmonary and Critical Care

Lung disease is any problem within the lungs that forestalls the lungs from working properly. There are three main kinds of lung disease:

Airway diseases -- These diseases affect the tubes (airways) that carry oxygen and other gases into and out of the lungs. they typically cause a narrowing or blockage of the airways. Airway diseases include asthma, COPD and bronchiectasis. People with airway diseases often say they feel as if they're "trying to exhale through a straw."

Lung tissue diseases -- These diseases affect the structure of the lung tissue. Scarring or inflammation of the tissue makes the lungs unable to expand fully (restrictive lung disease). This makes it hard for the lungs to require in oxygen and release CO2 . People with this sort of lung disorder often say they feel as if they're "wearing a too-tight sweater or vest." As a result, they can not breathe deeply. Pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis are samples of lung tissue disease.

Lung circulation diseases -- These diseases affect the blood vessels within the lungs. they're caused by clotting, scarring, or inflammation of the blood vessels. They affect the power of the lungs to require up oxygen and release CO2 . These diseases can also affect heart function. An example of a lung circulation disease is pulmonary hypertension. People with these conditions often feel very in need of breath once they exert themselves.