Lung disease affects millions of people around the world. In the United States, lung disease is responsible for thousands of deaths on a yearly basis. Genetics, infections, and smoking all contribute to pulmonary diseases. The lungs are part of a complex apparatus can potentially affect other body functions including sleep. That is why you should check out NOVA Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Associates if you’re looking for a facility that will get to the bottom of your pulmonary problem.
A pulmonary disease could come about as a result of problems with part of the whole system.
Pulmonary Disease Affecting the Airways
The windpipes branch into bronchi which in turn will branch into smaller tubes out of the lungs. Some of the diseases that are likely to affect the airway will include:
Asthma: This is perhaps the most common condition that has to do with the airways in the lungs. The condition comes about because of persistent inflammation of the airways which will sometimes lead to shortness of breath and wheezing. Infections, allergies, and pollution can also trigger Asthma.
Cystic fibrosis: This is a genetic condition that is characterized by poor clearance of mucus from the bronchi. The accumulation of mucus will lead to repeated lung infections if the condition is not treated.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: This is a condition that prevents one from inhaling normally. This, in turn, will result in challenges with breathing.
Chronic Bronchitis: This is a form of COPD that is usually characterized by chronic coughing.
Lung Diseases Affecting the Air Sacs
The airways will eventually branch into tubes which lead to the air sacs, commonly referred to as the alveoli. The lung tissue is primarily composed of air sacs. Some of the lung diseases affecting the alveoli include:
Pneumonia: This happens when there is a bacterial infection on the alveoli.
Tuberculosis: It is a progressive form of Pneumonia and is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Lung Cancer: Can manifest itself in so many ways and will develop in just about any part of the lungs. In most cases, it will be found in the main part of the lungs which is near the alveoli. The type and spread of lung cancer will inform the treatment options. Lung cancer lawyers will assist you in conducting all necessary tests to find out if you have lung cancer caused by radon exposure. He or she should handle your case from start to finish and speak with medical professionals and experts in the field.
Taking care of the lungs is crucial if you’re to live a healthy life. Sometimes lung disease will come about purely because of lifestyle choices. Here are some things you could do to improve the health of the lungs:
Stay Active
Exercise is not only good for your overall health but also your lungs. Regular exercise will improve the circulation of the blood and also strengthen the muscles surrounding the lungs. The two are some of the critical functions needed for healthy lungs.
Eat Well
Eating well has a ton of benefits to your body. Low nutrients have been linked to some lung diseases. You need to ensure you’re eating a healthy diet that is rich in nutrients and vitamins.
Drink Lots of Water
Drinking a lot of water will help in keeping you hydrated at all times and also plays a crucial role in your lung’s health. It will help with the thinning of mucus secretions, which accumulate in the lungs on a daily basis. This will make it easy to breathe without a lot of difficulties.
Wash Your Hands
You might be wondering how washing your hands is related to the health of your lungs. Washing your hands will come in handy especially during flu season. By washing your hands, you keep bacteria and viruses away which could severely hurt your lungs.
Quit Smoking
Smoking will ultimately affect your lungs and overall health. You should also not be exposed to smoke often, as you could still be at risk. Avoiding or quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways of keeping your lungs healthy.
You could be in need of pulmonary and critical care and don’t know where to start. Your lungs can interfere with your sleep in so many ways. The good news is there is a solution to the problem. You need to look for the right facilities and doctors so that the exact problem can be diagnosed before the right treatment is recommended. You shouldn’t resign to the fate that since you have asthma, you will always experience problems with sleep. There are several hospitals and healthcare facilities dedicated to pulmonary and critical care so that the patients’ health is restored.