Respiratory

Respiratory disorders, as the name suggests, a condition that are most likely going to affect one or more organs that make up the respiratory system in our body. There is a wide range of issues that can occur depending on the issue.

Sometimes, the issue can be just an infection that occurs during changing weather, or in certain seasons. There are a lot of environmental triggers as well that can cause respiratory problems.

Other than this, there are disorders that will occur because of certain types of bacteria and viruses. These usually affect the various parts of the nose. Bronchi or even the soft lung tissues. Some of the disorders can be far more severe, like cancer that affects the lungs.

Types Of Respiratory Disorders

Let us first tell you about some of the different types of issues that affect the respiratory system in us-

Obstructive Lung Disease

• Some of the most common examples of obstructive lung disorders are asthma and COPD.
• The reason they have been named as such is that they block the airways and cause trouble breathing.
• As you may know, in asthma, mucus formation does not let air in and out, making it difficult for oxygen to be supplied to the lungs.

Restrictive Lung Disorders

• These are a class of lung issues that do not allow the complete expansion of the lungs during breathing.
• Often, patients suffering from such disorders can feel a lack of breath or suffer from short and rapid breathing trouble.

Infectious Lung Disease

Of course, as we have told you above as well, there is a variety of infectious diseases that can affect the lungs.

A few common examples are-

• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis
• Tuberculosis

Common Names Of Respiratory Infections And Disorders

• Asthma
• COPD
• Bronchitis
• Lung cancer
• Pneumonia
• Pulmonary embolism, a blood clot inside the lungs
• TB
• Cystic fibrosis is a condition where thick mucus starts to form in the lungs.
• Emphysema, a form of COPD that only affects the lung alveoli.
• Interstitial lung disease will cause scarring of the soft lung tissues.
• Sarcoidosis is the formation of inflammatory cells.
• Mesothelioma, a condition affecting the internal and external lining of cells in the lungs.
• Occupational lung disease often happens because of exposure to certain toxins present in the air in the workplace.

Other Respiratory Issues

• Common cold
• Flu
• Covid 19
• Obstructive sleep apnea

Even though some experts may consider it a form of sleep disorder, it has more to do with your breathing.

Usually, people suffering from this issue will have their breathing suddenly stop and start during their sleep.

Factors That Cause Respiratory Disorders

• Now, there are a variety of factors that may lead to lung and respiratory problems.
• The most notable cases are only two, that is, addiction to smoking and allergic triggers.
• Smoking, which is known to cause different forms of infections, bronchitis, or even lung cancer.
• Different forms of allergens are present in the air, such as dust, pollution, pollen, fumes, and asbestos dust.
• Genetic factors can also be present, where respiratory issues in parents can be transmitted to the next generation.
• Changing weather, which often causes different forms of allergies.
• Some specific seasons, like winter, when asthma flare-ups can occur.

Diagnosis For Respiratory Disorders

• At first, the doctors usually notice the symptoms occurring in the patient and the part of the respiratory system or the organs affected, such as the nose, bronchi, and lungs.
• Based on these, they may also check the medical history of the patient and whether such conditions have occurred in the past.
• They will also ask about your family history of having respiratory issues.

Some of the common tests that the doctors recommend for assessment of respiratory disorders are-

• Lung function tests like spirometry and peak flow meter
• Imaging studies, which usually include chest X-rays and CT scans.
• Blood tests, where the doctors check oxygen levels in the blood, and CBC
• Sputum analysis, where the doctors check the mucus for signs of bacterial or viral infections.
• Bronchoscopy for air flow tests

Some other tests include-

• Pulse oximetry
• Pleural fluid analysis
• Lung biopsy
• Tuberculin skin test

Remedies

• The doctors may tell you to use bronchodilators for different allergies and even autoimmune conditions like asthma and COPD.
• Use of corticosteroid medicines, which are usually given to patients with asthma and COPD.
• Antibiotics and antiviral medicines are usually used to cure respiratory infections.
• Mucolytics, which are medicines that help thin mucus.
• Oxygen therapy allows your lungs to get more oxygen.
• Allergen immunotherapy, where the doctors usually reduce your sensitivity to different allergens present in the air.

Homely Remedies

• There are a few remedies at home that may be useful for certain disorders, infections, and allergies.
• Steam inhalation, which helps get rid of mucus, is generally used during the common cold and a stuffy nose.
• Salt water gargle, which helps to cure different infections in the trachea.
• Taking a suitable immune-rich diet
• Hydration