Pulmonary diseases can affect people of all ages. These conditions can make breathing difficult and negatively affect your daily life. Whether it’s asthma or COPD, getting the right treatment is essential for managing these symptoms.
Keep reading to learn more about pulmonary diseases and what treatments are available. This information can help you or your loved one breathe easier.
What Is a Pulmonary Disease?
Pulmonary disease is a broad umbrella term that covers all diseases that affect the lungs and respiratory system. These conditions can be triggered by things like smoking, infections, allergies, or even genetics. Pulmonary diseases can cause inflammation, blockages, and damage to the lungs. Early detection and proper management are necessary to improve the lives of those affected.
Types of Pulmonary Disease
Knowing the different types of pulmonary diseases can help you identify symptoms and seek timely medical care. Here are some common types of pulmonary diseases:
- Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: The airflow is restricted because of blocked or narrow airways. These diseases include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.
- Restrictive Pulmonary Diseases: Here, the expansion of the lungs is limited due to scarring or inflammation. Diseases include pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, and cystic fibrosis.
- Vascular Pulmonary Diseases: These diseases affect the blood vessels in the lungs and lead to reduced blood flow. They include pulmonary embolism and pulmonary hypertension.
- Infectious Pulmonary Diseases: In these cases, pathogens infect the lungs. Diseases in this category include pneumonia and tuberculosis (TB).
Getting Care for COPD
COPD is a progressive condition in which airflow is restricted in the airways, making it difficult for the patient to breathe. This condition is usually caused by long-term exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke, fumes, dust, or chemicals. Some common symptoms of COPD include coughing, wheezing, mucus production, and shortness of breath.
If it’s not properly managed, these symptoms can become worse over time. There are a variety of treatments that can improve your lung function and help you avoid flare-ups in cold weather. Some of these treatments include:
- Inhalers to open up the airways
- Medications to reduce inflammation
- Pulmonary rehabilitation to strengthen lung capacity
- Oxygen therapy for those with more severe symptoms
If you suffer from any of the symptoms mentioned above, consult your Edinburg physician for personalized tests and holistic care.
Getting Treatment for Asthma
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects people of all ages. It causes the airways to become inflamed and narrow, which can lead to shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, wheezing, and coughing. Some potential triggers include pollen, dust, exercise, stress, and irritants.
Although asthma can’t be cured, you can manage the condition with proper breathing treatments and medications. This process helps to control the symptoms and prevent flare-ups. For your asthma treatment in Edinburg, some of the options available include:
- Inhalers to open up the airways
- Allergy management to help you handle asthmatic symptoms
- Daily medications like leukotriene modifiers and long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) to reduce inflammation
If you suspect you have asthma, consult your Edinburg physician for a personalized breathing treatment plan.
Pneumonia Treatment in Edinburg
Pneumonia is a lung infection that’s usually caused by fungi, viruses, or bacteria. It makes breathing difficult and causes symptoms like chest pain, fever, and cough. The pneumonia treatment depends on the infection’s cause and severity. If you’re suffering from this pulmonary disease, your physician may recommend one or several of the following treatments:
- Pain relievers to help with any discomfort
- Rest to reduce the severity of the symptoms
- Take fluids to remain hydrated during recovery
- Antibiotics to fight against bacterial pneumonia
Your physician may provide other treatments as needed. Talk to your Edinburg physician for a treatment plan.
Experience Holistic Geriatric Care for Pulmonary Diseases in Edinburg
For your Edinburg geriatric care, you can speak to a physician at Family Medicine & Geriatric Center. At our clinic, we understand the impact pulmonary disease has on our patients, and we are committed to providing proper care.
We offer treatments for COPD, asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, and other pulmonary diseases. Reach out to our dedicated physician for medical support and holistic health care. At Family Medicine & Geriatric Center, we’re committed to helping you breathe easier.