Lung Disease and Respiratory System
Diseases, pollutants and genetics can affect your respiratory health. The simple cold - which is caused by more than 200 different viruses - inflames the upper respiratory tract, resulting in a cough, runny nose and sneezing. A more severe cough combined with mucus is a sign of bronchitis, where the membranes lining the bronchial tubes become inflamed. The inflammatory lung disease asthma affects more than 20 million people, making airways constrict when exposed to irritants like dust, pet dander and cigarette smoke. Pneumonia, another inflammation of the lungs, can occur because of a bacterial or viral infection. People suffering from cystic fibrosis, an inherited lung disease, frequently battle bacterial infections and airways clogged with thick and sticky mucus.
Recently Answered
- Q Can pneumoconiosis be prevented?
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There are several ways that people can reduce their risk of developing pneumoconiosis. People should reduce or eliminate their exposure to mineral dusts, or wear respiratory masks if exposure is inevitable. If mineral dusts should get on your skin or... Full Answer
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- Q Does lifestyle affect pneumoconiosis?
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Lifestyle choices have a significant impact on pneumoconiosis. Since the condition is caused by inhaling mineral dust, working somewhere that exposes you to these dusts can cause the condition. Smoking causes additional harm to your inflamed lungs, so if... Full Answer
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- Q How common is pneumoconiosis?
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Pneumoconiosis is not a very common illness in the general population. It's caused by inhaling mineral dust over many years. Because of this, it's most common among people who work in places like coal mines or other areas where minerals are processed. In... Full Answer
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- Q How is pneumoconiosis diagnosed?
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To diagnose pneumoconiosis, a doctor will use a stethoscope to listen to your lungs. Your doctor will also ask about your history of exposure to different kinds of mineral dust. Tests like chest x-rays or CT scans may be done to look for abnormalities in... Full Answer
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- Q Is pneumoconiosis serious?
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Pneumoconiosis is considered pretty serious because it's not treatable or curable. Early in its development, pneumoconiosis has a good outcome and does not often cause serious disabilities. However, as it progresses, pneumoconiosis may cause severe lung... Full Answer
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- Q What are the treatment options for pneumoconiosis?
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There is not any specific treatment available for pneumoconiosis. If you have been diagnosed with pneumoconiosis, it's recommend that you avoid any further exposure the mineral dusts. If you smoke, stop smoking to prevent further damage to your lungs. If... Full Answer
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- Q What are the possible complications of pneumoconiosis?
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People with pneumoconiosis can develop other health complications. Obviously, other lung problems, including tuberculosis, lung cancer, and other respiratory failure, may be associated with pneumoconiosis. Pneumoconiosis can also lead to heart problems... Full Answer
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- Q What are other names for pneumoconiosis?
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Pneumoconiosis has several alternate names. It may be called coal miners' disease, black lung disease, and anthrosilicosis. These names all describe the fact that this condition is caused by inhaling mineral dust (often in a workplace like a coal mine)... Full Answer
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- Q What increases my risk for pneumoconiosis?
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Several factors increase a person's risk of developing pneumoconiosis. The main risk factor is long-term exposure to mineral dust, such as coal. This means that people who work in places where mineral dust is present, such as coal mines, are at a higher... Full Answer
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- Q What causes pneumoconiosis?
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Pneumoconiosis is caused by breathing in mineral dusts, such as coal, graphite, or carbon. People are often exposed to these dusts while working in high-risk areas like coal mines. Breathing in the dust can cause inflammation of the lungs, and over many... Full Answer
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