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 What are the treatment options for chronic beryllium disease?
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In early treatment, most doctors will prescribe corticosteroids like prednisone, which help reduce inflammation and increase lung function. Even with treatment, the disease may get worse over time. In other cases, doctors may prescribe supplemental... Full Answer
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- Q Should I talk to my doctor about my chronic beryllium disease symptoms?
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Chronic beryllium disease symptoms are similar to the symptoms of many other illnesses, but if you experience these symptoms and you believe you have been exposed to beryllium dust, you should ask your doctor about it. Many people who are exposed to... Full Answer
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- Q How is chronic beryllium disease diagnosed?
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A doctor starts with two things to make a diagnosis of chronic beryllium disease: your work history and a blood test. If your work history includes exposure to beryllium dust, you are a candidate for chronic beryllium disease. The blood test (called the... Full Answer
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- Q What increases my risk for chronic beryllium disease?
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The only way to be at risk for chronic beryllium disease at all is to be exposed to beryllium dust. Working as a welder, machinist, or lab technician in the aerospace industry are the most common ways to be exposed to beryllium dust, but you may also... Full Answer
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- Q How does chronic beryllium disease affect the body?
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Long-term exposure to beryllium dust causes the lungs to develop tumors and scars called granuloma. These growths inflame the lung and decrease lung function. Decreased lung function means less oxygen in the bloodstream, which can negatively affect every... Full Answer
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- Q What is the rate of incidence for chronic beryllium disease?
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Chronic beryllium disease is very rare. Only 2 to 6 percent of people who are exposed to beryllium dust develop any kind of beryllium disease. Chronic beryllium disease is itself much more common than acute beryllium disease, but protections against... Full Answer
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- Q Is chronic beryllium disease serious?
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Chronic beryllium disease is serious, but its seriousness also depends on the severity of the individual case. Symptoms and scarring can range from mild to severe, and symptoms generally worsen over time. There is no cure for chronic beryllium disease,... Full Answer
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- Q What causes chronic beryllium disease?
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Chronic beryllium disease is caused by extended exposure to beryllium dust. Beryllium is a metal which, in addition to being an irritant, is classified as a human carcinogen, meaning that it can increase your likelihood for cancer. The dust enters the... Full Answer
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- Q What is chronic beryllium lung disease?
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Chronic beryllium disease is a lung disease that can develop if a person inhales beryllium dust, fumes, or mist, usually in small amounts over a long period of time. Lymph nodes in the lungs often swell, and lung tissue becomes inflamed or otherwise... Full Answer
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- Q How do other illnesses affect brown lung disease?
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Because of the nature of the illness' effect on the respiratory system, pre-existing respiratory issues could make you more susceptible. Also, because the symptoms of brown lung disease can mimic asthma, asthma medications are sometimes used to treat it.... Full Answer
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