Lung disease

Lung disease is any problem in the lungs that prevents the lungs from working properly. There are three main types of lung disease:

Airway diseases -- These diseases affect the tubes (airways) that carry oxygen and other gases into and out of the lungs. They usually cause a narrowing or blockage of the airways. Airway diseases include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiolitis, and bronchiectasis (which also is the main disorder for persons with cystic fibrosis). People with airway diseases often say they feel as if they're "trying to breathe out through a straw."
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic disease that causes the airways of the lungs to swell and narrow. It leads to breathing difficulty such as wheezing, shortness o...
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COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease. Having COPD makes it hard to breathe. There are two main forms of COPD:Chroni...
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Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is swelling and mucus buildup in the smallest air passages in the lungs (bronchioles). It is usually due to a viral infection....
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Bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis is a disease in which the large airways in the lungs are damaged. This causes the airways to become permanently wider. Bronchiectasis...
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Lung tissue diseases -- These diseases affect the structure of the lung tissue. Scarring or inflammation of the tissue makes the lungs unable to expand fully (restrictive lung disease). This makes it hard for the lungs to take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. People with this type of lung disorder often say they feel as if they are "wearing a too-tight sweater or vest." As a result, they can't breathe deeply. Pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis are examples of lung tissue disease.
Pulmonary fibrosis
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is scarring or thickening of the lungs without a known cause.
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Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis is a disease in which inflammation occurs in the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, eyes, skin, and/or other tissues.
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Lung circulation diseases -- These diseases affect the blood vessels in the lungs. They are caused by clotting, scarring, or inflammation of the blood vessels. They affect the ability of the lungs to take up oxygen and release carbon dioxide. These diseases may also affect heart function. An example of a lung circulation disease is pulmonary hypertension. People with these conditions often feel very short of breath when they exert themselves.
Pulmonary hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. It makes the right side of the heart work harder than normal.
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Many lung diseases involve a combination of these three types.

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The most common lung diseases include:

Asthma
Collapse of part or all of the lung (pneumothorax or atelectasis)
Pneumothorax
A collapsed lung occurs when air escapes from the lung. The air then fills the space outside of the lung between the lung and chest wall. This buil...
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Atelectasis
Atelectasis is the collapse of part or, much less commonly, all of a lung.
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Swelling and inflammation in the main passages (bronchial tubes) that carry air to the lungs (bronchitis)
Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis is swelling and inflamed tissue in the main passages that carry air to the lungs. This swelling narrows the airways, which makes it...
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COPD
Lung cancer
Lung cancer
Lung cancer is cancer that starts in the lungs. The lungs are located in the chest. When you breathe, air goes through your nose, down your windpipe...

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Lung infection (pneumonia)
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a breathing (respiratory) condition in which there is an infection of the lung. This article covers community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). ...
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Abnormal buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema)
Pulmonary edema
Pulmonary edema is an abnormal buildup of fluid in the lungs. This buildup of fluid leads to shortness of breath.
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Blocked lung artery (pulmonary embolus)
Pulmonary embolus
A pulmonary embolus is a blockage of an artery in the lungs. The most common cause of the blockage is a blood clot.
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Managing COPD Quiz

What's the best way to slow down lung damage due to COPD?

A. Eat a healthy diet

B. Stop smoking

C. Get exercise

D. All of the above
Correct Answer
The correct answer is stop smoking. If you have COPD, the best thing you can do for your lungs is to quit smoking. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor about quit smoking groups, medicines, and other tools that can help you kick the habit.

You can avoid flare-ups at home by doing which of the following?

	A. Avoiding very cold air
	B. Not using a fireplace or wood stove
	C. Asking others not to smoke inside
	D. All of the above

Correct Answer

The correct answer is all of the above. Cold air, fireplace smoke, and cigarette smoke can all trigger COPD symptoms. Avoiding triggers can help you breathe more easily and have fewer flare-ups. Ask your doctor about other ways to improve your symptoms.

Men with COPD are more likely to feel depressed than women.

A. True

B. False
Correct Answer
The correct answer is false. Both men and women with COPD are at risk for depression or anxiety, but women are more likely to be depressed or anxious than men. Depression and anxiety can make your flare-ups worse. If you think you may be depressed, see your doctor.
Overnight oxygen therapy can help you sleep better.

A. True

B. False
Correct Answer
The correct answer is true. About half of people with severe COPD have trouble sleeping. Overnight oxygen therapy may help with sleep problems. See your doctor if you're having trouble sleeping to be tested for low oxygen levels.

What can pulmonary rehabilitation do for you?

	A. Help you breathe better
	B. Help you avoid needing to be in a hospital to treat your breathing
	C. Help you be strong enough to exercise
	D. Improve your outlook on life
	E. All of the above

Correct Answer

The correct answer is all of the above. Pulmonary rehabilitation can help you manage your COPD better. Talk with your doctor to see if it's an option for you.

Pulmonary rehabilitation can teach you a new way to breathe.

A. True

B. False
Correct Answer
The correct answer is true. You can learn a new way to breathe called pursed lip breathing. Breathing this way before you begin activities or exercise can help your lungs work better. Ask your health care provider about pursed lip breathing.
Walking is the best exercise for people with emphysema.

A. True

B. False
Correct Answer
The correct answer is true. In studies, patients who exercised often were able to walk father and breathe better. Try to walk three or four times a day for 5 to 15 minutes.
Flying can make breathing problems worse.

A. True

B. False
Correct Answer
The correct answer is true. If you're planning to travel by plane, talk with your doctor first. You may need to arrange for in-flight oxygen or a wheelchair. You also may need to let the airline know if you need to take certain medicines or have breathing machines on the plane.
Medicines help people manage COPD, but not cure it.

A. True

B. False
Correct Answer
The correct answer is true. There are many different kinds of medicines to treat the symptoms of COPD. But they won't cure it. Medicines help people with COPD breathe better, live more fully, avoid flare-ups, and treat flare-ups when they happen. If you have any questions about your medicines, talk to your doctor.
Strengthening exercises are good for people with COPD.

A. True

B. False
Correct Answer
The correct answer is true. Strengthening exercises can help build muscles and improve breathing. This type of exercise also may help you with simple activities such as standing up from a chair and climbing stairs. Talk with your doctor about what exercises you can do to build strength.

Open References

References

Clifton IJ, Ellames DAB. Respiratory medicine. In: Penman ID, Ralston SH, Strachan MWJ, Hobson RP, eds. Davidson's Principles and Practice of Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 17.

Kraft M. Approach to the patient with respiratory disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 77.

All
Video
Images
Tog

Pulmonary mass - side view chest X-ray - illustration
This individual has a mass in the upper part of the lung. Although the cause of the mass can be suspected, based on this person's history, there are many diseases that can produce lung lesions.
Pulmonary mass - side view chest X-ray
illustration
Lung mass, right lung - CT scan - illustration
This is a CT scan of the upper chest showing a mass in the right lung (seen on the left side of the picture).
Lung mass, right lung - CT scan
illustration
Lung mass, right upper lung - chest X-ray - illustration
This picture is a chest X-ray of a person with a lung mass. This is a front view, where the lungs are the two dark areas and the heart and other structures are visible in the middle of the chest. The X-ray shows a mass in the right upper lung, indicated with the arrow (seen on the left side of the picture).
Lung mass, right upper lung - chest X-ray
illustration
Lung with squamous cell cancer - CT scan - illustration
This CT scan shows a cross section of the lungs of a person with lung cancer. The two dark areas in the middle of the screen are the lungs. The light areas in the right lung (on the left of the screen) represent the cancer.
Lung with squamous cell cancer - CT scan
illustration
Secondhand smoke and lung cancer - illustration
Secondhand smoke has been classified as a known cause of lung cancer in humans (Group A carcinogen).
Secondhand smoke and lung cancer
illustration
Yellow nail syndrome - illustration
Yellow nail syndrome is characterized by yellow nails that lack a cuticle, grow slowly, and are loose or detached (onycholysis). Yellow nail syndrome is most commonly associated with lung disorders, and with lymphedema.
Yellow nail syndrome
illustration
Respiratory system - illustration
Air is breathed in through the nasal passageways, travels through the trachea and bronchi to the lungs.
Respiratory system
illustration

Pulmonary mass - side view chest X-ray - illustration
This individual has a mass in the upper part of the lung. Although the cause of the mass can be suspected, based on this person's history, there are many diseases that can produce lung lesions.
Pulmonary mass - side view chest X-ray
illustration
Lung mass, right lung - CT scan - illustration
This is a CT scan of the upper chest showing a mass in the right lung (seen on the left side of the picture).
Lung mass, right lung - CT scan
illustration
Lung mass, right upper lung - chest X-ray - illustration
This picture is a chest X-ray of a person with a lung mass. This is a front view, where the lungs are the two dark areas and the heart and other structures are visible in the middle of the chest. The X-ray shows a mass in the right upper lung, indicated with the arrow (seen on the left side of the picture).
Lung mass, right upper lung - chest X-ray
illustration
Lung with squamous cell cancer - CT scan - illustration
This CT scan shows a cross section of the lungs of a person with lung cancer. The two dark areas in the middle of the screen are the lungs. The light areas in the right lung (on the left of the screen) represent the cancer.
Lung with squamous cell cancer - CT scan
illustration
Secondhand smoke and lung cancer - illustration
Secondhand smoke has been classified as a known cause of lung cancer in humans (Group A carcinogen).
Secondhand smoke and lung cancer
illustration
Yellow nail syndrome - illustration
Yellow nail syndrome is characterized by yellow nails that lack a cuticle, grow slowly, and are loose or detached (onycholysis). Yellow nail syndrome is most commonly associated with lung disorders, and with lymphedema.
Yellow nail syndrome
illustration
Respiratory system - illustration
Air is breathed in through the nasal passageways, travels through the trachea and bronchi to the lungs.
Respiratory system
illustration

A Closer Look

Talking to your MD

Self Care

Traveling with breathing problems
COPD - quick-relief drugs
Day to day with COPD
Using oxygen at home
How to breathe when you are short of breath

Tests for Lung disease

Bronchoscopy
Pulmonary function tests
Lung needle biopsy

Related Information

Asthma
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Sarcoidosis
Asbestosis
Pulmonary aspergilloma
Aspergillosis
Atelectasis
Simple pulmonary eosinophilia
Lung cancer - small cell
Asthma in adults
Non-small cell lung cancer
Pneumonia

Review Date: 7/31/2022

Reviewed By: Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, MHS, Paul F. Harron Jr. Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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	A. Eat a healthy diet
	B. Stop smoking
	C. Get exercise
	D. All of the above

	A. True
	B. False

	A. True
	B. False

	A. True
	B. False

	A. True
	B. False

Health Library

Lung disease

Asthma

COPD

Bronchiolitis

Bronchiectasis

Pulmonary fibrosis

Sarcoidosis

Pulmonary hypertension

Pneumothorax

Atelectasis

Bronchitis

Lung cancer

Pneumonia

Pulmonary edema

Pulmonary embolus

What's the best way to slow down lung damage due to COPD?

You can avoid flare-ups at home by doing which of the following?

Men with COPD are more likely to feel depressed than women.

Overnight oxygen therapy can help you sleep better.

What can pulmonary rehabilitation do for you?

Pulmonary rehabilitation can teach you a new way to breathe.

Walking is the best exercise for people with emphysema.

Flying can make breathing problems worse.

Medicines help people manage COPD, but not cure it.

Strengthening exercises are good for people with COPD.

References

Pulmonary mass - side view chest X-ray - illustration

Pulmonary mass - side view chest X-ray

Lung mass, right lung - CT scan - illustration

Lung mass, right lung - CT scan

Lung mass, right upper lung - chest X-ray - illustration

Lung mass, right upper lung - chest X-ray

Lung with squamous cell cancer - CT scan - illustration

Lung with squamous cell cancer - CT scan

Secondhand smoke and lung cancer - illustration

Secondhand smoke and lung cancer

Yellow nail syndrome - illustration

Yellow nail syndrome

Respiratory system - illustration

Respiratory system