Lung Diseases
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 airways that carry oxygen and other gases into and out of the lungs. They usually cause a narrowing or blockage of the airways. People with airway diseases often say they feel as if they are "trying to breathe out through a straw."
- 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 are not able to breathe deeply.
- 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.
Many lung diseases involve a combination of these three types