Instructions for using the services
Read more
Revised 10/25/2024
Published 10/25/2024
Symptoms of lung diseases can range from a mild cough to severe breathing difficulties. The duration and severity of the symptoms depend on the type and stage of the disease, but they can worsen without appropriate treatment.
Typical symptoms of lung diseases include:
Lung diseases, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications such as lung function impairment, increased strain on the heart, and a decline in quality of life. It is, therefore, important to identify symptoms in good time and seek medical attention, if necessary.
The treatment of lung diseases depends on the type and severity of the disease. Symptoms may worsen if left untreated.
The most common lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, are usually treated with inhalers designed to make breathing easier and/or reduce inflammation.
Various treatment options for lung diseases include:
The diagnosis of lung diseases is based on a symptom assessment, interviews, physical examination and diagnostic tests such as spirometry, which measures the lung’s functional capacity.
In addition, imaging tests such as X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scans can be used to help identify structural changes in the lungs and possible diseases such as pneumonia or tumours.
Seek a medical appointment if:
In these situations, it is important to seek a doctor’s appointment, as timely treatment can prevent worsening of the symptoms and possible serious complications.
More rare lung diseases include pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis and pulmonary hypertension, which may require specialised treatment and monitoring.
These diseases can manifest as a variety of symptoms, including difficulty breathing, coughing and fatigue.
The diagnosis of sleep apnoea is typically based on a clinical evaluation of symptoms and night polygraphy (sleep recording). During sleep, this study monitors breathing, oxygen levels, heart rhythm and other body functions to detect nocturnal respiratory arrest.
A lung scan is usually taken to assess the condition of the lungs when determining the causes of a symptom, such as a shortness of breath or prolonged cough, or when suspecting diseases such as pneumonia or lung cancer. An X-ray helps to see the structures of the lungs and any abnormalities, such as infections or tumours.
A shadow in the lungs can be caused by a number of reasons, such as an infection, inflammation, tumour or blood clot. The exact cause is often determined by additional examinations, such as computed tomography (CT), which provides more detailed information about the nature and location of the shadow.
Consolidation in the lungs refers to an area that is more densely visible on the X-ray when compared to the surrounding lung tissue. This may be a sign of pneumonia, a tumour or other changes in the lung tissue. The cause and nature of the consolidation is usually determined by further examinations, such as a CT scan or sample (biopsy).
