Respiratory diseases

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

🧠 Symptoms – Obstructive Lung Diseases

Chronic cough with sputum production
Persistent shortness of breath, especially during exertion
Wheezing in the chest
Feeling of chest tightness
Chronic fatigue
Frequent respiratory infections

💊 Treatment – Obstructive Lung Diseases

Immediate smoking cessation
Bronchodilators (inhalers)
Inhaled or oral corticosteroids during exacerbations
Respiratory rehabilitation
Home oxygen therapy if needed
Vaccination against influenza and pneumococcus

📌 Summary

Definition: COPD primarily includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. These conditions cause progressive and irreversible airway obstruction, making breathing difficult.
Affected population: Mainly adults over 40 years old, especially smokers or former smokers. More common in men, but increasingly affects women.
Common causes: Smoking (main cause), long-term exposure to pollutants (industrial fumes, biomass), frequent childhood respiratory infections, genetic predisposition (e.g., alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency).

✅ Prevention – COPD (Chronic Respiratory Diseases)

Never start smoking or quit immediately
Avoid polluted environments (smoke, dust, chemicals)
Get vaccinated against flu and pneumococcus every year
Adopt a regular, suitable physical activity
Monitor symptoms early and consult as soon as they appear

Pneumonia

🩺 Symptoms: Pneumonia

Persistent cough with or without mucus
High fever with chills
Chest pain when breathing or coughing
Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
General fatigue and weakness
Loss of appetite
Mental confusion (especially in the elderly)

💊 Treatment: Pneumonia

Antibiotics for bacterial cases
Antivirals if caused by a virus (flu, COVID-19)
Complete rest and plenty of fluids
Paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve fever and pain
Oxygen therapy in case of breathing difficulties
Hospitalization for severe cases or vulnerable patients

📌 Summary

Definition: Pneumonia is an acute lung infection that causes inflammation of the pulmonary alveoli. These can fill with fluid or pus, leading to cough, fever, chills, and breathing difficulties.
Affected population: Mainly children under 5 years old, the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, or those with chronic illnesses. It is a major cause of child mortality in developing countries.
Common causes: Bacterial infections (such as pneumococcus), viral infections (flu, COVID-19, RSV), or fungal infections. Increased risk in cases of smoking, malnutrition, air pollution, lack of vaccination, or poor living conditions.

🛡️ Prevention: Pneumonia

Vaccination against flu and pneumococcus
Avoid smoking and air pollution
Strengthen immunity with a balanced diet
Frequent handwashing to prevent respiratory infections
Seek medical attention promptly in case of persistent cough or fever

Acute bronchitis

🩺 Symptoms: Acute Bronchitis

Persistent cough (with or without mucus)
Chest discomfort or pain
General fatigue
Mild fever and chills
Shortness of breath or wheezing
Sore throat or nasal congestion at the start of infection

💊 Treatment: Acute Bronchitis

Rest and plenty of fluids
Use of cough syrups if needed
Steam inhalation or humidifier to soothe the airways
Pain relievers (paracetamol, ibuprofen) for fever and aches
Antibiotics only if a bacterial infection is confirmed

📌 Summary

Definition: Acute bronchitis is a temporary inflammation of the bronchi, often caused by a viral infection. It leads to a persistent cough, sometimes with mucus, as well as shortness of breath, mild fever, and chest discomfort.
Affected population: Anyone can be affected, but children, the elderly, and smokers are more at risk. Episodes are more frequent in winter or following a cold or the flu.
Common causes: Viral infections (flu, rhinovirus), exposure to tobacco smoke, air pollution, and climate variations. In some cases, bacteria may also be involved.

🛡️ Prevention: Acute Bronchitis

Avoid active and passive smoking
Wash hands regularly to reduce viral infections
Wear a mask during epidemics or pollution episodes
Get vaccinated against seasonal flu
Ventilate rooms and maintain proper humidity levels

Asthma

🔴 Asthma Symptoms

Persistent cough, especially at night or upon waking
Wheezing (whistling sounds during exhalation)
Feeling of tightness in the chest
Shortness of breath during activity or at rest
Worsening of symptoms with allergies or infections

🔴 Asthma Treatment

Quick-relief inhalers (bronchodilators)
Long-term treatment with inhaled corticosteroids
Avoidance of allergens and irritants
Regular medical follow-up and personalized action plan
Flu and pneumonia vaccines recommended

📌 Summary

Definition: Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to breathing difficulties, coughing, wheezing, and a feeling of chest tightness.
Affected population: Affects both children and adults. It can appear in childhood or develop later in life. Some people may have mild forms, while others experience severe cases.
Common causes: Allergens (dust mites, pollen, mold), air pollution, respiratory infections, intense physical activity, stress, passive smoking, climate changes, family history.

🔴 Asthma Prevention

Avoid tobacco, irritants, and pollution
Identify and avoid personal triggers (dust mites, pollen, pets, etc.)
Regular check-ups with a healthcare professional
Strict adherence to prescribed treatment, even without symptoms
Engage in appropriate and gradual physical activity

Tuberculosis

🔴 Symptoms of Tuberculosis

Persistent cough (often with blood)
Chest pain
Unintentional weight loss
Fever and night sweats
Chronic fatigue
Loss of appetite
Shortness of breath in advanced cases

🔴 Tuberculosis Treatment

Prolonged antibiotic therapy (at least 6 months)
Combination of multiple antibiotics (isoniazid, rifampicin, etc.)
Regular monitoring of progress and side effects
Possible hospitalization in severe or drug-resistant cases
Nutritional support and psychological counseling

📌 Summary

Definition: Tuberculosis is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium *Mycobacterium tuberculosis*. It mainly affects the lungs but can also involve other organs. It is transmitted through the air, especially in enclosed and poorly ventilated spaces.
Affected population: People living in precarious conditions, immunocompromised patients (such as those with HIV), children, and the elderly are particularly at risk. The disease remains widespread in developing countries.
Common causes: Transmission through respiratory droplets from an infected person, weakened immune system, malnutrition, overcrowding, lack of access to healthcare, or treatment interruption.

🔴 Tuberculosis Prevention

BCG vaccination in infants
Early diagnosis and treatment of active cases
Ventilation of enclosed spaces to prevent transmission
Wearing a mask for infected patients
Medical monitoring of people in contact with an active case

Pulmonary fibrosis

Symptoms of Pulmonary Fibrosis

Persistent dry cough
Shortness of breath, especially during exertion
Chronic fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
Chest pain
Clubbing of the fingers (finger deformity)

Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment

Use of antifibrotic drugs (pirfenidone, nintedanib)
Oxygen therapy to improve breathing
Respiratory rehabilitation
Vaccination against flu and pneumococcus
Lung transplant in severe cases

📌 Summary

Definition: Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic disease characterized by the formation of scar tissue (fibrosis) in the lungs, making breathing difficult. It causes a progressive decrease in lung capacity and blood oxygenation.
Affected population: It mainly affects adults over 50 years old. Some cases are idiopathic (of unknown cause), while others are linked to occupational exposures or autoimmune diseases.
Common causes: Prolonged inhalation of toxic dusts (asbestos, silica), smoking, chronic lung infections, radiotherapy, lung-toxic medications, autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus).

Prevention of Pulmonary Fibrosis

Avoid prolonged exposure to dust, toxic gases, or smoke
Wear protective masks in occupational settings
Prompt treatment of lung infections
Quit smoking
Regular medical follow-up in case of chronic lung disease

Pulmonary embolism

Symptoms: Pulmonary Embolism

Sudden and severe shortness of breath
Chest pain that worsens with inhalation
Cough possibly with blood
Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
Fainting or dizziness
Anxiety or a sense of impending doom

Treatment: Pulmonary Embolism

Anticoagulants (heparin, warfarin, etc.) to prevent new clot formation
Thrombolytics to dissolve clots in severe cases
Oxygen therapy to assist breathing
Possible placement of an inferior vena cava filter
Urgent hospitalization for cardiorespiratory monitoring

📌 Summary

Definition: Pulmonary embolism is a sudden blockage of one or more arteries in the lungs, usually caused by a blood clot originating from the legs (deep vein thrombosis). It can be serious and even fatal if not treated promptly.
Affected population: Hospitalized adults, postoperative patients, pregnant women or those on hormonal contraceptives, elderly people, or those immobilized for long periods.
Common causes: Formation of blood clots in deep veins (phlebitis), prolonged immobilization, recent surgery, history of thrombosis, obesity, smoking, clotting disorders.

Prevention: Pulmonary Embolism

Wearing compression stockings to prevent venous thrombosis
Regular movement after surgery or long travel
Adequate hydration
Preventive treatment for high-risk patients (anticoagulants)
Avoiding smoking and maintaining a healthy weight