A nagging cough, trouble breathing, chest pain and tightness, and coughing up blood – these are all warning signs of pulmonary disease, especially if the symptoms are chronic. Examples of the most common lung diseases include asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), tuberculosis, pneumonia, and lung cancer.
Pulmonary or lung disease has many causes, and most of them involve exposure to harmful chemicals and irritants. Let’s talk about some of the most common causes of pulmonary disease and who you can talk to if you’re concerned about lung health.
Triggers of Pulmonary Disease
The top reasons why you might be susceptible to pulmonary disease include the following:
Smoking
Whether from cigarettes, pipes, or cigars, smoking is the number-one risk factor for the development of pulmonary disease. It is associated with approximately 90% of deaths due to lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Cigarettes contain many toxic chemicals, which in effect weaken your lungs by causing damage to the air tubes and sacs. Stopping smoking is one of the best things that you can do for your lungs.
Smoke Inhalation
People who are frequently exposed to secondhand smoke are also at a high risk of developing pulmonary disease. If you live with someone who smokes, or if you are often around people while they are smoking, you are at risk of pulmonary diseases like chronic bronchitis and lung cancer.
Approximately 7,000 lung cancer deaths every year in the U.S. alone are attributed to exposure to secondhand smoke. Plus, an additional 33,000 deaths annually nationwide are due to heart disease as a direct correlation to secondhand smoke inhalation.
Air Pollution
The particulate pollution in the air you breathe, usually due to exhaust fumes, can also harm your lungs. For instance, if you live in a city with high pollution levels, your lungs will pay the price.
Particulate pollution can be life-threatening, particularly to people over the age of 65. For younger people, air pollution can trigger asthma and other respiratory problems.
Inhalation of Toxic Gas, Chemicals, and Fumes
The inhalation of toxic chemicals and fumes – such as those found in chlorine bleach, pesticide fumes, and grain and fertilizer dust – can irritate your lungs and cause inflammation. Inhalation of smoke in a house fire or wildfire can also increase your risk of developing pulmonary disease. Patients with occupations that expose them to toxic gas and fumes have a high incidence of pulmonary diseases, including chronic bronchitis and COPD.
Lung Doctors in Sarasota and Bradenton
Conditions like COPD and lung cancer demand optimum long-term healthcare in order to help patients enjoy a high quality of life. At Intercoastal Medical Group, our friendly and compassionate medical practitioners offer a full range of services, from family medicine and diagnostics to oncology and surgery. We are highly trained and experienced in handling complex cases of COPD, congestive heart failure, diabetes, heart attack, and stroke.
Intercoastal Medical Group Pulmonologists are located our Cattleridge Medical Building, 3333 Cattlemen Road, Suite #106, Sarasota, FL 34232 (941)379-1799, and at our Lakewood Ranch I Medical Office Building, 11505 Rangeland Parkway, Bradenton, FL 34211 (941)362-8662.
If you have any questions about our medical services or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our practitioners, contact Intercoastal Medical Group today at the location near you or fill out our appointment request form now. We look forward to seeing you here.
