Acute and Chronic Disease Reports
Open Access

Types of Acute Respiratory Illness and Their Diagnosis

George Orwell^{* *}Correspondence: Dr. George Orwell, Department of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China, Email:

Author info »

Description

Any illness or condition affecting the lungs, airways, is called Respiratory syndrome. The nasal cavities, pharynx (or throat), larynx, trachea (or windpipe), bronchi and bronchioles, tissues of the lungs, and respiratory muscles of the chest cage are only a few of the parts of the respiratory system that can be affected by diseases. Due to three main factors, the respiratory tract is the location of an exceptionally wide range of disorders. It is exposed to the environment and may therefore be impacted by inhaled organisms, dust, or gases; it has a large network of capillaries through which the entire output of the heart must pass; and it has a large number of airways. Translates to the risk that lung problems will also be caused by diseases of the tiny blood veins. Additionally, "sensitivity" or allergy phenomena that have a big impact on function may occur in the lung. The warning signs and symptoms of respiratory sickness, the physiological safeguards of the human respiratory system, the methods of diagnosing respiratory illness, and the many respiratory illnesses are all covered on this page. For more information on the anatomy of the human respiratory system and the respiration process, see human respiratory system.

Obstructive lung disease

Obstructive Lung Diseases (OLDs) include asthma, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Due to inflammation, the bronchial tree becomes constricted, which reduces the amount of air that may enter alveoli. The symptoms of obstructive lung illnesses are frequently recognized, and pulmonary function tests like spirometry are used to identify them. Obstructive lung diseases are treated by avoiding their activity. Controlling their symptoms with bronchodilators, in severe cases, suppressing inflammation with corticosteroids. Smoking is a common contributor to COPD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and severe infections and cystic fibrosis are common contributors tbronchiectasis. Asthma's exact root cause is yet unknown.

Restrictive lung diseases

Incomplete lung expansion and increased lung stiffness, as seen in babies with respiratory distress syndrome, are symptoms of restrictive lung disorders, a class of respiratory diseases defined by a lack of lung compliance. There are two types of restrictive lung diseases: those brought on by intrinsic factors and those brought on by extrinsic factors. As a result of intrinsic factors, such as tissue loss brought on by toxins or inflammation. Contrarily, problems originating from outside the lungs, such as neuromuscular dysfunction and atypical chest wall movements result in restrictive lung illnesses brought on by extrinsic causes.

Chronic respiratory disease

Chronic Respiratory Conditions (CRCs) affect the airways and other lung structures over an extended period of time. They are distinguished by a strong recruitment of inflammatory cells (neutrophils) and/or an infection cycle that is destructive (e.g. mediated by Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Acute respiratory distress syndrome, asthma, and chronic obstructive lung disease are a few of the most prevalent. Although CRDs cannot be cured, there are a number of treatments that can assist widen the major airways and reduce shortness of breath, which can help control symptoms and improve quality of life.

Tumors

Malignant tumors: Primary lung carcinomas, in particular, are malignant tumors of the respiratory system that account for 30% of all cancer fatalities and 15% of all cancer diagnoses. Tobacco use is the main cause of malignancies of the respiratory system.

Benign tumors: Respiratory illness can occasionally be caused by benign tumours. Benign tumors’ include, for example:

• A hematoma in the lung

• Congenital abnormalities like Congenital Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation (CCAM) and pulmonary sequestration.

Diagnosis

One or more of the following tests may be used to look into respiratory diseases:

• Lung or pleura biopsies

• Blood test, bronchoscopy, and chest X-ray are the following.

• High-resolution Computed Tomography (CT scan)

• Growing bacteria from secretions, such as sputum

• The use of ultrasound scanning to find fluid, such as pleural effusion, is beneficial.

• A lung function examination

• Vapor-perfusion imaging

Epidemiology

Respiratory disease is a common and significant source of sickness and death globally. In the US, there are about a billion cases of the common cold each year. A study found that respiratory disorders accounted for 6.8 million of all visits by patients under the age of 18 to emergency rooms in the United States in 2010. In 2012, respiratory diseases were the most common reason for children to attend the hospital One in seven persons in the UK have a chronic lung disease, the most common of which is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which encompasses asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. Lung cancer and other respiratory diseases are responsible for over 16% of fatalities and over 10% of hospital admissions in Canada. Respiratory illnesses necessitating ventilator support accounted for 93.3% of ICU usage in the United States.