All diseases related to the human respiratory system are known as respiratory diseases, including the lungs, trachea, nose, mouth, throat, pharynx, and larynx. The respiratory system is one of the most sensitive systems in the human body, and respiratory diseases are among the top 10 causes of death worldwide because through breathing we are in direct contact with all types of microorganisms. Some of these can cause serious diseases, while others are less concerning, such as a simple cold or flu.

Some respiratory diseases, more commonly known as respiratory allergies—such as rhinitis, asthma, and allergic bronchitis—are more common than we think and are caused by airborne allergens, such as dust, cigarette smoke, perfume smells, cleaning products, animal hair, pollen from plants, etc.

Respiratory Allergies – Symptoms

  • Excessive itching in the eyes, nose, throat, and sometimes on the skin
  • Watery eyes
  • Nasal congestion
  • Headache (severe head pain)

Some symptoms, such as sneezing, nasal discharge and cough, can easily be mistaken for other conditions like the flu, which presents similar symptoms, or a simple cold. The only difference between them is the duration of symptoms. Respiratory disease symptoms, such as allergies, for example, tend to last longer than those of a simple cold.

How to Prevent Respiratory Diseases

  • Avoid carpets and curtains in bedrooms or use products with acaricide for cleaning
  • Mattresses and pillows should be covered with anti-dust mite protectors and changed regularly
  • Do not smoke inside the home

The house should be regularly ventilated and aired out to prevent the spread of mold and dust mites in the environment, and it is advised to use a vacuum cleaner, while furniture should be cleaned with a damp cloth so that dust is not stirred up into the air and triggers an allergy attack. Respiratory allergies cannot be cured, but there are ways to control and prevent contact with the allergens that cause them, and the best way is to keep distance from them.

Main Respiratory Diseases

COPD – (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) An irreversible chronic disease that affects the lungs, quite common in patients who have had tuberculosis and mostly in men. Its main cause is smoking, genetic factors, or long-term overexposure to chemical components.

Chronic Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchi, which in most cases begins after years of exposure to tobacco, excessive pollution, and other irritating factors, with more cases found among women.

Pulmonary Emphysema: A chronic disease characterized by the gradual destruction of lung tissue. Its main cause is prolonged use of tobacco or exposure to toxic chemicals.

Asthma:

Also known as asthmatic bronchitis or bronchial asthma, it is inflammation of the airways that leads to decreased airflow. It is caused by genetic factors and manifests through intense shortness of breath attacks.

Lung cancer: A malignant tumor that, when diagnosed earlier, can be treated, and its prognosis is related to the stage of diagnosis. Its main cause is smoking and contact with certain chemicals such as: chromium, vinyl chloride, radon, nickel, arsenic, among others found in occupational settings. This condition can also be associated with people who diet, those with a history of COPD, genetic problems, or family history.

As any respiratory disease can cause harm in the patient’s daily life, pulmonary physiotherapy is recommended, especially for patients with COPD. The earlier the intervention begins, the fewer the harmful effects of bronchial obstruction, as it will improve and increase pulmonary ventilation, benefiting the patient’s life and quality of life. It is important to remember that physiotherapy and all post-rehabilitation care should also include psychological support, which is essential for the patient’s well-being.

See also: Reflux in Newborns – How to Diagnose and Treat

Photo: Brandon Baunach