Lung Diseases

There are many types of lung diseases. These diseases can be grouped according to how they affect the lungs.

Asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and cystic fibrosis - These all affect a person's airways and limit or block the flow of air in or out of the lungs.

Respiratory failure, pulmonary edema, pulmonary embolism, and pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure) - These are caused by problems with the normal gas exchange and blood flow in the lungs.

Pneumonia and tuberculosis (TB) - Bacteria or viruses can cause these diseases that affect the membrane (or pleura) that surrounds the lungs. Other conditions can also affect the pleura.

Lung cancer - The number one cause of lung cancer is smoking.

Stiffening and scarring of lungs - The spaces between the tissues of the lungs (called the interstitium) can become stiff and scarred. This can be caused by drugs, poisons, infections, or radiation.

Lung disorders from unusual atmospheric pressure - Atmospheric pressures that are not typical can cause lung problems. This includes high altitudes (as in the mountains) where the air has less oxygen, or deep water where there is more atmospheric pressure and higher nitrogen levels in the blood.

The Australian Lung Foundation provides a range of information on lung diseases.

Reviewed October 2011

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Related HealthInsite Topics

Asbestosis

HealthInsite Topic Page
Links to information on asbestosis.

Obstructive Lung Diseases

HealthInsite Topic Page
Links to information on obstructive lung diseases, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Cystic Fibrosis

HealthInsite Topic Page
Links to information on cystic fibrosis.

Lung Cancer

HealthInsite Topic Page
Links to overview information about lung cancers, as well as specific topic pages on prevention, treatment, risk factors and statistics for lung cancer.

Pleurisy

HealthInsite Topic Page
Links to information on pleurisy.

Pneumonia

HealthInsite Topic Page
Links to information on pneumonia, including causes, prevention and treatment.

Tuberculosis

HealthInsite Topic Page
Links to information on tuberculosis.

Systematic Reviews of Treatments for Lung Diseases

HealthInsite Topic Page
Links to systematic reviews of the evidence for the effectiveness of treatments for lung diseases.

31 Resources Found

Results 1 to 20 displayed.     1  2 

Title:   LungNet News
Publisher:   The Australian Lung Foundation
Description:   All issues of The Australian Lung Foundation LungNet News since September 1998.
Date:   Oct 2011
Title:   The Australian Lung Foundation
Publisher:   The Australian Lung Foundation
Description:   The Australian Lung Foundation (ALF) is responding to the need in the community to reduce the significant and debilitating cost of lung disease, both in human and monetary terms. The LungNet contains valuable information for both healthcare professionals and the community.
Date:   Sep 2011
Title:   Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM)
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare lung disease that affects women during their reproductive years. Abnormal tissue growth in the lungs causes cysts, which lead to breathing problems. Other affected organs may include the kidneys, uterus and lymphatic system. LAM may occur sporadically (sLAM) or in association with the genetic disease tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).
Date:   Jun 2011
Title:   Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency (A1AD, Alpha-1)
Publisher:   Virtual Medical Centre.com
Description:   Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency is an inherited disease which affects the liver and lungs. Alpha 1-antitrypsin is an enzyme synthesised in the liver. If the level of alpha 1-antitrypsin is too low, protease enzymes can act unopposed, and cause excess protein breakdown. A genetic mutation can cause these low levels of alpha 1-antitrypsin.
Date:   Feb 2011
Title:   Woodsmoke and your health : the burning issues
Publisher:   The Australian Lung Foundation
Description:   Wood-burning heaters are often admired for the ambience they add. However, smoke from woodheaters can be a major source of air pollution in many parts of Australia and is a real and significant health hazard.
Date:   Oct 2010
Title:   Pulmonary embolism in pregnancy
Publisher:   Department of Health Western Australia
Description:   Diagnostic imaging algorithm for patients with suspected pulmonary embolism during pregnancy.
Date:   Aug 2010
Title:   Pulmonary embolism
Publisher:   Department of Health Western Australia
Description:   Diagnostic imaging algorithm for patients with suspected pulmonary embolism.
Date:   Jun 2010
Title:   Sarcoidosis
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Sarcoidosis causes small inflammatory nodules to form in the lungs and lymph glands in the chest. It mostly affects people in their late 20s to early 40s. Symptoms include breathlessness, tiredness, a cough or chest discomfort. The cause is not known. It is not a cancer and most cases require no treatment.
Date:   May 2010
Title:   Histoplasmosis
Publisher:   Queensland Health
Description:   Histoplasmosis is an infectious disease of the lungs caused by a soil-based fungus. The infection results in mild illness in most people but sometimes can spread to other parts of the body (disseminated histoplasmosis). In serious cases it can be fatal if untreated.
Date:   May 2010
Title:   Asbestos in the home
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Asbestos may be present in homes. Common products are fibro cement, or 'AC' sheeting, and heater insulation. Asbestos in home building materials does not generally pose a health risk unless the material is broken, deteriorating or disturbed to produce dust containing asbestos fibres.
Date:   Mar 2010
Title:   Diagnostic thoracentesis
Publisher:   Virtual Medical Centre.com
Description:   Diagnostic thoracentesis samples plural effusion in the chest wall. A pleural effusion is an abnormal collection of fluid in the pleural space surrounding the lungs.
Date:   Feb 2010
Title:   Pulmonary embolism (unstable)
Publisher:   Department of Health Western Australia
Description:   Diagnostic imaging algorithm for patients with suspected pulmonary embolism.
Date:   Oct 2009
Title:   Thoracic computed tomography: principles and practice
Publisher:   Australian Prescriber
Description:   Computerised tomography of the chest has revolutionised thoracic imaging. It can provide important information in the diagnosis and management of pulmonary masses and malignancy, mediastinal disease, bronchiectasis, interstitial lung disease and pleural abnormalities.
Date:   Aug 2009
Title:   VQ scan
Publisher:   The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR)
Description:   Detailed information for consumers and carers about having a VQ (ventilation-perfusion) scan of the lungs - including what it is, how to prepare, how it is done, risks and benefits and after effects
Date:   May 2009
Title:   Health impacts of wood smoke
Publisher:   The Australian Lung Foundation
Description:   Wood smoke contains fine particles which are breathed into the lungs. They irritate the bronchial tubes and affect those with pre-existing lung disease, especially asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Date:   Jan 2009
Title:   Asbestos exposure
Publisher:   Virtual Medical Centre.com
Description:   Asbestos Exposure, What is Asbestos?Diseases caused by AsbestosPreventing exposure to Asbestos
Date:   Aug 2008
Title:   Therapeutic thoracentesis (pleural effusion drainage)
Publisher:   Virtual Medical Centre.com
Description:   Therapeutic thoracentesis samples pleural effusion in the lungs to check for disease. Symtoms of lung disease may include shortness of breath, chest pain and cough.
Date:   Jul 2008
Title:   Pulmonary embolism (PE)
Publisher:   Virtual Medical Centre.com
Description:   Information on the symptoms, treatment and diagnosis of pulmonary embolism by professional health specialists.
Date:   May 2008
Title:   Outdoor air pollution and lung disease
Publisher:   The Australian Lung Foundation
Description:   Modern industrial society produces a large number of gases and particles which can pollute outdoor air. The effect of air pollution on health is considered, including its likelihood of aggravating asthma and cancer, and its effect on animals and plants.
Date:   May 2008
Title:   Lung abscess
Publisher:   Virtual Medical Centre.com
Description:   Information on the symptoms, treatment and diagnosis of lung abscess by professional health specialists.
Date:   May 2008

Results 1 to 20 displayed.     1  2