Lung Conditions Specialist

What are lung conditions?

Lung conditions often result in breathing difficulty and changes in the structure or function of your lungs (or surrounding tissues). Your lungs take in oxygen from the air, delivering it to your bloodstream. Breathing problems can be scary in many cases.

What are the common types of lung conditions?

Common lung disorders include:

• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Emphysema 
• Pneumonia
• Tuberculosis
• Chronic bronchitis
• Cystic fibrosis
• Respiratory failure
• Lung cancer

COVID-19 can also cause breathing difficulty in some instances. See the Maniya Health team at the first sign of a lung disorder.

What are the risk factors for lung conditions?

Genetics, family history of lung disease, allergies, breathing in polluted air or toxic fumes, and smoking are some of the main risk factors for developing lung conditions. Getting COVID-19 or the flu, which can develop into pneumonia, is also a risk factor.

What are the symptoms of lung conditions?

If you have a lung condition, you may experience some of the following signs or symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Wheezing
• Hoarseness
• Persistent coughing 
• Coughing up blood
• Fatigue
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Swelling in your ankles, legs, or feet

In the case of a severe asthma attack, you might struggle to get enough air. This type of situation can be deadly in some cases. 

How does my provider diagnose lung conditions?

To diagnose a lung condition, your primary care specialist reviews your medical history, asks about your symptoms, and listens to your lungs and breathing. They might recommend you undergo a nasal or throat swab, tissue biopsy, lung function tests, CT scans, or chest X-rays to diagnose your condition and develop a treatment plan.

During lung tests, you often breathe through a special device before and after taking bronchodilator medications that open your airways. 

What are my treatment options?

If you have asthma, COPD, pneumonia, or another lung condition requiring treatment, your Maniya Health specialist may suggest one of the following:

• Smoking cessation
• Weight loss
• A healthy diet
• Regular exercise
• Inhaler
• Allergy shots
• Medications
• Oxygen therapy
• Pulmonary rehabilitation
• In-home ventilation therapy
• Surgery

Your provider personalizes a treatment that best matches your needs. They can refer you to a specialist in the area as needed.

If you struggle to get a full breath of air because of lung conditions and desire relief, call the Maniya Health office today or book an appointment online.