Other Pulmonary Disorders

Respiratory disorders encompass a range of conditions with varying levels of severity. Asthma, marked by chronic airway inflammation and hypersensitivity, is one such condition. It can lead to airway obstruction due to factors like bronchial spasms, mucosal edema, increased mucus secretion, or epithelial damage. Asthma triggers are diverse, ranging from allergens to emotional upset, and treatment focuses on both immediate relief through bronchodilators and long-term inflammation suppression.

Lung cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, is predominantly caused by cigarette smoke exposure. It presents in various types, including adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and small cell carcinoma, each differing in origin and progression. Early detection is crucial as lung cancers metastasize aggressively. When caught early, surgical removal offers the highest potential for survival.

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that primarily affects the lungs. It impacts a significant portion of the global population but remains dormant in most cases, contained within fibrous or calcified nodules. However, when immunity weakens, active TB can emerge, leading to symptoms like fever, night sweats, and coughing up blood. Incomplete or inadequate treatment can result in the development of drug-resistant TB strains.

Sleep apnea is another common respiratory disorder characterized by temporary cessation of breathing during sleep. It manifests in two forms: obstructive sleep apnea, caused by upper airway collapse due to muscle relaxation, and central sleep apnea, resulting from reduced respiratory drive from the brain stem during sleep. Both conditions highlight the diversity and complexity of respiratory disorders, necessitating ongoing research and effective treatments.