When we breathe, our lungs take in oxygen from the air and deliver it to the bloodstream. The cells in our body need oxygen to work and grow. During a normal day, we breathe nearly 25,000 times. People with lung disease have difficulty breathing.

The term lung disease refers to many disorders affecting the lungs, such as asthma,chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, infections like influenza, pneumonia and tuberculosis, lung cancer, and many other breathing problems. Some lung diseases can lead to respiratory failure.

Influenza, commonly called the flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. Pneumonia is caused by infection with one of three microorganisms: Bacteria (Streptococcus pneumonia), Viruses and Mycoplasma. Complications of Pneumonia include: Pleural effusion (liquid in the sac enclosing the lungs), which can lead to pleurisy; lung abscess (in less than one per cent of people); blood poisoning; and scarring of the lungs (fibrosis). Tuberculosis (TB) is a severe bacterial infection (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) of the lungs. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. Occupational lung disease is the collective term for lung conditions that are caused by exposure to dust and chemicals at work. Conditions include Pneumoconiosis, Asbestosis, Farmer's lung, Beryliossis and Byssinosis. A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the supply of blood of the lungs. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that causes the mucus produced in the lungs to be particularly thick and sticky, making it difficult to clear the airways. Bronchiectasis is a condition in which the lower airways remain widened, making it difficult to clear mucus. Sarcoidosis is an inflammation in the lungs resulting in breathlessness and a dry cough.

MORE INFO