By Hadley Gavin
Life is impossible without breathing, which is accomplished by our lungs. We must ensure that our lungs are strong and healthy since they are essential to the proper functioning of our body. Even the simplest chores will be difficult for us to do if we have breathing issues. In some cases, damaged lungs can even cause an early demise. Among the most common health problems experienced by Singaporeans are lung disorders, sometimes known as respiratory disorders. A trip to a lung clinic ought to be taken into consideration. Visit https://iplungclinic.com/ for assistance in marketing your medical facility.
The following are some of the most common lung diseases experienced by Singaporeans, both adults and children, that may necessitate a visit to a lung clinic:
- Asthma (or Bronchial asthma) is a condition when the airways become narrow and swollen; and become blocked by extra mucus. This condition of the lungs is chronic and needs continued management. During an asthma attack, a person may experience the following:
- bronchospasm, a constriction of the muscles surrounding the airways which prevent the free passage of air;
- producing extra mucus by the body, blocking the airways; and
- inflammation where the airways’ lining swells, restricting the amount of air that breathed.
Symptoms of asthma are common with other lung conditions such as painful or constricted chests, wheezing, coughing and breathing difficulty. But certain circumstances can cause asthma symptoms to worsen in some people. People with this condition who use inhaled medicine can manage their symptoms and enjoy regular, active lives. Reducing asthma symptoms can also be accomplished by avoiding asthma triggers.
It was reported that Singapore has an exceptionally high death rate for developed nations for asthma, which experts attribute to a number of things, including underreporting of symptoms, poor adherence to recommended treatments, and the country’s aging population.
Causes of asthma include genetic factors, viral infections that recur, and allergy disease propensity.
- Pneumonia is a severe acute lung illness brought on by bacteria, viruses, or occasionally fungus. The main site of infection for pneumonia is the air sacs (alveoli). As a result, one or both of the lungs become inflamed and begin to build up pus/fluid, making it challenging to breathe. Acute respiratory distress syndrome, a potentially fatal condition, can result from this illness, which can also appear with a slight fever and cough (ARDS).
The types of pneumonia according its causes are the following:
- Bacterial Pneumonia-as the name suggests, this type is caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. This kind of pneumonia can develop on its own or following a cold or the flu.
- Viral Pneumonia-when viruses that cause pneumonia spread from one sick person to another by respiratory droplets and airborne transmission, it is called viral pneumonia. Viral pneumonia is caused by the same virus that causes the common cold, influenza, and Covid-19, among other illnesses.
- Fungi Pneumonia-people with weak immune systems, chronic health conditions, and those who have breathed high concentrations of the organisms are more likely to get this type of pneumonia. Depending on where you live, different fungus may be present in the soil or in bird droppings.
The severity of pneumonia can range from minor to life-threatening. The most vulnerable groups include newborns and young children, adults over 65, and those with health
conditions or weaker immune systems.
Symptoms of pneumonia include pain in the chest when breathing or coughing, cough with phlegm, fatigue, fever and chills, vomiting, nausea, etc.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD). COPD is a set of lung diseases that causes the blockage airflow from the lungs. Long-term exposure to gases that can irritate the lungs or particulate matter such as cigarette smoke, is the most common cause of COPD. This said lung problem is long-term and is commonly classified into the following:
- Emphysema, a lung condition characterised by the damaged air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs which progresses over time due to exposure to smoke from cigarette and other harmful gases
- Chronic bronchitis, an inflammation of the bronchial tubes’ lining. Being inflamed, the lining swells and mucus builds-up, narrowing the linings’ opening. This results in prolonged cough and phlegm.
Among the symptoms of COPD are breathing difficulties, having short breath with just mild physical activities like walking and other regular day to day activities, wheezing, tightness in thes chest, lack of energy, prolonged cough with phlegm and recurring respiratory infections.
Risk factors for COPD included the following:
- Exposure to tobacco by active smoking or through passive inhalation of secondhand smoke, exposure to chemicals, fumes, or dust at work;
- Air pollution indoor
- Exposure to high levels of smoke from burning fuel (wood, coal, etc.)
- In-born respiratory infections or conditions and genetic conditions
To lessen flare-ups and delay the progression of symptoms of COPD, early diagnosis and treatment are required, including help for quitting smoking.
Here are a few ways to maintain healthy lungs:
- Exercise frequently. Exercise improves lung and breathing function and strengthens the immune system, helping the body fight illnesses and infections.
- Don’t smoke or quit smoking. Smoking poses a higher risk of developing lung cancer and other lung diseases. Additionally, it worsens certain disorders. Substances inhaled such as nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide when smoking are very harmful to the lungs.
- Stay away from pollutants. As much as you can, cut down on your exposure to give your lungs a vacation. Avoid secondhand smoke, and try to avoid going outside when air pollution levels are at their highest. Avoid working out in busy areas because you could breathe in the exhaust. Take all reasonable safety measures if you are working somewhere where you are exposed to pollution.
- Infections should be avoided. Maintaining clean hands is the most effective way to avoid lung infections. Wash your face with warm water and soap on a regular basis, and avoid touching your face as much as possible.
- Drink plenty of water and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables — they are high in nutrients that help your immune system.
- Keep your vaccinations up to date
- Get Regular Checkups. Even when you feel healthy, routine checkups can help prevent diseases. This is particularly true for lung disease, which might go unnoticed until it is severe.
IP Lung Clinic
Interventional Pulmonology & lung Clinic
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, 3 Mount Elizabeth, #12-03, Singapore 228510
+65 9023 0158
akashverma100@hotmail.com
