Description
The term for diseases of the respiratory system
Include diseases of the lung, pleural cavity, bronchial tubes, trachea, upper respiratory tract
Range from the common cold to life-threatening
Respiratory disease is responsible for over 10% of hospitalizations and over 16% of deaths
The study of respiratory disease is known as pulmonology.
Main diagnostic tests
Chest x-ray
Computed tomography scan
Culture of microorganisms from secretions such as sputum
Biopsy of the lung or pleura
Ultrasound scanning can be useful to detect fluid such as pleural effusion.
Common Symptoms
General malaise
Shortness of breath
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Cachexia (fast weight loss)
Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the lips, tongue or fingers).
The Main diseases
Tuberculosis (TB)
Pneumonia
Asthma
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Pharyngitis and laryngitis
Malignant and benign tumours.…
