Asthma is a condition which affects the breathing of an individual. The bronchial muscles within the lungs go into spasm and so the airways constrict and the result is that it becomes very difficult to breathe. It affects about 10% of the population and is more prevelant in boys with nearly twice as many suffering from the condition. The symptoms are a shortness of breath. The condition appears to run in familes and is known as an autoimmune disease because it is believe the bodies own antibodies attack allergens breathed in by the lungs triggering the symptoms.
Emphysema is a condition that is divided into two types. The first is surgical emphysema where by air escapes from leaks in the lungs and oesophagus. Air builds up in the bodies tissues. The second
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Pleurisy is a condition whereby the pleura which is the tissue located between the ribcage and lungs becomes inflammed. This can cause a sharp stabbing pain as a symptom. It most commonly caused by a bacterial infection or virus. A distinctive dry, crunching sound is heard by a GP with those suffering from Pleurisy.
Pneumonia is the swelling of the tissue in one or both lungs, usually brought on by a bacterial infection, but can be as a complication of viral infections which make the body weak and more susceptible to a secondary infection. The tiny air sacs (alveoli) become inflamed and fill up with fluid making it difficult to breath. Due to the fluid build up the symptoms are a cough, but you may also have a rapid heartbeat and fever, sweats and loss of appetite as your body fights the infection. You can also experience chest pain.
Croup is a a condition that is commonly found in children. It affects the trachea (windpipe) and the airways to the Bronchi (lungs) and the voice box (larynx). It causes a laryngeal spasm resulting in a harsh cough and high shrill sounds when breathing. The result can be difficulty in breathing and a hoarse voice where the voice box is