There are many diseases that can cause respiratory problems. When breathing is problematic, the body will have difficulty obtaining oxygen and removing carbon dioxide waste. This disorder can certainly interfere with the performance of various organs of the body.
The human respiratory system consists of the nose, mouth, sinus cavities, throat, larynx (vocal box), trachea, bronchi, and lungs. In addition, there are also blood vessels, diaphragm, respiratory muscles, pleura (lining of the lungs), ribs, and alveoli or small air sacs.
All parts of the respiratory system work together to ensure a smooth breathing process. Its purpose is to carry oxygen throughout the body, remove carbon dioxide, and maintain the body's acid-base (pH) balance.
However, the respiratory system can sometimes be disturbed and cause difficulty breathing. This disorder can occur due to various things, such as exposure to cigarette smoke, air pollution, substances that cause allergies or allergens, toxic substances, accidents, genetic factors, to certain diseases.
Various Diseases that Cause Respiratory Disorders
There are many medical conditions or diseases that can cause breathing problems, including:
1. Asthma
Respiratory disorders due to asthma occur when the respiratory tract swells and narrows due to inflammation. The occurrence of asthma is thought to be caused by genetic or hereditary factors and immune system disorders.
People with asthma can experience a recurrence of symptoms when exposed to asthma triggers, such as dust, animal dander, pollen, cigarette smoke, and cold air. In addition, asthma symptoms can also appear due to stress or fatigue.
Respiratory disorders caused by asthma have yet to be cured. However, the recurrence of asthma symptoms can be prevented by avoiding asthma triggers and using inhaled drugs.inhaler) to control asthma symptoms.
Some people with asthma can experience a dangerous condition called status asthmaticus, which is a condition when shortness of breath or severe asthma attacks do not subside after administration of asthma drugs.
This condition is a medical emergency and needs to be treated by a doctor immediately. Otherwise, the sufferer has the potential to experience respiratory failure which can be life-threatening.
2. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
COPD is an inflammatory disease of the lungs that occurs gradually and tends to get worse over time. When it's severe, COPD can cause permanent lung damage.
Diseases that cause respiratory problems are often caused by smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke, but can also be caused by other factors, such as exposure to air pollution, harsh chemical fumes or gases, and dust.
To treat COPD, doctors can provide several treatments, such as bronchodilator drugs and corticosteroids, pulmonary physiotherapy, and oxygen therapy. People with COPD are also advised not to smoke and avoid exposure to chemicals that can damage the lungs.
3. Bronchitis
Bronchitis is a disease that causes respiratory disorders that occur due to infection or inflammation of the bronchi, the respiratory tract that connects the throat and lungs. Bronchitis can be caused by viral and bacterial infections as well as exposure to irritating substances, such as cigarette smoke, dust, and pollution.
This disease can cause symptoms of cough with phlegm, fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, and weakness.
Bronchitis due to viral infection or irritation usually causes coughing up of clear or whitish phlegm, while bronchitis due to bacterial infection can produce yellowish or greenish phlegm. Sometimes bronchitis can also cause coughing up phlegm.
Treatment of this disease needs to be adjusted to the causative factor. If bronchitis is caused by a viral infection, the respiratory problems that appear usually get better on their own within a few weeks. To treat bronchitis due to bacterial infection, antibiotics are needed according to a doctor's prescription.
The doctor may also give you cough suppressants and suggest pulmonary physiotherapy to treat bronchitis.
4. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
ARDS is a disease that causes dangerous respiratory disorders. This disease usually appears suddenly and is characterized by disorders of the lungs that cause shortness of breath and lack of oxygen.
There are several risk factors that can make a person more at risk for developing ARDS, including:
- old age
- History of heavy smoking or inhalation of toxic gases
- Infections, such as sepsis and pneumonia
- Serious injuries or injuries, such as extensive burns and severe head injuries
- Drug overdose
- Blockages in the respiratory tract, for example due to asphyxia and pulmonary embolism.
People with ARDS need to get medical help right away in a hospital. Doctors will usually treat patients with ARDS in the ICU for respiratory support, including installation of a ventilator, as well as medication and close monitoring until their condition improves.
5. Anaphylactic shock
Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction that occurs when people with allergies are exposed to substances that trigger allergies (allergens), such as certain foods or drugs, insect stings or bites, and dust.
Anaphylactic shock can cause respiratory symptoms, such as coughing and shortness of breath, itching, chest palpitations, loss of consciousness, sneezing, and swelling in several parts of the body.
Although quite rare, anaphylactic shock is a dangerous condition and requires immediate medical attention in a hospital. Otherwise, this condition has the potential to cause death.
In addition to some of the diseases above, respiratory disorders can also be caused by several other diseases, such as lung cancer, tuberculosis, emphysema, and pulmonary edema.
Steps for Handling Respiratory Disorders
Respiratory disorders are medical conditions that need to be checked by a doctor immediately, because the causes can be varied and there is a risk of dangerous complications.
To treat severe respiratory disorders, first of all, the doctor will improve the patient's breathing first, for example with drugs, oxygen administration, or resuscitation and installation of breathing apparatus, depending on the patient's condition.
After the patient's condition is stable, the doctor will find out the cause of the respiratory disorder by performing a physical examination and supporting examinations, such as blood tests, blood gas analysis, pulmonary function tests, as well as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI of the lungs.
After the cause is known, the doctor will provide appropriate treatment and monitor the patient's condition so that respiratory problems can be resolved and do not cause complications. The treatment can be in the form of giving drugs, physiotherapy, to surgery.
Therefore, immediately consult a doctor at the hospital if you experience respiratory problems. Especially if the symptoms are severe, such as shortness of breath, pale skin, bluish lips and skin, weakness, chest pain, wheezing, cold sweats, to fainting or coma.