Pulmonology
OVERVIEW
Asthma is caused by a variety of symptoms that can worsen at any time and make breathing difficult. When someone living with asthma has symptoms, it means that the flow of air in and out of the lungs is being obstructed as it passes. This is happening due to the linings of the airways being inflamed, irritated, and swollen due to allergic and non-allergic triggers.
Allergic triggers can include: dust, animals, pollen, viral infections, and other pollutants. Nonallergic triggers include: smoke, exercise, cold air, fumes, and strong smells. If left untreated, the muscles surrounding the airways can become sensitive and narrow further, elevating symptoms, and causing a potential asthma attack. The cause of asthma is unknown, with no current cure. Fortunately, there are many things one can do to manage, and control symptoms. If you are suffering from asthma, speak with your healthcare provider to learn more about options that best suit your condition.
Asthma
Asthma is a long-term condition where the airways in the lungs narrow and swell, producing extra mucus that impacts the flow of air in and out of the lungs. People living with asthma can have trouble breathing, triggering coughing, wheezing, as well as shortness of breath.
SOURCES
RELATED INFORMATION
Symptoms
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness or pain
Coughing
Wheezing
Note: Symptoms can be mild to severe, with asthma varying from person to person.
Causes & Risks
Genetics
Having other allergy conditions
Being overweight
Being a smoker
Exposure to second-hand smoke, exhaust fumes, or other pollutants
Exposure to occupational triggers including chemicals used in farming, hairdressing, and
manufacturing
Note: While asthma may develop alongside other issues, its initial cause is unknown.
Treatments & Support
Controller Medications
(to reduce inflammation in the airways)
i.e. Inhaled, oral and intravenous
corticosteroids
Reliever Medications
(to help relieve symptoms quickly)
i.e. Short & long-acting beta agonists
Vaccinations to avoid flare-ups from viruses
OVERVIEW
COPD consists of both chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which impacts the lungs and airway by causing inflammation, tissue damage, and limited airflow. Cigarette smoking is the most common cause of COPD, although long-term exposure to other lung irritants, such as dust, chemicals, and pollution, may also cause or contribute to COPD.
Emphysema damages and stiffens the small air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs that are responsible for moving air to and from the bloodstream. With the alveoli losing elasticity, they are unable to properly allow air in and out, preventing them from adequately supplying oxygen to the body and making it difficult to breathe.
Chronic bronchitis makes the airways inflamed and irritated, causing damage and a build-up of mucus, impacting airflow through the lungs. Chronic bronchitis may be diagnosed when a patient has had a cough with excessive mucus for at least 3 months.
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is made up of two long-term lung diseases where the airways in the lungs have become swollen and partially blocked, making it difficult to breathe. COPD is known to get worse over time, with symptoms including persistent cough with mucus and shortness of breath.
SOURCES
RELATED INFORMATION
Symptoms
Increased shortness of breath
Frequent coughing (with and without mucus)
Increased breathlessness
Wheezing
Tightness in the chest
Causes & Risks
Cigarette smoking
Second-hand smoke
Environmental factors (i.e. pollution, dust, chemicals)
Genetics
Asthma
Treatments & Support
Antibiotics
Oxygen therapy
Pulmonary rehabilitation & working with your healthcare provider
Quitting smoking
Short & long-acting bronchodilators (relieves shortness of breath)
Vaccinations to avoid flare-ups from viruses