What is hypersensitivity pneumonitis? How do you get diagnosed with it? What are the symptoms and types of this lung disease? How is it treated? Get answers to these questions and more.

What Is Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis?

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a lung disease caused by an allergic reaction to particles in the dust you breathe in. These particles can include fungus, molds, bacteria, proteins, and chemicals. When the immune system tries to clear these particles, it causes inflammation in the lungs. In some people who are “hypersensitive,” this inflammation persists, leading to the symptoms of hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Particles That Cause Problems

The particles that can trigger hypersensitivity pneumonitis can come from a variety of sources, including:

• Animal fur
• Fungus that grows in air conditioners, humidifiers, and heating systems
• Bird droppings and feathers
• Mold that grows on hay, straw, or grain animal feed
• Bacteria in water vapor from hot tubs

People with certain jobs, like farming, veterinary work, and lumber mill operations, may be more likely to come into contact with these particles and develop hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

How You Get a Diagnosis

To diagnose hypersensitivity pneumonitis, your doctor will ask about the types of dust you may have been exposed to, such as whether you have pet birds or have been around water damage. They’ll also listen to your lungs and check your oxygen levels. You may need additional tests, like blood tests, chest X-rays or CT scans, and lung function tests.

Symptoms and Types of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

There are three main types of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, based on how long you’ve had the disease and the severity of your symptoms:

1. Acute: This type is brief and severe, with symptoms like cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, and tiredness that can occur 12 hours to several days after exposure to a lot of dust.
2. Subacute: This type can develop after low-level, long-term exposure to dust, with symptoms like fever, shortness of breath, tiredness, and cough that gradually worsen over weeks or months.
3. Chronic: This is a long-lasting form that happens after prolonged, low-level exposure to dust. Symptoms like shortness of breath, tiredness, cough, and weight loss can slowly get worse and lead to permanent lung scarring.

Treatment

The most important step in treating hypersensitivity pneumonitis is to avoid the dust that’s causing the allergic reaction. If you have the chronic form of the disease, you may also need to take steroid medications to reduce inflammation, or other drugs that suppress the immune system. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs and supplemental oxygen can also help manage symptoms.

Living With HP

With proper treatment and avoidance of the triggering dust, many people with hypersensitivity pneumonitis can manage their symptoms and prevent the disease from worsening. However, in some cases, the lung scarring can become severe enough to require a lung transplant.

Frequently Asked Questions

How common is hypersensitivity pneumonitis?

It’s hard to know exactly how many people have hypersensitivity pneumonitis, as many cases go undiagnosed or are mistaken for other lung diseases. Experts believe it’s an underdiagnosed condition.

What causes the inflammation in hypersensitivity pneumonitis?

In hypersensitivity pneumonitis, the immune system reacts to certain particles in the dust or air and causes inflammation in the lungs as it tries to clear those particles. In people who are hypersensitive, this inflammation persists instead of resolving.

Can hypersensitivity pneumonitis lead to permanent lung damage?

Yes, the chronic form of hypersensitivity pneumonitis can result in permanent lung scarring if the inflammation is not brought under control. This can make it difficult to breathe normally.

How is hypersensitivity pneumonitis treated?

The primary treatment is to identify and avoid the dust or particles triggering the allergic reaction. Steroid medications may also be used to reduce inflammation, and drugs that suppress the immune system are being studied as potential treatments as well.

What Is Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis?

Written by Loraine Fick

• Particles That Cause Problems
• How You Get a Diagnosis
• Symptoms and Types of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
• Treatment
• Living With HP

You may not think it’s a big deal when you breathe in dust, but for some people, it could bring on a lung disease called hypersensitivity pneumonitis. It’s an allergic reaction to particles in the dust, and it can cause symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath. You can get things back to normal if you get treated early and avoid breathing the stuff you’re allergic to.

There are a variety of things that can cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis when you breathe them in, including fungus, molds, bacteria, proteins, and chemicals.

Normally, the immune system — your body’s defense against germs — causes inflammation in your lungs as it clears away the things you’re allergic to. After a while, the inflammation stops. But in some people who are “hypersensitive,” the lungs stay inflamed and cause the symptoms of hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

If you catch it early and stop breathing in more particles, your lungs can heal. If you breathe them in over and over, your lungs will stay inflamed, and scars may develop, which can make it hard to breathe normally.

It’s hard to tell how many people have hypersensitivity pneumonitis because many don’t get diagnosed or are mistakenly thought to have another lung disease, like asthma.

You can breathe in troublesome particles in your home, at work, or almost any other place you usually go. It may take months or years before you become allergic to them.

Some sources of particles that can cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis include:

• Animal fur
• Fungus that grows in air conditioners, humidifiers, and heating systems
• Bird droppings and feathers
• Mold that grows on hay, straw, or grain animal feed
• Bacteria in water vapor from hot tubs

You may be more likely to get hypersensitivity pneumonitis if you have a job that puts you in contact with these particles, like farming, veterinary work, and lumber mill operations. But most people who breathe them in won’t get the lung disease, so experts think certain genes play a role.

To find out if you have hypersensitivity pneumonitis, your doctor will want to know about the kinds of dust you may have been in contact with. They’ll ask you questions like:

• Do you have any pet birds?
• Do you have a hot tub?
• Have you been around any water damage, especially from a humidifier, heater, or air conditioner?

Your answers to these questions will also help your doctor figure out the best treatment.

Your doctor will also listen for abnormal sounds in your lungs and will check the oxygen levels in your blood. You may also get tests like:

• Blood tests
• Chest X-ray or CT scan
• Tests to see how well your lungs are working
• Lung biopsy (removing a small piece of lung tissue)

There are three types, based on how long you have had the disease and how severe your symptoms are.

Acute. This type is brief and severe. It feels like you caught the flu, and it happens after you’ve been around a lot of dust. Your symptoms should get better in a couple of days if you don’t breathe in any more dust but will probably return if you do. Your symptoms could include:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Tight feeling in your chest
• Fever
• Chills
• Sweating
• Tiredness

You might have these symptoms from 12 hours to several days.

Subacute. It can happen when you have low-level contact with the dust over time. It may start out with a fever. Then shortness of breath, tiredness, and coughing can start over weeks or months. This type of hypersensitivity pneumonitis tends to get worse with time.

Chronic. This is a long-lasting form that happens after a low but long period of contact with dust. You may get symptoms like shortness of breath, tiredness, coughing, and weight loss that slowly get worse. This kind of hypersensitivity pneumonitis can lead to permanent lung scarring.

The most important thing you can do is avoid the dust that caused your hypersensitivity pneumonitis. If you have a chronic form of the disease, you may take a steroid medicine to help curb inflammation. They have side effects like weight gain and higher blood sugar.

Early studies suggest that drugs that curb the immune system — like azathioprine (Imuran) or rituximab (Rituxan) — may be helpful. More research is needed.

You may also go to pulmonary rehab, a program that helps people with breathing problems improve their health.

If you’re having a lot of trouble breathing, you may need to get extra oxygen through a mask or tubing. Some people need oxygen all the time, while others just need it when they exercise or sleep.

For some people who have a lot of scarring in their lungs, a lung transplant may be the best option.

There are lots of things you can do to be your healthiest with hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

• Make sure to go to all doctor’s appointments so you can get the right treatment for any symptoms, such as tiredness or breathing problems.
• Get all your vaccines, especially the flu shot, to avoid infections that can hurt your lungs.
• Get some exercise, but talk to your doctor about which activities are right for you and any you should avoid.
• Quit smoking. It makes the disease worse, especially the chronic type.

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What Is Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis?

Written by Loraine Fick

• Particles That Cause Problems
• How You Get a Diagnosis
• Symptoms and Types of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
• Treatment
• Living With HP

You may not think it’s a big deal when you breathe in dust, but for some people, it could bring on a lung disease called hypersensitivity pneumonitis. It’s an allergic reaction to particles in the dust, and it can cause symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath. You can get things back to normal if you get treated early and avoid breathing the stuff you’re allergic to.

There are a variety of things that can cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis when you breathe them in, including fungus, molds, bacteria, proteins, and chemicals.

Normally, the immune system — your body’s defense against germs — causes inflammation in your lungs as it clears away the things you’re allergic to. After a while, the inflammation stops. But in some people who are “hypersensitive,” the lungs stay inflamed and cause the symptoms of hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

If you catch it early and stop breathing in more particles, your lungs can heal. If you breathe them in over and over, your lungs will stay inflamed, and scars may develop, which can make it hard to breathe normally.

It’s hard to tell how many people have hypersensitivity pneumonitis because many don’t get diagnosed or are mistakenly thought to have another lung disease, like asthma.

You can breathe in troublesome particles in your home, at work, or almost any other place you usually go. It may take months or years before you become allergic to them.

Some sources of particles that can cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis include:

• Animal fur
• Fungus that grows in air conditioners, humidifiers, and heating systems
• Bird droppings and feathers
• Mold that grows on hay, straw, or grain animal feed
• Bacteria in water vapor from hot tubs

You may be more likely to get hypersensitivity pneumonitis if you have a job that puts you in contact with these particles, like farming, veterinary work, and lumber mill operations. But most people who breathe them in won’t get the lung disease, so experts think certain genes play a role.

To find out if you have hypersensitivity pneumonitis, your doctor will want to know about the kinds of dust you may have been in contact with. They’ll ask you questions like:

• Do you have any pet birds?
• Do you have a hot tub?
• Have you been around any water damage, especially from a humidifier, heater, or air conditioner?

Your answers to these questions will also help your doctor figure out the best treatment.

Your doctor will also listen for abnormal sounds in your lungs and will check the oxygen levels in your blood. You may also get tests like:

• Blood tests
• Chest X-ray or CT scan
• Tests to see how well your lungs are working
• Lung biopsy (removing a small piece of lung tissue)

There are three types, based on how long you have had the disease and how severe your symptoms are.

Acute. This type is brief and severe. It feels like you caught the flu, and it happens after you’ve been around a lot of dust. Your symptoms should get better in a couple of days if you don’t breathe in any more dust but will probably return if you do. Your symptoms could include:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Tight feeling in your chest
• Fever
• Chills
• Sweating
• Tiredness

You might have these symptoms from 12 hours to several days.

Subacute. It can happen when you have low-level contact with the dust over time. It may start out with a fever. Then shortness of breath, tiredness, and coughing can start over weeks or months. This type of hypersensitivity pneumonitis tends to get worse with time.

Chronic. This is a long-lasting form that happens after a low but long period of contact with dust. You may get symptoms like shortness of breath, tiredness, coughing, and weight loss that slowly get worse. This kind of hypersensitivity pneumonitis can lead to permanent lung scarring.

The most important thing you can do is avoid the dust that caused your hypersensitivity pneumonitis. If you have a chronic form of the disease, you may take a steroid medicine to help curb inflammation. They have side effects like weight gain and higher blood sugar.

Early studies suggest that drugs that curb the immune system — like azathioprine (Imuran) or rituximab (Rituxan) — may be helpful. More research is needed.

You may also go to pulmonary rehab, a program that helps people with breathing problems improve their health.

If you’re having a lot of trouble breathing, you may need to get extra oxygen through a mask or tubing. Some people need oxygen all the time, while others just need it when they exercise or sleep.

For some people who have a lot of scarring in their lungs, a lung transplant may be the best option.

There are lots of things you can do to be your healthiest with hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

• Make sure to go to all doctor’s appointments so you can get the right treatment for any symptoms, such as tiredness or breathing problems.
• Get all your vaccines, especially the flu shot, to avoid infections that can hurt your lungs.
• Get some exercise, but talk to your doctor about which activities are right for you and any you should avoid.
• Quit smoking. It makes the disease worse, especially the chronic type.

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Respiratory diseases: symptoms, treatment and prevention

Contents

• 1 Respiratory diseases: symptoms, treatment and prevention at home
  • 1. 1 Respiratory diseases: signs, treatment and prevention
  • 1.2 Major respiratory diseases th tracks
  • 1.3 Allergic reactions of the respiratory tract
  • 1.4 Infectious diseases of the respiratory tract
  • 1.5 Pneumonia: symptoms, treatment and prevention
    • 1.5.1 Symptoms of pneumonia
    • 1.5.2 Treatment of pneumonia
    • 1.5.3 Prevention of pneumonia
  • 1.6 Bronchitis: symptoms, treatment and prevention
    • 1.6.1 Symptoms
    • 1.6.2 Treatment
    • 1.6.3 Prevention
  • 1.7 Asthma: symptoms, treatment and prevention
  • 1.8 Obsidian dust disease: symptoms, treatment and prevention
    • 1.8.1 Symptoms
    • 1.8.2 Treatment

    900 05 1.8.3 Prevention

  • 1.9 Influenza and SARS: symptoms and prevention
    • 1.9.1 Symptoms of influenza and SARS
    • 1.9.2 Prevention of influenza and SARS
  • 1.10 V smoking ed for the respiratory tract
  • 1. 11 Exercise to maintain a healthy respiratory tract
  • 1.12 What foods help maintain a healthy airway?
    • 1.12.1 Vitamin C
    • 1.12.2 Omega-3 fatty acids
    • 1.12.3 Antioxidants
  • 1.13 Related videos:
  • 1.14 Q&A:
    • • 1.14.0.1 What symptoms of respiratory disease can occur in children?
      • 1.14.0.2 How is respiratory disease treated?
      • 1.14.0.3 What preventive measures help to avoid respiratory diseases?
      • 1.14.0.4 Is it possible to self-treat respiratory diseases?
      • 1.14.0.5 What is the role of vitamins in the prevention of respiratory diseases?
      • 1.14.0.6 What are the reasons why women have severe allergic reactions to February ragweed in bloom? And how do experts interpret such an allergy?

Find out about respiratory diseases: how to recognize the symptoms, how to treat and what preventive measures will help to avoid unpleasant consequences of the body.

The respiratory tract is one of the most important systems in the human body. They allow you to get oxygen from the environment, which is necessary for life, and get rid of carbon dioxide. But sometimes they become the object of various types of infections and diseases that can cause disruption of their functioning.

Respiratory diseases can have a variety of causes: infections (viral, bacterial, fungal), allergic reactions, chronic diseases, immune system problems, and many other factors. Each of these causes can cause characteristic symptoms and require a different approach to treatment.

It is important to know that respiratory diseases can have a serious impact on a person’s health and quality of life, so it is important to seek medical attention at the first sign of illness. Prevention is also an important technique in the fight against these diseases: a healthy lifestyle, strengthening the immune system, protection from harmful environmental conditions, the correct approach to the treatment of other diseases and from time to time conducting preventive examinations.

Respiratory diseases: signs, treatment and prevention

The respiratory tract is one of the key components of our body and plays an important role in the breathing process. But they can also be susceptible to various kinds of infectious, allergic or other diseases that can lead to various complications. Such diseases include, for example, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, influenza, SARS and others.

Respiratory disease treatments may vary depending on the type of disease and its progression. This may be taking special medications, such as inhalers, antibiotics, steroids, as well as physiotherapy. In some cases, hospitalization and close medical supervision may be required.

In addition to the treatment of respiratory diseases, there are also a number of measures that can help prevent their occurrence. These include, for example, regular ventilation of premises, strengthening of immunity, which can be achieved through proper nutrition, exercise, a healthy lifestyle in general, as well as careful adherence to hygiene rules, which should be given special attention during the rise in the incidence of various infections.

Major diseases of the respiratory tract

Bronchitis is a disease in which inflammation of the bronchi occurs. The main symptoms are cough, shortness of breath, shortness of breath and fever. Treatment includes antibiotics, mucolytics, bronchodilators, vitamins, and plenty of fluids.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by attacks of breathlessness, especially during exercise or exposure to allergens. Treatment consists of the use of special drugs to dilate the bronchi, glucocorticosteroids and inhalation drugs.

Pneumonia is an infectious lung disease caused by various bacteria, viruses and fungi. Symptoms: cough, chest tightness, fever, fatigue. Treatment is with antibiotics, antivirals, and mucolytics.

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Symptoms: prolonged cough, weight loss, fever, weakness and fatigue. Treatment is carried out with special combinations of antibiotics.

Respiratory tract allergic reactions

Respiratory tract allergic reactions occur when the body is exposed to allergens. It can be dust, plant pollen, animal hair, food, chemicals. When exposed to allergens, some people experience an allergic reaction that can cause respiratory problems.

Treatment of allergic respiratory reactions may include antihistamines, corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory drugs, inhaled glucocorticosteroids, and beta-agonists. Prevention consists in avoiding contact with allergens (if possible), establishing proper nutrition, strengthening immunity, and regularly conducting specialized studies and examinations.

Here is a table that lists the main allergens and how to avoid them:

AllergenAvoidance

Taking preventive measures helps to avoid the development of allergic reactions of the respiratory tract and maintain the health of the respiratory system.

Respiratory tract infections

Respiratory tract infections is a group of diseases caused by various infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria or fungi. Such diseases can affect various parts of the respiratory system, including the nasal cavity, throat, bronchi, and lungs.

Symptoms of respiratory infections may include cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. Sometimes there may be severe chest pain and hemoptysis.

Treatment of respiratory infections depends on the type of infectious agent causing the disease. Treatment may include antibiotics to treat bacterial infections, antiviral drugs to treat viral infections, and drugs to relieve symptoms such as antipyretics, aspirin, and others.

Respiratory Infectious Disease Prevention includes vaccination against certain infectious agents such as influenza, as well as hygiene practices such as regular handwashing, avoiding contact with sick people, and wearing masks during epidemics and pandemics.

Pneumonia: symptoms, treatment and prevention

Symptoms of pneumonia

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs that can be caused by various types of bacteria, viruses or fungi. The main symptoms of the disease are:

• High body temperature
• Cough, dry or with phlegm
• Chest pain
• Short breath holding
• Fatigue and weakness
• Chills and sweating

If you have these symptoms, see a doctor to diagnose the disease and start treatment as soon as possible.

Pneumonia treatment

Pneumonia treatment depends on the type of disease causing pneumonia. Usually, the doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics, which must be taken full time. Your doctor may also recommend taking antipyretics to help reduce high body temperature. It is important to follow a regimen of drinking and resting in order to facilitate breathing and speed up recovery.

Pneumonia Prevention

There are a few guidelines to follow to prevent pneumonia:

1. Practice regular hand hygiene to prevent transmission;
2. Avoid contact with people who have SARS;
3. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including exercise and a healthy diet;
4. Provide air and space in your home to avoid the accumulation of bacteria.

Follow these tips to stay healthy and stay healthy.

Bronchitis: symptoms, treatment and prevention

Bronchitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the bronchi. It can be acute or chronic and has a variety of causes, including viruses, bacteria, allergic reactions, and smoking.

Symptoms

• Cough (first dry, then mucus)
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Wheezing
• Weakness and fatigue
• Fever

Treatment

Treatment of bronchitis depends on the cause and form of the disease, and may include:

• Taking medication drugs (antibiotics, antivirals, bronchodilators, mucolytic remedies)
• Use of inhalers and nebulizers
• Rest and increased fluid intake
• Adherence to the principles of a healthy lifestyle (healthy diet, smoking cessation)

Prevention

To prevent the development of bronchitis, it is necessary: ​​

• Avoid contact with infectious patients
• Avoid smoking and contact with smokers
• Maintain respiratory hygiene (clean nose and throat, humidify the air)
• Maintain strong immunity ( healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, strengthening the immune system with vitamins and minerals)

Asthma: symptoms, treatment and prevention

Asthma is a chronic disease of the respiratory tract, which leads to a decrease in their patency and increased secretion of mucus. The main symptom of asthma is shortness of breath, which can occur suddenly or gradually worsen.

Treatment of asthma is aimed at reducing inflammation in the airways and increasing lung patency. Bronchodilators, glucocorticosteroids and immunosuppressants can be used as therapy. It is also important to observe the daily routine, proper nutrition and physical activity.

Asthma prevention includes maintaining a healthy lifestyle, strengthening immunity, and avoiding exposure to allergens and respiratory irritants. Regular medical examinations and timely treatment can also help reduce the risk of asthma and control its development.

• Some common allergens are dust, pets, flower pollen, grass pollen, etc.
• How can asthma be treated – hormonal agents, blockers, etc.?
• What should be done to prevent asthma attacks – control nutrition, strengthen immunity, avoid overwork and contact with allergens.

Obsidian dust disease: symptoms, treatment and prevention

Symptoms

Obsidian dust disease is a disease caused by prolonged inhalation of dust from obsidian, volcanic glass. This disease usually affects the lungs and causes symptoms such as:

• Cough
• Fatigue
• Chest pain
• Chest tightness
• Insomnia

Obsidian dust disease can also cause weight loss, fever and weakness.

Treatment

Treatment of obsidian dust disease involves stopping the patient’s lungs from being exposed to obsidian dust. Drugs prescribed to treat the condition may include mucolytics, drugs that improve lung function, and steroids. In some cases, patients may also require oxygen therapy.

Prevention

Prevention of obsidian dust disease involves preventing inhalation of obsidian dust. To do this, it is necessary to use protective equipment when working with obsidian, such as masks, respirators or other devices that can reliably protect the body from dust inhalation. It is also recommended to ventilate the room and remove dust using wet cleaning.

Influenza and SARS: symptoms and prevention

Symptoms of influenza and SARS

Flu and SARS are infectious diseases that are manifested by a number of common symptoms.

• High body temperature;
• Headache and weakness;
• Runny nose and stuffy nose;
• Cough and sore throat;
• Pain in the muscles.

Flu is characterized by a rapid onset of illness and a higher body temperature. SARS can develop gradually, without acute symptoms.

Prevention of influenza and SARS

Prevention of influenza and SARS consists of several steps:

• Vaccination: regular vaccination reduces the risk of influenza;
• Washing and disinfection: disinfect hands, surfaces, toys and objects daily to avoid infection;
• Ventilation: regular ventilation of rooms with poor ventilation reduces the risk of influenza and SARS;
• Wear a mask: wearing a mask reduces the risk of infection and the spread of disease;
• Avoid contact with people who are infected: Avoid contact with people who have symptoms of influenza and SARS.

Following these simple rules will help you avoid contracting the flu and SARS. Take care of your health and the health of those around you!

Respiratory harm from smoking

Smoking is one of the most common risk factors for respiratory disease. Tobacco smoke contains many harmful substances such as carcinogens, heavy metals and oxidizing agents. Long-term smoking leads to chronic inflammation of the airways, a decrease in the protective functions of the lungs and damage to their tissues.

Symptoms of smoking-related respiratory disease may include chronic cough, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, increased vulnerability to infectious disease. Smoking can also aggravate symptoms and contribute to diseases such as asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer.

Treatment of smoking-related respiratory diseases includes smoking cessation, medical and non-pharmacological therapy, depending on their severity. The healing process can take a long time and requires discipline and perseverance on the part of the patient.

Prevention of smoking-related respiratory diseases includes smoking cessation, avoidance of hazardous working conditions and environmentally polluted areas, regular physical activity, and a healthy diet. Early detection of respiratory diseases helps to maintain lung health and improve the effectiveness of treatment.

• Respiratory diseases associated with smoking pose a serious threat to human health.
• It is extremely important to treat and prevent diseases of the respiratory tract in order to maintain the functioning of the lungs and the overall health of the body.
• Avoidance of smoking and other harmful factors is a good prevention of respiratory diseases.

Exercise for a healthy respiratory tract

Keeping fit and strengthening the lungs is important to prevent respiratory disease. Regular exercise and exercise can help prevent these diseases.

Regular outdoor exercise also helps to strengthen the respiratory system. Running, walking, swimming, cycling – all this provides an opportunity to saturate the lungs with oxygen and strengthen the muscles.

• • Example exercises:
    • Deep breathing: sitting or standing, without straining the chest, inhale deeply through the nose, hold the breath for a few seconds and exhale through the mouth.
    • Outdoor walks: Daily walks in the open air in a park or forest help prevent disease and strengthen the lungs.
    • Yoga: yoga helps to strengthen the respiratory system, increase its volume and improve lung and heart function.

Remember that regular physical activity not only strengthens the lungs, but also improves immunity, stimulates blood circulation and heals the body as a whole.

What foods help maintain a healthy airway?

A healthy diet can have an amazing effect on the respiratory system. Including foods rich in vitamins and minerals in your diet can help boost your immune system and protect your airways from exposure to a wide range of disease-causing droplets. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how nutrition can help you maintain a healthy airway, and what foods to include in your diet.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the most important elements for maintaining a healthy respiratory tract. It helps to strengthen the immune system and protect the lungs from exposure to various allergens and bacteria. Eating foods such as citrus fruits, kiwifruit, eggplant and fresh berries will provide your body with adequate vitamin C.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are important for maintaining healthy lung function and reducing inflammation in the airways. Find sources of omega-3 fatty acids in foods like salmon, avocados, nuts, chia seeds, and more.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are important in protecting the respiratory tract from damaging free radicals and other harmful substances. Incorporating foods like colorful vegetables and fruits, green tea, and berries into your diet can help protect your respiratory system and boost your immune system in general.

Summary: A healthy diet can help boost the immune system and protect the respiratory system from various diseases. Try to include foods rich in vitamins C and E, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants in your diet to maintain a healthy airway and feel better overall.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What symptoms of respiratory illness can occur in children?

Children may experience symptoms such as runny nose, cough, difficulty breathing, fever, weakness, fatigue. If a bacterial infection is attached, expectoration of sputum mixed with pus may occur.

How is respiratory disease treated?

The treatment of respiratory diseases depends on their cause. In the case of viral infections, antiviral drugs are prescribed (if it is a coronavirus, then specific drugs can be used). Symptomatic remedies may also be prescribed to relieve the condition, such as antipyretics, antihistamines, and cough medicines. If a bacterial infection has joined, antibiotics may be required. In the case of chronic diseases – separate treatment and following the doctor’s recommendations.

What preventive measures help to avoid respiratory diseases?

To prevent respiratory diseases, it is necessary to follow hygiene rules: wash your hands before eating, after the street and visiting public places, use masks during epidemics, ventilate the room, clean, monitor your diet and sleep, make sure that in your living area enough moisture. It is also useful to carry out strengthening therapy, because a strengthened body can more easily cope with an infection.

Is it possible to self-treat respiratory diseases?

Self-treatment of respiratory diseases is permissible only in the case of a diagnosed banal viral infection. In other cases, it is necessary to consult a doctor, because without examination and the correct selection of treatment, complications are possible in the form of pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, or other serious diseases.

What is the role of vitamins in the prevention of respiratory diseases?

Vitamins play an important role in maintaining the health of the body and strengthening the immune system. During epidemics, it is useful to increase the consumption of fruits, vegetables and foods rich in vitamins. The following vitamins are especially important – A, C and D, which are involved in the formation of immune cells and increase their protective properties.

What are the reasons why women have strong allergic reactions to February ragweed in bloom? And how do experts interpret such an allergy?

High susceptibility to ragweed is a consequence of a compromised immune system and may be due to heredity or environmental factors. In women, allergic reactions are more pronounced due to higher levels of estrogen in the body. Experts believe that the symptoms of an allergy to the February blooming ragweed may intensify in the face of climate change and environmental pollution. Antihistamines can be used to treat allergic reactions, and it is a good idea to limit your time outdoors during ragweed flowering.

symptoms, treatment, prevention and complications

Pneumonia or pneumonia is an acute, predominantly infectious disease in which the alveoli and lung tissue of varying severity are affected.

Causes

The most common causative agents of pneumonia are bacteria and viruses. In some cases, the trigger for the development of pneumonia are fungi and parasites.

Infectious pneumonia provoke mainly pneumococci, staphylococci and streptococci.

Viral inflammation of the lungs is often the result of infection with influenza or herpes viruses, rhinovirus, adenovirus, etc.

Pneumonia of fungal origin occurs against the background of damage to the lung tissue by fungi of the genus Candida and Aspergillus.

In some cases, pneumonia occurs due to the presence of two or more pathogens in the human body.

Types of pneumonia

Depending on the trigger, severity and location, pneumonia is divided into several types.

According to the nature of distribution, they are distinguished:

• focal pneumonia in which a small area of ​​the lungs is affected;
• segmental – extends to one or more sections of the lungs;
• lobar, affecting only one lobe of the lung;
• confluent, characterized by the fusion of the affected areas of the lung tissue;
• total pneumonia, in which the entire lung is affected.

Depending on the localization, inflammation of the lungs is divided into unilateral (one of the lungs is affected) and bilateral (pathological changes are observed in both lungs).

Primary pneumonia occurs as an independent disease, triggered by the above viruses or bacteria.

Secondary pneumonia occurs as a complication against the background of a disease already present in the patient’s body (bronchitis, influenza, etc.).

Post-traumatic pneumonia is a consequence of past chest trauma, which results in a pathological failure in lung ventilation, which leads to a complication in the form of pneumonia.

X-ray exposure used to treat cancer may cause radiation pneumonia .

Depending on the severity of the course, pneumonia is divided into:

• acute with a course of 3 weeks to 2 months;
• is subacute, the treatment of which usually takes 3 to 6 weeks.

Also isolated in medicine is hospital-acquired pneumonia that occurs 48–72 hours after the patient’s admission to the hospital; community-acquired – developed outside the hospital or in the first 48 hours after the patient’s admission to the hospital.

Typical causative agents of pneumonia, such as pneumococci, streptococci and viruses, provoke the development of typical pneumonia. Non-standard pathogens – fungi, chlamydia, mycoplasmas – are a trigger for the development of SARS.

How does pneumonia get transmitted?

Inflammation of the lungs is transmitted by airborne droplets (when sneezing, coughing) from a sick person. In some cases, pneumonia may be the result of infection migration from the upper respiratory tract (if the patient has chronic tonsillitis, sinusitis, adenoiditis).

At increased risk of developing pneumonia are:

• infants who have experienced intrauterine hypoxia or asphyxia, birth trauma, with congenital immunodeficiency and pathologies of the lungs;
• children of primary and school age with chronic infectious diseases of the nasopharynx or acquired immunodeficiency;
• adults with chronic lung disease, endocrine disorders, heart failure.

In addition, people who abuse alcohol and smoke tobacco have a higher chance of contracting pneumonia.

Symptoms of pneumonia

Depending on the type of pathogen, the general health of the person, and the presence of chronic diseases and / or immunodeficiency, pneumonia can occur in different ways.

The most common signs of typical pneumonia:

• a sharp increase in body temperature up to 38–40 degrees;
• severe cough more often with profuse purulent sputum, less often – dry and unproductive;
• chest pain, shortness of breath;
• General weakness, fatigue.

SARS is characterized by: dry, unproductive cough, headache, fatigue, concomitant symptoms of colds (rhinitis, sinusitis, sore throat).

Viral pneumonia at the beginning of its course is disguised as a respiratory disease – there is a slight increase in body temperature, signs of a cold. Cough, shortness of breath and pleural pain may appear on the second or third day of illness.

Diagnosis of pneumonia

Diagnosis is made on the basis of examination and examination of the patient. Initial examination may reveal weakening of breathing and the presence of characteristic wheezing.

Further laboratory and instrumental examinations are needed to determine the severity and extent of inflammation, as well as the nature of the pathogen.

As a rule, laboratory diagnostic methods are used:

• general and biochemical blood test;
• general sputum analysis;
• bacterial culture of sputum – to diagnose the causative agent of the disease and determine its sensitivity to antibiotics.

For hardware diagnostics use:

• radiographic examination;
• computed or magnetic resonance imaging;
• pulse oximetry (a non-invasive method for checking blood oxygen saturation, performed using a special device).

Treatment of pneumonia

Antibiotics have been and remain the main treatment for pneumonia.

The antibiotic is selected individually, depending on the severity of the course of the disease and the nature of the pathogen.

Sputum-thinning and bronchial dilating drugs are often given as maintenance treatment, either in the form of syrups or inhaled with a nebulizer.

A speedy recovery is also facilitated by the passage of physiotherapy procedures – electrophoresis, ultraviolet radiation, vibration massage.

Mild forms of pneumonia do not require hospitalization – the patient is treated on an outpatient basis, antibiotics are taken orally.

Moderate to severe inflammation should be treated in a hospital with intravenous drugs.

The course of taking antibiotics for mild pneumonia is 7-10 days. SARS is treated within 14–21 days.

After the end of therapy and complete recovery, the patient is subject to dispensary observation for one year.

Complications of pneumonia

In case of delay in starting treatment for a serious disease such as pneumonia, serious complications may occur:

• lung abscess;
• pleurisy;
• acute respiratory failure;
• pulmonary edema;
• sepsis;
• meningitis etc.