Chronic Lung Disease

From the time we are a babe in sheets to when silver and gray outstrips the color of hair we were born with, a difficulty in breathing is one thing which unites a great many of us. Whether its causality is asthma or something more, it can be awkward, embarrassing and annoying. Worst of all, it can affect the quality of our lives, forcing us to adapt in order to maintain at a level we are accustomed to (e.g. toting around an oxygen tank). For the purposes of this article, we will be discussing one of the biggest culprits of breathing trouble – chronic lung disease.

Who is at Risk?

Chronic lung disease is a blanket term that can refer to numerous diseases and ailments, which can in turn affect people of varying ages. In babies, chronic lung disease can come about due to prematurity. Causes for premature birth are many and varied, but here are some aspects about 'preemies' that can lead to CLD. Premature babies by their very nature are tiny and delicate. Well, babies are tiny and delicate, period, but preemies are much more so - sort of a biological house of cards, where one stray breeze (or delay in treatment, or an incorrect treatment) can mean the loss of the little one. Their lungs are very fragile and can scar easily when damaged, leading to difficulty in breathing or an outright lack of oxygen. Some factors that can lead to CLD in premature babies are:

• The lungs of premature babies are not fully developed
• High use of oxygen (such as in an incubator) can cause damage to the cells of the lungs
• Low amounts of surfactant in the lungs (Surfactant is a substance that keeps the air sacs open)
• Mechanical ventilation – This device essentially breathes for the child but does not always take into account how compromised the lungs are and can cause further damage

Babies who are diagnosed with CLD can be treated in one of several ways, including continued use of mechanical devices until the child's lungs grow strong enough to work on their own. Antibiotics (in the case of infection) and diuretics (to ‘drain’ fluid present in the lungs) may also be used, in addition to bronchiodialators and steroids to open airways and reduce inflammation respectively. Intravenous fluids, with nutrients included, can also be provided to help strengthen the baby and his or her lungs as they grow.

But babies are not the only ones at risk. Many of the treatments for babies can be used for adults as well, in addition to the use of inhalers, vaccinations and oxygen therapy (toting around a tank). However for adults, there are other factors that come into play when determining why a patient has difficulty breathing.

• Does the person have a family history of asthma or lung disease?
• Does the person smoke?
• Does the person work in an environment where he or she are frequently at occupational risk for breathing in noxious chemicals and dust?
• How old is the person? (people over the age of forty are at greater risk than those who are not)
• Is the person genetically predisposed? (There is a rare condition known as alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency that can lead to CLD)

It should be of no suprise that smoking is one of the leading causes, if not 'the' biggest cause for CLD in adults. Quitting before the onset of the disease could add months if not years to one's life. Another ailment that resides under the banner of CLD is emphysema. Emphysema makes it difficult to breathe by gradually destroying the air sacs that help transfer oxygen to the bloodstream. As the disease worsens, it can become increasingly more difficult to catch a breath. Frequent coughing is a common occurrence as is shortness of breath. While there are treatments for it, there is no cure for it in its advanced stages.

In addition to the numerous problems that can arise with one's lungs  who have CLD, there are complications that can arise elsewhere in the body, such as:

• Respiratory infections: When the lungs are suffering, the body suffers too. Colds are common, as are the flu and pneumonia. Infections can cause further damage on top of any other ailments one might have that could otherwise affect the lungs.
• High Blood Pressure: With weakened lungs, the body has to work harder to bring oxygen to other needed areas in the body. The arteries that bring blood to the lungs may become compromised as pulmonary hypertension develops.
• Depression: Being unable to breathe means that the activities that were once enjoyed are likely no longer an option. If what the individual has is incurable (even if manageable), this can also lead to depression.

Chronic lung disease is one of those ailments that can turn one's life upside down, but thankfully, it is also one that is largely avoidable. Practicing good life habits (eating right, exercising regularly and avoiding (and/or) smoking) can go a long way to mainting health. And for those who have ailments like asthma, it can be prevented or slowed by the use of inhalers and avoiding things like second hand smoke, which can aggravate it.

Author: Sheila Martin
Publish Date: Thu, 03/03/2011 - 10:30
Categories: Lung Disease, Health