Lung & Airway Disorders: Frequently Asked Questions
What are common symptoms of lung and airway disorders?
A person suffering from lung or airway disorders may experience chest pain, wheezing, stridor and shortness of breath. Symptoms vary according to the specific disorder.
How do doctors diagnose lung and airway disorders?
A doctor may perform a physical examination, blood tests, x-rays, computed tomography ("Cat Scan"), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound scans to determine if a person suffers from lung or airway disorders. Tests vary according to the suspected condition.
Can any lung or airway disorder be fatal?
Different lung and airway disorders may affect people in different ways. Cancer and lung disease are considered potentially fatal conditions. Various other lung and airway conditions can also lead to death.
How many people die from lung cancer?
It is estimated that more than 150,000 Americans will die from lung cancer this year. Lung cancer causes more deaths among men and women than any other cancer today.
How many people die from lung disease?
An estimated 350,000 people die from lung disease every year.
How do I know if I suffer from a lung or airway disorder?
A doctor may perform a physical examination as part of a patient's routine check up to determine if the patient may suffer from a lung or airway disorder. It is important to schedule regular visits to your doctor and to alert the doctor if you believe that you may have a lung or airway disorder.
Can a lung or airway disorder indicate a problem in another part of my body?
A lung or airway disorder may be the result of another problem in the body or the cause of another problem in the body. Doctors are familiar with determining the significance of a lung or airway disorder. A thorough examination of the patient's body accompanied by other diagnostic tests can help a physician diagnose any potential problems related to a lung or airway disorder.
Who is at risk of developing lung and airway disorders?
Different lung and airway disorders occur more frequently in different people according to the disease, the individual and the environment. While everyone may be at risk of developing lung disease and lung cancer, these diseases occur most frequently in people who smoke and consume alcohol. Smoking and alcohol consumption also increase the risk of pneumonia. Pneumonia is most common in very young people and very old people. These are just a few examples of lung and airway disorder trends. You should consult a doctor to see if you are at risk of developing a lung or airway disorder.
More reading:
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
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