List of respiratory ailments
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List of Respiratory Ailments
Common Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections are prevalent in both adults and children, significantly impacting healthcare systems due to their economic burden, morbidity, and mortality. These infections can be community- or hospital-acquired and affect both immunosuppressed and non-immunosuppressed individuals. The causative pathogens include viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites.
Respiratory Symptoms in the Elderly
In elderly populations, respiratory diseases can lead to considerable disability due to limited respiratory reserve from aging. Common symptoms include morning phlegm, chronic cough with phlegm, and wheezing. Chronic bronchitis, asthma, pulmonary tuberculosis, and emphysema are frequently reported ailments among the elderly.
Respiratory Diseases in Children
Children are particularly vulnerable to respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis. These conditions can severely impair a child's ability to function, leading to missed school days and restricted activities. Symptoms like cough, wheeze, congestion, chest pain, and shortness of breath are common .
Respiratory Symptoms in Serious Illness
Patients with serious illnesses, including cancer and nonmalignant conditions, often experience respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea (breathlessness), cough, malignant pleural effusions, airway secretions, and hemoptysis. Effective management of these symptoms is crucial for improving patient quality of life.
Global Burden of Respiratory Diseases
Globally, five major conditions contribute significantly to the burden of respiratory diseases: asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute respiratory infections, tuberculosis, and lung cancer. These conditions affect hundreds of millions of people and result in millions of premature deaths annually. Preventive measures such as reducing air pollution, controlling tobacco use, and alleviating urban overcrowding can mitigate this burden.
Respiratory Diseases in the Asia-Pacific Region
In the Asia-Pacific region, asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), COPD, and rhinosinusitis are prevalent respiratory disorders. Cough is a prominent symptom and a major reason for seeking medical care among patients with these conditions.
Viral Respiratory Infections
Viral infections, including those caused by influenza, rhinovirus, parainfluenza, adenovirus, metapneumovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and coronavirus, can lead to severe respiratory illnesses. These infections can cause acute respiratory failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), especially in high-risk individuals such as the elderly and those with comorbidities.
Emerging Respiratory Viruses
Emerging respiratory viruses, such as the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19, present significant diagnostic challenges. Symptoms often overlap with other viral infections, making early and accurate diagnosis crucial. Innovative diagnostic tools, including AI-based systems, are being developed to differentiate between various respiratory illnesses based on symptoms like cough.
Conclusion
Respiratory ailments encompass a wide range of conditions, from common infections and chronic diseases to severe viral infections. Effective management and preventive strategies are essential to reduce the global burden of these diseases and improve patient outcomes.
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