There are many different lung diseases that vary in severity, but one thing is certain: the number of women developing and dying from lung diseases is rapidly rising in the U.S. With early diagnosis comes early treatment which can help prevent the disease from progressing too quickly.
Here are some of the most common lung diseases affecting women according to womenshealth.gov.
Asthma
Asthma is a condition where the bronchial tubes in the lungs become inflamed and sensitive. The airways then become irritated by cigarette smoke, mold, chemical sprays, and air pollution. They can also react to respiratory infections and allergens like dust mites and pollen.
Asthma causes difficulty breathing, as many patients complain of coughing, wheezing, and chest tightening.
Women are more prone to developing asthma and are more likely to die from the condition.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (or COPD) is an umbrella term for two lung conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD affects the bronchial tubes and causes permanent inflammation which can lead to the production of excess mucus as well as difficulties breathing. The excess mucus generally results in a persistent cough and can also leave the patient more susceptible to infections. Emphysema affects the air sacs at the end of the bronchial tubes, meaning less oxygen gets into the bloodstream, causing symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing.
Smoking cigarettes is the main cause of COPD and it’s thought to affect women more than men. Like asthma, women are also more likely to die of COPD.
MORE: Four ways to regain control following a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer kills more women in the U.S. than any other type of cancer. There are two main types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer usually spreads more quickly than non-small cell lung cancer. Both types are usually linked to smoking.
Pulmonary Emboli
Pulmonary emboli are blood clots that form in other parts of the body (often the legs) and then travel through the body, becoming stuck in the lungs. Small blood clots in the lungs can cause breathing problems and reduce the oxygen flow to the bloodstream. Large blood clots in the lungs can be fatal.
Women are more at risk of developing blood clots if they take contraceptive pills or hormone treatment for menopause, are pregnant or have given birth recently.
Pulmonary Fibrosis
Pulmonary fibrosis is a rare lung disease where the tissue in the lungs becomes scarred over time and stiffens. This inhibits the lungs’ ability to supply oxygen to the bloodstream. There are several reasons why a woman develops pulmonary fibrosis including radiation therapy and chemotherapy for breast cancer, other lung diseases, and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. If no known cause is determined, it is referred to as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension is a lung disease where the blood pressure in the lungs becomes dangerously high. This elevated pressure forces the right side of the heart to work harder to pump oxygen-rich blood back into the lungs. This can lead to heart failure if not treated.
There are many reasons why a woman may develop pulmonary hypertension including childhood infections, other lung conditions, and autoimmune diseases such as scleroderma.
MORE: The pathophysiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (or LAM), is a rare disease that can affect the lungs, kidneys and lymphatic system. It mainly strikes women, particularly those in their 30s and 40s. Muscle-like cells grow in the lungs and form cysts that can destroy healthy lung tissue. Symptoms include breathlessness, coughing, chest pain, coughing up blood and lung collapse. (Source: National Institutes of Health)
Influenza and Pneumonia
Each winter there are many cases of the common lung conditions influenza and pneumonia. Influenza is a respiratory viral infection which causes short-term damage to the lungs. Pneumonia could be either a bacterial infection or viral infection where there is a build-up of fluid in the lungs that inhibits the amount of oxygen that can reach the bloodstream. Most healthy people get over these infections in a week or so, but for those with compromised health (the very young and the elderly), the infection can become life-threatening. It’s important they consult their doctors about yearly vaccinations.
MORE: Four subjects to discuss with your oncologist following a cancer diagnosis.
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