Type of Lung Disease

There are many types of lung diseases. The following diseases that can affect the lungs are grouped according to how they affect the lungs.

• Asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and cystic fibrosis. These all affect a person's airways and limit or block the flow of air in or out of the lungs.

• Respiratory failure, pulmonary edema, pulmonary embolism, and pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure). These are caused by problems with the normal gas exchange and blood flow in the lungs.

• Pneumonia and tuberculosis (TB). Bacteria or viruses can cause these diseases that affect the membrane (or pleura) that surrounds the lungs. Other infections can also affect the pleura.

• Lung cancer. The number one cause of lung cancer is smoking. And the number of women with lung cancer is rising, particularly in younger women. Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer of American women.

• Stiffening and scarring of lungs. The spaces between the tissues of the lungs (called the interstitium) can become stiff and scarred. This can be caused by drugs, poisons, infections, or radiation.

• Lung disorders from unusual atmospheric pressure. Atmospheric pressures that are not typical can cause lung disorders, or lung problems. This includes high altitudes (like in the mountains) where the air has less oxygen, or deep water where there is more atmospheric pressure and higher nitrogen levels in the blood.

Common symptoms, or signs, of lung disease include trouble breathing and shortness of breath, while feeling as if you are not getting enough air. People often complain of a long-term cough that will not go away, coughing up blood, and having pain when inhaling (breathing in) or exhaling (breathing out).