Lung Disease

Lung diseases include a spectrum of conditions that make it difficult for you to breathe and enjoy the activities you love. Dennis Kellar, MD, Amanda Law, FPA-APRN, CNP, and the Northwest Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine team in Algonquin, Illinois, specialize in treating the full spectrum of breathing disorders. They diagnose your condition based on a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chronic cough, and chest pain. Whether you have asthma, COPD, or another condition, their providers can help. Call today or book a consultation online.

What are lung diseases?

Your lungs supply air to your body and expel gasses out of your body. They’re part of your respiratory system, a group of tissues and organs that work together to help you breathe. Unfortunately, lung diseases can harm your respiratory system. There are many types of lung diseases, including:

• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
• Asbestosis
• Bronchiolitis
• Coccidioidomycosis
• Cystic fibrosis
• Flu
• Interstitial lung disease
• Lung cancer
• Mesothelioma
• Pertussis
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Respiratory syncytial virus
• Sarcoidosis
• Silicosis
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Tuberculosis

Some of the most common lung diseases are asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and pneumonia.

Asthma

Asthma is a lung disease that causes the narrowing of your breathing tubes. Although there’s no cure for asthma, it can be treated with lifestyle changes and medication.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

A lung disease causing swelling in the airways, COPD causes coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are common forms of COPD.

Emphysema

Emphysema is a lung disease that impairs the transfer of oxygen from your lungs to your blood, leading to less and less oxygen in your blood over time. Treatment typically includes oxygen or surgery.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or fungi. The most common symptoms are shortness of breath, shallow or fast breathing, and chest pain.

How are lung diseases diagnosed?

The Northwest Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine team recommends the right lung test based on your symptoms and what they suspect might be causing your lung disease. Diagnostic tests include:

• Pulmonary function tests, such as spirometry and peak flow
• Cardiopulmonary stress testing
• Chest X-ray
• Six-minute walk test
• Bronchoscopy, a lung exam through a scope
• Metabolic cart, to measure oxygen use and energy expenditure

They may also recommend thoracentesis, a procedure to take a sample of fluid from around your lungs for testing. This helps to diagnose the source of infection.

How are lung diseases treated?

The team at Northwest Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine team creates a treatment plan for your specific condition, which may include medications or outpatient treatment. If you need to be admitted to the hospital, the Northwest Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine providers will be with you every step, from intensive care unit management to discharge.

For the expert care you need for lung disease, call Northwest Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine today or schedule a consultation online.