Lung Disease Names List & Lung Disorders List​ | Lung Related Diseases

Acute Chest Syndrome

Acute chest syndrome (ACS) is a serious pulmonary complication seen in individuals with sickle cell disease and can occur in both children and adults. Sickle cell disease (SCD), also known as sickle cell anemia, is a genetic blood disorder that alters the structure and function of hemoglobin within red blood cells. One of its most dangerous complications is acute chest syndrome, a condition affecting the lungs that can resemble pneumonia. ACS is a major contributor to illness severity, frequent hospital admissions, and mortality among both paediatric and adult patients with sickle cell disease. The condition develops when abnormally shaped sickle blood cells obstructs blood flow in the lungs, impairing oxygen exchange.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a long-standing disease of the lungs that develops after breathing in asbestos fibres over a prolonged period. The condition is most often linked to occupational exposure, especially in work environments where asbestos is commonly present. However, some individuals may also develop asbestosis through indirect contact, such as inhaling asbestos-laden dust brought into the environment from external sources.

Asthma

Asthma is a long-term inflammatory lung condition that affects the lungs' airways. The airways become inflamed, narrowed, swelled and produce mucus, making breathing difficult. 

It is commonly seen in children, but the exact cause of asthma is unknown. As per some research studies, environmental and genetic factors are involved in causing asthma, such as allergies, stress, pets and pests, exercise, genetics, respiratory infections, certain medications, dust mites, smoke, fumes, pollen, and toxins. A person with asthma may experience chest tightness, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and trouble sleeping (because of breathing problems). These symptoms may vary from person to person.

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Atelectasis

Atelectasis is a respiratory condition in which the complete or partial part of the lung collapses, resulting in decreased or no gas exchange. It is caused by the physical blockage of air sacs by mucus, a tumour, or an object inhaled accidentally. 

In addition, it is caused by pressure buildup at the outside of the lungs by fluid or air filled between the lung and chest wall, a deformed bone, scarred lung tissue, pneumonia, or a tumour pressing the airway. It is characterised by shortness of breath, chest tightness, cough, bluish skin or lips, and fast heart rate.

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency is an inborn condition caused by a mutated gene in both parents that increases the risk of lung and other diseases. AAT is a protein made by the liver that helps to protect the lungs; if it is not delivered enough, the lungs can be easily damaged by smoking and environmental pollution, leading to COPD and cirrhosis, which is more common in children with AAT deficiency.

It is not possible to prevent it because it is inherited and runs in families, but there are some treatments (augmentation therapy) which can slow down liver damage.

Acute Respiratory Disease syndrome (ARDS)

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a lung ailment that occurs when the lungs do not function normally due to fluid occupancy in the alveoli, leading to inadequate oxygen levels in the blood. It is a complication of other serious diseases, such as sepsis, pneumonia, and COVID-19. 

It may develop from a few hours to a few days and worsen quickly. The patient may need to stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) and on a ventilator for breathing. Causes of ARDS are sepsis, accidentally inhaling food or vomit(aspiration), drowning, smoke inhalation, injuries, pneumonia, acute pancreatitis, and Drugs (radiation and chemotherapeutic agents). 

Aspiration Pneumonitis and Pneumonia

Aspiration is the breathing (Inhalation) of gastric or oropharyngeal contents into the lungs. It can cause various syndromes. Aspiration pneumonitis (Mendelson's syndrome), also called chemical pneumonitis, is a short-term lung injury caused by the Inhalation of gastric acid from the stomach (Unintentional gulping of small amounts of gastric contents). Aspiration pneumonia is caused by bacteria that inhabit the oral and nasal pharynx. 

The signs and symptoms of aspiration pneumonitis and pneumonia range from mildly ill to severely ill. Common symptoms of chemical pneumonitis are wheezing, rapid breathing, irregular heartbeat, fever, and cyanosis. Bacterial aspiration pneumonia may present with symptoms like cough with sputum, fever, difficulty breathing, malaise, and chest pain.

Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a chronic condition with abnormal widening in bronchi (airways), resulting in the storage of excess mucus. This condition increases the risk of many infections because more mucus is present in the lungs. A cough with more pus and a foul smell of mucus is the prominent symptom. The other symptoms are wheezing, swollen fingertips with clubbed nails (curved nails), difficulty breathing, and chest pain. It will take some years to show the symptoms in patients until they have repeated lung diseases.

Bronchiectasis is caused by whooping cough and measles. Other lung conditions that can cause this disease are severe pneumonia, tuberculosis, and fungal infections (allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis).

Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a short-term inflammatory condition of the bronchioles with swelling and narrowing, leading to difficulty in breathing. It occurs by a viral infection such as flu, respiratory syncytial virus or RSV and is most commonly seen in young infants and children under age 2; the initial symptoms of bronchiolitis appear similar to a cold, such as blocked or runny nose, sneezing, a cough and low-grade fever. 

Other signs and symptoms include wheezing, irritability, difficulty feeding or eating, rapid breathing, dehydration, and apnea.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a common respiratory condition that develops when the bronchial tubes (airways) become inflamed and swollen. It produces a cough with mucus. Bronchitis can be chronic or acute.

Acute illness is common and contagious, caused by a virus infection, flu, asthma, allergies, and smoking. Patients may recover within a few days and present with low fever, sore throat, body aches, cough, and runny nose. Chronic bronchitis lasts up to 3 months to years; it is more severe and comes back continuously; the patient may present with a persistent cough with mucus (clear, white, yellow, green), wheezing sound while breathing, and shortness of breath.

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Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis is an infectious fungal disease caused by the inhalation (breathing) of the spores of a fungus called Blastomyces, which live in moist soil and decomposing matter (wood, leaves). People who are exposed to wooded areas (such as hunting, camping, and forestry work), moist soil (lakes or rivers), and disturbed soil (excavation digging) have a high chance of getting blastomycosis.

People with weak immune systems are at an increased risk of developing blastomycosis. Half of the Infected people will show symptoms, which are similar to those of other lung conditions, such as chest pain, cough, weight loss, fatigue, skin bumps, and night sweats. 

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

BPD is a severe pulmonary condition that affects newborns(neonates). This condition is caused by underdevelopment of the lungs because of premature birth, infections, continuous mechanical ventilation, supplemental oxygen and inflammation of the lungs before birth.

This condition has newborns born with breathing problems and less weight (less than 2 pounds) before ten weeks from their due dates and leads to other health problems such as Pulmonary hypertension, delayed speech, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), trouble feeding, delayed speech, learning difficulties, and infections such as sepsis.

Bacterial Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a common pulmonary condition caused by bacterial, viral or fungal infection. In this condition, the lung's air sacs may be filled with pus, fluid and cellular debris, which causes inflammation and makes it difficult to breathe.

Common causes for developing bacterial pneumonia are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas, Haemophilus, pneumococcal species, and Klebsiella pneumonia. Patients may present with signs of productive cough with sputum (green or rust or red currant jelly or foul smell), high fever or low fever, rapid breathing, rapid heartbeat, cyanosis, and unstable mental condition.

Bronchiolitis Obliterans (Popcorn Lung)

Bronchiolitis obliterans is a long-term respiratory condition, commonly referred to as “popcorn lung.” It involves injury and scarring of the smallest air passages in the lungs, known as bronchioles, which leads to persistent cough and difficulty breathing.

Common cold

The common cold is an upper respiratory tract infectious disease caused by a virus. It is characterized by inflammation of the membranes that line the throat and nose. Most commonly, it can be caused by the virus rhinovirus. 

Common cold symptoms may include sneezing, low-grade fever, sore throat, mild hacking cough, tickly throat, watering eyes, runny or blocked nose, headaches and loss of taste and smell. It can be spread through an infected person's sneeze or cough. This condition leads to secondary infections such as bacterial, sinus, and middle ear infections.

Cyanosis

Cyanosis is a condition caused by insufficient oxygen levels. It causes the colour of skin, lips, tongue, ears, under the nails, gums, hands, and feet to turn blue or purplish. Cyanosis is an indicated sign of severe conditions like asthma or pneumonia, croup, and congenital heart disease (these conditions decrease oxygen levels in the blood). 

Other causes are wearing tight clothes or jewellery, staying in freezing water or water, using beta blockers, having blood clots, and some blood vessel and heart malformations that cause blood to enter the heart without entering the lungs for oxygenation. This type of blood flow is referred to as a shunt.

Chronic cough

Cough is a natural protecting mechanism that eliminates bronchial secretions (mucus) and foreign particles. It is a common symptom of many respiratory diseases. A short-term cough can be manageable by treating the underlying cause, but if it lasts up to 8 weeks or more than eight weeks, it is called a chronic cough. 

The most common Symptoms of chronic cough are runny nose, heartburn, sore throat, fever, and tickle in the back of the throat (postnasal drip), and severe symptoms include coughing up phlegm or blood, wheezing, overnight sweat, and weight loss. Chronic cough is most commonly caused by respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchiectasis, bronchitis, COPD, flu, pneumonia, cold and sinusitis, tuberculosis, whooping cough, and fungal infections, and it is a side effect of taking some medications such as ace inhibitors.

Chest Infection

A chest infection is a pulmonary infection that affects the lungs' lower respiratory tract (windpipe and bronchi). It spreads by inhaling air droplets from the infected person's cough or sneeze.

Chest infections can range from mild to severe. Patients may present with a wet cough with mucus (green or yellow), wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest discomfort, fever, headache, weakness, and muscle aches. Depending on the type, bacterial or viral infection can cause chest infections. For instance, the virus is the main cause of bronchitis, whereas in most cases, bacteria cause pneumonia.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of conditions that cause airflow blockage and tissue damage. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the most common conditions associated with COPD, and the patient with COPD presents with both conditions.

The exact cause is not fully known, as some studies found that smoking is the primary cause of developing COPD. Other causes are air pollution, occupational exposure, breathing dust or chemical fumes, and heredity. Symptoms start with a mild cough and move to recurrent cough and shortness of breath. Severe symptoms include lack of energy, wheezing, chest tightness, chronic cough, frequent colds, and flu.

Read more about Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary (inherited) condition caused by two faulty inherited genes that affect the body's tissues, cells, and glands. These genes produce sweat and mucus, which accumulate in the lungs and cause blockages and damage to the airways. 

It commonly affects the lungs and produces symptoms such as cough with mucus or blood, wheezing, chest pain, dyspnea, and atypical asthma. Management mainly includes lung clearing (airway clearance techniques). Medicines are used to fight infections, help to breathe and improve and maintain lung function.

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Croup

Croup is a respiratory infection commonly seen in children. It is characterized by swelling of the larynx and windpipe(airways), resulting in difficulty breathing, a whistling sound, and a barking cough. 

It can be caused by influenza, adenovirus, enterovirus, and parainfluenza virus. It commonly targets children aged 3 – 5 and is mainly active in the winter and fall months. However, it is rarely caused by bacteria, reflux of stomach particles, or allergies and spreads through direct contact with an infected person. Symptoms vary from nose to lungs. They may start mildly, such as runny nose, barking cough, fever, and laryngitis, or moderate and severe, such as difficulty breathing and cyanosis. This condition should worsen at night and disturb the child from sleep.

Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common lung infection that occurs outside the hospital. Moraxella catarrhalis, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae are the organisms that can cause this condition by inhalation(breathing).

Patients present with symptoms such as common cold, fever, and cough at early stages with purulent sputum (white, green or yellow-coloured sputum). Severe symptoms include sepsis, lung failure, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Identification of pathogens plays a vital role in treating this condition. Certain antibiotics will give to a particular pathogen.

Coal Worker's Pneumoconiosis

Coal Worker's Pneumoconiosis, also known as black lung disease, is considered an occupational illness caused by continuous inhalation of coal dust. It is mainly seen in people working at a coal mine. Hence, it is called coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP).

Breathing coal dust leads to dust accumulation in the lungs. The healthy tissue in the lungs tries to remove it, and the immune system fights. In this process, the tissue gets inflammation. Over time, this can result in scarring, known as fibrosis. Patients may present with symptoms such as cough with more phlegm, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. Persistent exposure to dust and smoking can increase the risk of this condition.

Chronic Lung Disease

A chronic lung disease refers to long-standing conditions in which breathing does not happen as efficiently as it should. When the lungs are affected, the respiratory system struggles to deliver enough oxygen into the body and remove waste gases like carbon dioxide. Oxygen is essential for keeping all body organs functioning normally, which is why lung health is so important.

These problems can worsen over years and typically start out slowly. Tobacco use at any age, genetic predisposition, occupational exposure to dust, chemicals, or fumes, secondhand smoke inhalation, air pollution, and recurrent childhood respiratory infections are some of the factors that are known to raise the risk of developing chronic lung disease.

Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever)

Coccidioidomycosis, widely known as Valley fever, is an illness that begins in the lungs after a person breathes in fungal particles from the environment. The fungus lives in dry soil and can become airborne when the ground is disturbed. This infection is most often reported in certain geographic regions, including parts of the southwestern United States, California, northern Mexico, and selected areas of Central and South America.

Coronavirus (In General)

Coronaviruses (CoVs) belong to a broad group of viruses known to affect the respiratory system. These viruses were first recognised several decades ago and are grouped into four main types: alpha, beta, gamma, and delta. In people, coronavirus infections can cause a wide range of illness-from mild symptoms similar to a common cold to serious conditions such as COVID-19, which can be life-threatening.

The name “coronavirus” comes from the distinctive spike-like projections seen on the surface of the virus, which resemble a crown when viewed under a microscope. The term corona originates from Latin, meaning crown or wreath. Many coronaviruses that infect humans spread easily between individuals. Transmission usually spreads and occur through close contact, such as exposure to droplets released during coughing or sneezing, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then the face.

Some coronaviruses circulate only among animals, including species such as bats, camels, cattle, cats, and rodents. In certain situations, these animal viruses can adapt and cross over to humans, after which they may begin spreading between people. This type of animal-to-human transmission is known as spillover, or zoonotic transmission. Because the human immune system has little or no prior exposure to these newly adapted viruses, infections can sometimes result in severe disease.

Diaphragmatic Dysfunction

The diaphragm is a vital organ as it is the primary inhalation muscle (the muscle that helps expand the thoracic cavity). Its dysfunction is the failure of the force (muscle) itself or phrenic nerve damage, which can be associated with inevitable consequences. 

Depending on the severity of the dysfunction, the patients can have different signs and symptoms. One may need ventilator support, and some may not show symptoms. This condition can be caused by Phrenic nerve damage due to Surgery or trauma, Physical(lesion) compression, or neurological disorders such as diabetic neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, Inflammatory diseases and idiopathy. Its dysfunction can be related to respiratory symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, Intolerance to exercise, and sleep disturbances, and rarely, in severe conditions, may cause death.

Dyspnea (Shortness of breath)

Dyspnea/Shortness of breath is a condition in which one cannot get adequate air into the lungs or feels challenged to take a breath. It is a warning sign for other severe conditions that affect the respiratory system. Lung and heart diseases can be the main cause of shortness of breath. Other causes include allergies, asthma, anxiety, intense physical exercise, high altitude stays, choking, a collapsed lung, and sudden blood loss.

A person with dyspnea may experience chest tightness, shortness of breath, suffocation, wheezing, palpitations, and cough.

Emphysema

Emphysema is a long-term respiratory condition that occurs in people who often smoke and are exposed to irritants such as chemical fumes. It can be caused when blockage or damage (breakage) happens to the lining of the lungs' air sacs(alveoli), resulting in less oxygen to the bloodstream. The most prevalent cause for developing emphysema is smoking, and other reasons are irritants, Alpha1antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency, exposure to tobacco, weak, compromised immune system, and rare disorders called Marfan syndrome. 

Flu (Influenzae)

The flu is a contagious lung condition caused by the influenza virus. It is caused by the most common types of influenza viruses (A, B, C). Influenza A and B can cause more severe symptoms, which are seasonal (mainly occur in the winter). Influenza C is not seasonal and doesn't cause severe symptoms.

Patients may present with symptoms like cough, headache, sore throat, chills, fever, runny nose, body aches, tiredness, vomiting, or diarrhoea. Flu can be cured in less than two weeks. People with certain existing diseases, including asthma, COPD, stroke, diabetes, Weak immune system, and obesity, can increase the risk of severe complications.

Herpes Simplex Virus Infection

Herpes simplex virus is as HSV or herpes; it is prevalent in humans. It is divided into two types: HSV1 AND HSV2; it is contagious, present on the skin and spreads through moist mouth and genitals and sexual contact. Hsv1 Is associated with respiratory disease, mainly in people with compromised immune systems. Initially, symptoms are not noticeable; however, sometimes, they can present with symptoms such as pharyngitis or gingivostomatitis.

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is an allergic condition that causes inflammation of the lungs' alveoli (tiny air sacs). It can be caused by repeated inhalation of certain substances (particles) from the environment, such as hardwood dust, contaminated fluids from metalwork, humidifiers, feathers, bird droppings, skin cells, or moulds shed by fur animals (animals having fur). 

These particles trigger the person's immune system after breathing and cause long-term or short-term inflammation in the lungs' alveoli, leading to breathing difficulty. It may present with symptoms such as cough, chest pain, weight loss, clubbing, abnormal breathing sounds (rales), and flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, muscle pain, and headaches.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a rare viral illness that can worsen quickly. When people breathe in particles from settings contaminated by infectious rodents, such mice or rats, through their saliva or excrement, they become unwell. Those whose everyday activities or vocations put them into close contact with rodent-infested places at home or at work have been the main source of reported cases in the southwestern states of the United States.

Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis is a fungal illness that develops after exposure to Histoplasma capsulatum. The organism lives in soil and tends to thrive in areas heavily contaminated with bird or bat droppings, where the fungus can easily become airborne and inhaled.

In India, histoplasmosis is thought to be far more common than current records suggest, as many cases go unrecognised or unreported. Even with this limitation, a higher number of cases has been observed in eastern regions such as West Bengal and Assam, especially in areas connected to the Ganges and Brahmaputra river systems. Although the disease tends to occur in specific geographic settings, confirmed cases have also been identified across several other parts of northern and eastern India, including Bihar, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. In the United States Histoplasma is most common in the central and eastern states, especially in the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys.

Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) Infection

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a frequently encountered virus that affects the breathing passages and often leads to cold-like symptoms. Infections tend to follow a seasonal pattern, with most cases appearing during the winter months and early spring, much like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza.

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Idiopathic Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious(potentially) long-lasting lung condition where lung scarring occurs, leading to difficulty breathing where the causing factor is unknown. Usually, it affects persons who have the range of age group between 70 to 75 years old. People who smoke are highly prone to this condition. Symptoms include dry cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, and shortness of breath. If the disease is progressing, the patient may experience clubbing or cyanosis.

Severe complications of this disease, such as pulmonary hypertension and respiratory failure, can be visible in patients who cannot deliver sufficient oxygen into the blood flow. 

Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, also known as pulmonary hypertension, is a rare condition characterized by increased blood pressure (elevated pulmonary artery pressure) in the pulmonary arteries with no exact cause. 

This condition is diagnosed when the pulmonary artery average blood pressure is higher than 25mmhg during the resting period and higher than 30mm in the active period (exercising). It is serious because repeated increased blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries can strain the heart, resulting in lung and heart problems. Symptoms include dyspnea (difficulty breathing), fatigue, weakness, syncope, heart palpitations, leg swelling, fast pulse, and dizziness. 

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)

Interstitial lung disease is a group of long-term lung conditions characterized by scarring and inflammation that make it difficult for the lungs to get adequate oxygen. These diseases include idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP) and asbestosis. Symptoms may differ from person to person, and a common link between all diseases is that they all start with inflammation.

Shortness of breath is a common symptom for all types of interstitial lung disease. Other symptoms include dry cough, tiredness, chest discomfort, loss of appetite, and weight loss. The causative factors include smoking, family history, radiation therapy, exposure to chemicals at the workplace, and certain drugs.

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Interstitial (Nonidiopathic) Pulmonary Fibrosis

Non-idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a respiratory condition that causes scarring(fibrosis) and lung inflammation, resulting in impaired exchange of gases (O2 and CO2). It is a potential condition that can lead to respiratory dysfunction and death. Early diagnosis and treatment are necessary to avoid the damage.

It can occur due to numerous factors, such as environmental and occupational exposures to asbestos, silica, and carbon dust, drug-induced lung toxicity, hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by organic substances, connective tissue diseases, and systemic illnesses. Symptoms may differ from condition to disease. Common symptoms include fever, Church Strauss syndrome, wheezing, and clubbing.

Lung Nodules

A lung nodule is an abnormal (abnormal) growth in the lung. Most of the nodules are noncancerous (benign), but rarely, some nodules are cancerous(malignant) and become a sign of lung cancer. It can be caused due to numerous existing factors, such as tuberculosis or fungal infections, non-infectious inflammation, noncancerous tumours, and if any abnormal growth in the lungs about or larger than 3 cm becomes cancerous. 

Ninety-five per cent of lung nodules don't show any symptoms. Underlying health issues for this nodule may cause symptoms. For instance, a person who suffers from an infection may present with cough, fever and sickness.

Legionnaires' Disease

Legionnaires' disease is life-threatening pneumonia caused by Inhalation of (breathing) contaminated aerosols of legionella bacteria which are generally found in the freshwaters such as streams, rivers and lakes and also in soil. This bacterium is too small, so it moves inside the tiny water droplets as water vapour and mist, then quickly enters the lungs. Rarely can it spread by drinking contaminated water. 

Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, high temperature, chest pain, and flu-like symptoms. It can be caused by humidifiers, spa pools and bathtubs, air conditioning systems, and unused taps and showers.

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