Pulmonology Diseases and Respiratory Disorders

At PACE Hospitals, we provide specialized care for diseases affecting the lungs and airways. The pulmonary conditions treated at our centre are organized below, based on the area of the respiratory system impacted by each disease.

UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT DISORDERS

A group of conditions affecting the nose, sinuses, pharynx, and larynx.

Infectious

• 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.
• Flu (Influenza): 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.
• 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.
• Pertussis (Whooping cough): PERTUSSIS (Whooping cough) is a contagious upper respiratory infection caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It spreads from person to person through the droplets of cough or sneeze. It is a severe condition in babies. Initial symptoms visible within 7-10 days after infection include mild fever, cough and runny nose, which gradually progresses into a hacking cough followed by a whooping sound that lasts for weeks to months and vomiting. Persons with this infection are highly contagious up to 3 weeks after the cough starts. Common complications of this infection include 68% of babies having apnea, 22% getting pneumonia,2% will get convulsions, 0.6% will have encephalopathy, and 1% will die.
• 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.
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection: RSV infection is a viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory tract, especially in infants, young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. RSV is a major cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children under 2 years of age. The virus attacks the lining of the airways, causing inflammation, mucus buildup, and airway obstruction. Frequent symptoms are runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, fever, wheezing, rapid breathing, and difficulty feeding in infants. In severe cases can cause hypoxia and respiratory distress, sometimes requiring hospitalisation. RSV often causes mild cold-like symptoms in adults, but it can worsen diseases like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Structural / Others

• Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis: Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is an infectious disease caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It is characterised by the development (growth) of noncancerous papillomas (tumours) in the air passages leading from the mouth and nose to the lungs. They usually grow around vocal cords, are located in the larynx, and sometimes spread to other structures such as the trachea and bronchi. These tumours may be different in size, grow quickly, and often need surgical removal. Two forms of human papillomavirus, HPV 6 and HPV 11, can cause it. Symptoms of this condition include loss of voice or hoarse voice, chronic cough, difficulty breathing, and chronic cough.
• Tracheal Stenosis: Tracheal stenosis is a condition that occurs due to inflammation or scarring of the trachea, leading to the trachea being narrower and making it difficult to breathe air. Lungs are not developed fully in premature babies, which leads to relying on breathing tubes for a long time, which might have the chance of developing tracheal stenosis. Acquired or congenital tracheal stenosis are the two forms. Acquired is the most common condition affecting adults and children, and Congenital refers to a severe disease present at birth. Symptoms of tracheal stenosis include persistent cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing, sleep apnea, persistent asthma, and chest congestion. Children may present with noisy breathing, difficulty breastfeeding, choking, and difficulty breathing.

LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT DISORDERS

These are a group of conditions affecting the bronchi, bronchioles, and lungs.

Infectious Diseases

• Pneumonia: Pneumonia is an infectious disease caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. It causes fluid (pus or any liquid) buildup and inflammation of the alveoli or air sacs of the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing. Any age group can get affected by pneumonia, but having the following conditions can improve the high risk of developing pneumonia such as smoking habits, having an age group of 65 and older, children having an age group under 2, and having preexisting medical problems. Symptoms may vary based on the type. However, common symptoms include shortness of breath, fever, sweating, chills, cough with mucus or phlegm, nausea, vomiting, and chest pain during coughing or breathing.
• Community-Acquired Pneumonia: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common lung infection caused by hospital stays. 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Tuberculosis: Tuberculosis (TB) is a common infectious condition caused by the bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, it usually attacks the lungs, but TB bacteria can enter any part of the body, including the spine, brain and kidney. Everyone who is infected with TB bacteria is not sick. It spreads through the tiny air dropMycobacterium tuberculosis. It usually attacks the lungs, but the TB bacteria can enter any part of the body, including the spine, brain, and kidneyslets produced by the infected person's coughing, sneezing or spitting. Symptoms may vary depending on the area. Common symptoms of tuberculosis in the lungs include coughing up blood or sputum, chest pain, a bad cough (lasts up to more than three weeks), and other symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, chills, fever, night sweats, weakness or fatigue.
• 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.
• 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.
• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS): Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is an infectious respiratory condition caused by the SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). It was first found in February 2003 in China and spread to other countries. It is defined as an airborne virus that spreads through droplets of saliva. It can cause upper respiratory problems in humans. Signs and symptoms of this infection include headache, fever higher than 100.4 degrees, body aches, chills, sore throat, cough, breathing difficulties, pneumonia and diarrhoea (in 10% to 20% of people). No vaccine is available to treat SARS, but preventive measures must be taken to avoid it.
• Lung Abscess: A lung abscess is a space (cavity) occupied with pus caused by the Inhalation (breathing) of bacteria present in the throat or mouth into the tissue of the lungs, resulting in a bacterial infection. The most prominent symptom of this infection is a productive cough (bloody or pus-like contents) with a foul smell. Other symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, excessive sweat or night sweats, weight loss, and fever. Multiple factors, including excessive consumption of alcohol, aspiration pneumonia, anaesthesia, nervous system disease, sedation, weak immune system, and a blocked airway, can cause it.
• 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.

Obstructive Airway Diseases

• 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.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: 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.
• Emphysema: Emphysema is a chronic lung disease, most commonly caused by smoking, in which the alveoli are progressively destroyed and lose elasticity, leading to impaired gas exchange and breathlessness; it is a major form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, tiredness and sometimes cough, while less common causes include long-term irritant exposure and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
• Chronic Bronchitis: This is a long-term respiratory condition that is characterised by persistent inflammation of the bronchi, leading to excessive mucus production and a productive cough lasting for at least three months over two consecutive years. It is most usually caused by long-term irritating exposure, particularly cigarette smoking, although it can also be caused by air pollution, dust, and chemical fumes. This condition is a major component of COPD, in which airflow becomes limited due to airway narrowing and mucus blockage. Patients typically experience symptoms such as chronic cough with sputum, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest discomfort, and fatigue, which may worsen over time and increase the risk of respiratory infections.
• 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.
• 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.

Restrictive / Interstitial Diseases

• Interstitial Lung Disease: 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.
• Idiopathic (Nonidiopathic) 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.
• Pulmonary Fibrosis: Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious(potentially) long-lasting lung condition in which lung scarring occurs, leading to difficulty breathing. It usually affects people between the ages of 70 and 75. 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.
• Interstitial 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.
• 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.
• Sarcoidosis: Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory illness of unknown cause that affects multiple body organs, most commonly the lymph nodes and lungs. It is characterized by the formation of abnormal nodules or masses (granulomas) with inflamed tissues in specific organs. Symptoms of this condition may differ based on the area, and lung symptoms include wheezing, dry cough, difficulty breathing, and chest pain.
• Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis: Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is an uncommon disorder caused by the accumulation of surfactants, such as proteins, fats, and other substances, in the lungs' alveoli (air sacs), which leads to clogging. This condition is divided into three types: autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (the most common), secondary Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, which occurs due to exposure to toxins or any other medical condition, and congenital pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, which occurs due to genetic defects. It commonly affects men more than women; about 70% of patients who have this disease are smokers. Symptoms of this condition include cough, fever, chest pain, weight loss, low oxygen levels, shortness of breath and clubbing.

Pulmonary Vascular Diseases

• Pulmonary Embolism: A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot (blockage) that forms in the lungs' blood vessels. It occurs when a chunk (blood clot) moves from another body part, such as the leg or arms, into the veins of the lung. The embolism restricts blood flow to the lungs, leading to decreased oxygen levels and increased blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. Causes of pulmonary embolism include injury to a vein, cardiovascular disease, changes in blood clotting factors (elevated clotting factors due to hormone replacement or some cancers), and blood accumulation due to inactivity from more extended periods such as bed rest or surgery. Symptoms of this condition include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain (which worsens during breathing), anxiety, irregular heartbeat, sweating, and coughing.
• Pulmonary Hypertension: Pulmonary hypertension is a progressive illness characterised by abnormally high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, which transport blood from the heart to the lungs. It can result from heart, lung, or vascular disorders and leads to increased workload on the right ventricle, eventually causing right heart failure if untreated. Symptoms often include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, palpitations, and swelling of the legs or abdomen. 
• Pulmonary Edema: Pulmonary oedema, also known as lung water or congestion, is an accumulation of fluid in the lungs that causes insufficient oxygen levels and makes breathing difficult. Pulmonary oedema can be caused by multiple factors such as congestive heart failure (primary cause), cardiac arrhythmias, pneumonia, kidney failure, sudden hypertension, severe sepsis, exposure to high altitude, drug misuse, inhalation of toxins, near drowning and severe trauma. Symptoms of this condition include wheezing, shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, fatigue, swelling of the lower part of the body, pale skin, breathing difficulties while lying in bed, excessive sweating and anxiety.
• Pulmonary Vascular Disease: This refers to a group of disorders that affect the blood vessels of the lungs, including the pulmonary arteries, veins, and capillaries. These diseases limit blood flow to the lungs, resulting in elevated pulmonary artery pressure, reduced oxygen exchange, and right heart strain.Common types of PVD are pulmonary hypertension , pulmonary embolism, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and vasculitis affecting pulmonary vessels. Symptoms often include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, syncope, and swelling of the legs. 

Pleural Diseases

• Pleural Effusion: Pleural effusion is the accumulation of excess fluid in the pleural space between the lungs and chest wall, which can impair lung expansion and breathing. Normally, a small amount of pleural fluid lubricates lung movement. This can be caused by heart failure, liver illness, infections (tuberculosis or pneumonia), pulmonary embolism, cancer, surgery, radiation, or toxin exposure. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain (especially on deep breathing), dry cough, and sometimes fever if the effusion is infectious.
• Pleurisy: Pleurisy is characterized by sharp, stabbing chest or shoulder pain caused by the inflammation of the lung's lining (pleura). Hence, it is also known as pleuritis. It can be caused by infection, and the most common is flu (viral infection), bacterial infections such as tuberculosis or pneumonia, and sometimes due to other conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, chest pain, lung cancer, and pleural tumour. Symptoms include chest pain while coughing, sneezing, breathing deeply and moving the trunk or chest, cough, fever and chills. Treatment options involve managing the underlying cause.
• Pneumothorax: Pneumothorax, also known as a collapsed lung, is caused by air between the pleural space (the space between the chest wall and the lung). It occurs due to open lung tissue injury, leading to air leakage into the pleural space. Air accumulation increases the pressure on the outer side of the lung, causing it to collapse. These conditions can increase the risk of pneumothorax, such as smoking habit, age group between 15-34, tall man, pregnancy, Marfan syndrome, asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, sarcoidosis, and HIV with pneumocystis pneumonia. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, confusion, loss of consciousness, or coma.

Tumors & Growths

• Lung Cancer: Lung cancer is a malignant tumor of the lungs, most commonly caused by smoking, with other risk factors including asbestos, radon, and genetics. It is classified into non-small cell (adenocarcinoma, squamous, large cell) and small cell types. Symptoms generally includes persistent cough, hemoptysis, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and weight loss. Diagnosis is by imaging and biopsy, and treatment depends on type and stage, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies.
• Lung Nodules: These are small, round or oval growths in the lungs, usually less than 3 centimetres in size. Most nodules are non-cancerous, caused by infections (tuberculosis, fungal), inflammation, or noncancerous tumors, but some can be malignant, signaling early lung cancer. About 95% of lung nodules do not produce symptoms; when present, symptoms usually reflect the underlying condition, such as cough, fever, or malaise in the case of infection.
• Pulmonary Hamartoma: Pulmonary hamartoma is a benign (noncancerous) tumor of the lung composed of disorganized but mature tissue elements such as cartilage, fat, fibrous tissue, and epithelium. It is the most common benign lung tumor in people and is usually asymptomatic, being detected coincidentally during chest imaging for other diseases. In rare cases, particularly when the lesion is located within the bronchial, it may produce symptoms such as persistent cough, wheezing, bronchial obstruction, dyspnea, and hemoptysis. A characteristic radiological feature is the presence of “popcorn calcification” on imaging studies.

Occupational Lung Diseases

• Pneumoconiosis: Pneumoconiosis is an array of interstitial lung diseases caused by inhalation of some specific kinds of dust particles, resulting in lung damage. It is an occupational disease caused by exposure to environmental particles in the workplace, such as asbestos, silica and coal mine dust, leading to illnesses called asbestosis, silicosis, and coal workers' pneumoconiosis. Developing these conditions will take many years, but in severe cases, they may lead to lung disability and premature death. Some dust particles, such as iron, kaolin, talc, aluminium, antimony, barium, mica, and graphite, can cause other pneumoconiosis types. Depending on the severity, symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, and phlegm.
• 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.
• Silicosis: Silicosis is an occupational lung disease caused by the continuous inhalation(breathing) of small crystalline silica dust particles. It is usually found in specific stones, rocks, sands, and clays. Working with these substances can produce very tiny dust, which can be easy to inhale. Once it enters the lungs, it causes inflammation, hardening, and scarring of lung tissue. Mining, construction, glass manufacturing and road repair are the sites where one can have a higher risk of developing silicosis. Initial Symptoms include trouble breathing (early symptoms) and persistent cough, and later symptoms include weight loss, swollen legs, chest pain, fever, weakness, shortness of breath and blue lips.

Genetic / Congenital disorders

• 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.
• 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.

Sleep & Ventilation Disorders

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea: This is a sleep-related breathing disorder characterised by repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, leading to intermittent pauses in breathing (apnea) or reduced airflow (hypopnea). These episodes cause interrupted sleep and lower oxygen levels in the blood. Common symptoms are loud snoring, lethargy, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, dry mouth, frequent awakenings at night, and episodes of gasping, choking, or snorting while asleep. Risk of developing this increases with obesity, anatomical airway narrowing, and certain lifestyle factors. If left untreated, OSA can lead to serious complications such as Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, stroke, and pulmonary hypertension.
• Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome: This is a respiratory disorder seen in obese individuals, characterised by chronic hypoventilation (reduced breathing), leading to elevated carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia) and low oxygen levels in the blood. It occurs due to impaired ventilation caused by excess body weight, especially around the chest and abdomen, along with reduced respiratory drive. It is commonly associated with obstructive sleep apnea. Patients may present with symptoms such as shortness of breath, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, morning headaches, loud snoring, choking episodes during sleep, and pauses in breathing. If untreated, it can lead to serious complications like pulmonary hypertension and heart failure. 

Acute / Critical Conditions

• Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: 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).
• Respiratory Failure: Respiratory failure is a life-threatening condition in which the respiratory system fails to maintain adequate gas exchange, resulting in insufficient oxygenation of the blood and/or inadequate removal of carbon dioxide. It is largely classified into two types: type 1 (hypoxemic) respiratory failure is defined by low arterial oxygen levels (hypoxemia) and normal or low carbon dioxide levels, whereas type 2 (hypercapnic) respiratory failure is defined by excessive carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia) due to inadequate ventilation. Clinical features include severe breathlessness, rapid or labored breathing, fatigue, confusion, tachycardia (rapid heart rate), sweating, and bluish discoloration of the skin, lips, or nails (cyanosis). Prompt recognition and management are essential to prevent serious complications and death.
• 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.

Symptoms / Clinical Signs (Not diseases but important)

• 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.
• Dyspnea: 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.
• 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.

Other Structural Diseases

• 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.
• Pectus excavatum: This is also called funnel chest or sunken chest, a congenital deformity of the rib cage in which the breastbone (sternum) grows inward, producing a sunken appearance of the chest. It is the most common chest wall malformation and occurs more frequently in males. Although present at birth, it often becomes more noticeable during adolescence. The inward displacement of the sternum might limit the amount of space available for the heart and lungs, resulting in impaired cardiopulmonary function. Exercise intolerance, chest discomfort, palpitations, tiredness, and diminished stamina are all possible clinical symptoms. Patients may also face psychological repercussions such as low self-esteem and despair as a result of their appearance.
• Pulmonary Stenosis: This is a congenital heart condition in which the pulmonary valve is abnormally stiff or narrowed, resulting in blockage of blood flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery. It is usually non-cancerous and diagnosed in childhood. Many patients are asymptomatic, especially if the narrowing is mild. Patients with symptoms may experience restlessness, shortness of breath when exerting themselves, or palpitations, while severe cases may result in angina, fainting, or, in rare situations, sudden cardiac events.
  

Consult our specialists for a free second opinion on respiratory diseases.

At PACE Hospitals, we are committed to providing our patients with the best possible care, and that includes offering second medical opinions with super specialists for treatment or surgery. We recommend everyone to get an expert advance medical second opinion, before taking decision for your treatment or surgery.