Lung Disease

Lung disease is any type of problem in the lungs that prevents the organs from working properly. The three main types of lung disease, airway diseases, lung tissue diseases and lung circulation diseases. Each of which have different symptoms.

Airway diseases — These diseases affect the tubes (airways) that carry oxygen and other gases into and out of the lungs. They usually cause a narrowing or blockage of the airways. Airway diseases include asthma, COPD and bronchiectasis.

Lung tissue diseases — Pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis are examples of lung tissue disease. These diseases affect the structure of the lung tissue. Scarring or inflammation of the tissue makes the lungs unable to expand fully. This makes it hard for the lungs to take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. People with this type of lung disorder often say they feel as if they are “wearing a too-tight sweater or vest.” As a result, they can’t breathe deeply.

Lung circulation diseases — An example of a lung circulation disease is pulmonary hypertension. These diseases affect the blood vessels in the lungs. They are caused by clotting, scarring, or inflammation of the blood vessels. They affect the ability of the lungs to take up oxygen and release carbon dioxide. These diseases may also affect heart function.

The following symptoms could be the first signs of lung disease, including COPD, asthma and lung cancer:

• Chronic cough: A cough that you have had for a month or longer is considered chronic and that your respiratory system is not functioning normally.
• Shortness of breath: Shortness of breath that doesn’t go away after exercising, or after little or no physical effort is abnormal.
• Chronic mucus production: Mucus, also called sputum or phlegm, is produced by the airways as a defense to fight infections or block irritants. If mucus production lasts more than a month, this could indicate lung disease.
• Wheezing: Noisy breathing or wheezing is a sign that something is blocking your lungs’ airways.
• Coughing up blood: If you are coughing up blood, it may be coming from your lungs or upper respiratory tract.
• Chronic chest pain: Unexplained chest pain that lasts for a month or more.

There are four stages of lung disease. As lung disease progresses, the stage will increase to reflect the severity of your symptoms.

The stages of chronic lung disease:

• Mild or stage 1
• Moderate or stage 2
• Severe or stage 3
• Very severe or stage 4 also known as end-stage lung disease.

A declining lung disease patient can face many challenges. It may be time for hospice care if your loved one:

• Has had frequent emergency room visits or hospitalizations recently for lung infections;
• Has respiratory failure, or similar issues;
• No longer wishes to be hospitalized or intubated.

The patient’s pulmonologist or primary care physician will recommend hospice services at the appropriate time; however, patients and their loved ones can also bring this need to their medical provider’s attention.

• Pain Management – Our Hospice Care team provides palliative care which focuses on relieving pain and maintaining comfort.
• Symptom Control – Our Hospice Care team regularly assesses each patient’s condition and works with the physician to determine the most effective treatment and medication options to maximize symptom control.
• Hospice Care at Home – The goal of hospice care is to support patients by meeting their needs and managing their care at home –  or wherever they may call home. This means hospice services are provided in a patient’s home, a nursing home, or home of a loved one. Allowing one to stay at their home gives them the ultimate comfort when addressing terminal illnesses.
• Coordinated Care Approach – Hospice care is a team effort. The patient’s family and loved ones are actively involved along with a team of professionals and volunteers. With the help and support of the hospice care team, the patient and their family receive physical, emotional, and spiritual support.
• Holistic Approach – Therapy and counseling services add an extra layer of care to the hospice services provided by Capital Caring. Therapy and counseling are non-invasive, holistic practices which help to enhance the medical, social and spiritual care of the hospice team. Therapy and counseling sessions are provided by staff and volunteers of the Capital Caring hospice team.