What are types of lung disease?
There are many types of lung diseases. The team at Synaptrx Sleep includes pulmonary specialists who can treat and diagnose all types of lung diseases.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes inflammation and swelling in the airway passages. With asthma, you may experience recurring periods of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
COPD is a progressive lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. With COPD, less air flows in and out of the lungs due to damage to the airways or the air sacs.
Interstitial lung cancer
Interstitial lung disease includes various lung conditions that cause scarring of your lung tissue. The scarring may occur from an inhaled lung irritant (smoking), medication, or an underlying health condition such as rheumatoid arthritis.
People with interstitial lung disease are at a greater risk of developing lung cancer. This may be due to shared risk factors — like smoking — and how the scarring damages the lung tissue.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease that causes thickening and stiffness of your lung tissue that worsens over time. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis means the underlying cause of the lung tissue damage is unknown.
Pleurisy
Pleurisy means inflammation of the pleura, which is the membrane that wraps around the outside of your lungs and the inside of your chest cavity.
Other pleural disorders
Other pleural disorders include pneumothorax, pleural effusion, and hemothorax.
How is lung disease diagnosed?
When you visit Synaptrx Sleep for a pulmonary consultation, the team uses advanced diagnostic tools to diagnose your lung disease.
During your evaluation, your provider asks detailed questions about your symptoms, medical history, family history, and potential environmental exposures that may explain your breathing issues.
To diagnose your lung disease, the team may conduct a lung function test, lab work, chest X-ray, or CT scan. Your pulmonologist may also conduct a biopsy of your lung tissue to confirm or rule out a suspected diagnosis.
How is lung disease treated?
The team at Synaptrx Sleep takes a patient-centered approach to care. They spend time educating you about your lung disease and your treatment options. Then, they partner with you to develop a treatment plan that best meets your health needs.
Treatment may include:
- Lifestyle modifications
- Disease-specific medication
- Inhalants
- Oral or inhaled steroids
- Oxygen therapy
An early diagnosis and treatment plan for your lung disease may improve your outcomes and quality of life.
To schedule your lung disease consultation at Synaptrx Sleep, call the office or book online today.
