Chest Disease
Chest Diseases is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating conditions related to the respiratory system within the thoracic cavity. This system begins at the nose and sinuses and extends deep into the lungs.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic lung condition marked by recurring episodes of shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. Symptoms often come and go in waves, and between episodes, patients may feel completely normal.It is a common disease, especially in developed countries, where its prevalence can exceed 10%. Asthma has a strong genetic component and is influenced by many triggers.
Common triggers include allergens, household and environmental air pollution, psychological stress, smoking, cold air, exercise, certain medications, occupational exposures, upper and lower respiratory infections, cleaning agents, perfumes, and gastric reflux.
Children living in homes with smokers or babies born to mothers who smoke during pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing asthma.
While asthma can sometimes manifest as a persistent cough, in other cases it leads to severe breathing difficulties and wheezing. It is often associated with upper respiratory allergies like nasal congestion and sneezing.
A significant contributor is exposure to house dust mites. These microscopic organisms feed on human skin flakes and thrive in carpets, sofas, bedding, and humid environments. A single bed may host millions of mites, which pose a serious health risk. Other common allergens include pet hair, pollen, mold, and fungal spores.
How is Asthma Treated?
Asthma is easier to diagnose during an episode. Between attacks, additional tests such as pulmonary function tests, allergy testing, chest X-rays, and blood work may be needed.In early stages, asthma can be controlled effectively. Inhaled medications (sprays or powders) are the cornerstone of treatment. They are safe, non-addictive, and suitable even during pregnancy.
Some inhalers offer quick relief during attacks, while others are used daily to prevent symptoms. When used consistently, these medications allow patients to live normal lives. Irregular use may result in persistent and worsening symptoms. Routine check-ups with a Chest Diseases Specialist are essential.
What is COPD?
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a progressive and irreversible lung condition distinguished from asthma by its permanent nature.Symptoms include chronic cough, sputum production, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. It may also lead to bluish discoloration and swelling in later stages.
COPD is among the leading causes of death worldwide, claiming around 2.5 million lives annually. In Turkey alone, nearly 3 million people are affected.
Smoking is the primary risk factor, followed by occupational dust exposure, air pollution, and respiratory infections.
Many people delay seeking treatment because early symptoms like breathlessness during activity are often ignored. Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial to managing the disease.
Diagnosis involves pulmonary function tests, chest X-rays, ECG, blood tests, and occasionally CT scans. Treatment includes inhalers, expectorants, and vaccinations. Consistent medical follow-up is required.
Smoking cessation is critical. Continuing to smoke makes treatment ineffective.
What is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is the most common cancer in men and ranks high among women as well. Its incidence is rising in correlation with increased tobacco use.It accounts for nearly one in five cancer cases and about one-third of cancer-related deaths, with one of the lowest five-year survival rates.
Symptoms include persistent cough, sputum, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, fever, pain, and sometimes blood in sputum. Many smokers delay seeking help, assuming symptoms are due to smoking.
Smoking for 20 years increases lung cancer risk by 25 times compared to non-smokers. Early screening is essential, particularly for smokers over 40.
Diagnosis involves chest X-rays, sputum analysis, CT scans, and bronchoscopy. Early detection offers high treatment success; late-stage detection significantly reduces survival chances.
Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
What is Lung Tuberculosis?
Lung tuberculosis (TB) is an ancient disease identified by Koch over 130 years ago. It may present with weight loss, appetite loss, mild fever, night sweats, and weakness. In advanced cases, coughing, sputum, blood in sputum, and shortness of breath occur.People with diabetes, malnutrition, severe stress, AIDS, alcohol dependency, or certain occupational risks are more vulnerable.
Diagnosis includes chest X-ray, sputum test, and PPD skin test. If TB is confirmed, close contacts should also be screened. Treatment involves six months of regular, monitored medication use.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, often accompanied by loud snoring.Oxygen levels in the blood drop during these episodes, disrupting sleep quality. Symptoms include daytime fatigue, poor concentration, memory issues, and headaches. In severe cases, there's a risk of falling asleep while driving.
Causes include excess weight, genetic predisposition, alcohol use, stress, and anatomical abnormalities in the airway.
Diagnosis is made through a sleep study. Treatment typically involves using a CPAP device. Some patients may require surgery. Weight loss and avoiding alcohol are highly recommended.
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious complications such as hypertension, stroke, and traffic accidents.
What is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the lungs, usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Inflammatory cells and fluid fill the alveoli (air sacs), impairing oxygen exchange.Symptoms include high fever, chills, productive cough, chest pain, rapid breathing, fatigue, and, in severe cases, cyanosis.
Risk factors include older age, smoking, ICU stays, exposure to cold, chronic heart or lung diseases, alcoholism, neurological conditions, and toxic inhalants.
Diagnosis requires chest X-rays, sputum and blood tests, and sometimes CT scans.
While mild cases may be treated at home, hospitalization is necessary for severe cases or in individuals with chronic conditions, poor antibiotic response, unconsciousness, pleurisy, kidney failure, or very high/low white blood cell counts. Intensive care may be required in critical cases.