Index
ToggleWhat are respiratory diseases?
A respiratory disease is any one that compromises the proper functioning of the respiratory system. They are affections, and disorders, that according to theWorld Health Organization (WHO) approximately 4 million peopledie annually worldwide due to a chronic respiratory disease, of the obstructive type.
Note: Respiratory diseaseshave a variable prognosis for each patientand their respective care, such as correct compliance with treatment and reduction of exposure to agents that may influence the appearance or complication of these disorders.
What are the most common respiratory diseases?
The 12 most frequent respiratory diseases are mentioned and explained below, also understanding therisk involved and how to avoid the associated problems.
Important: It is essential toattend a medical professional todeal with these types of problems. Health is not a game.
1. Flu
The flu is a viral disease, it is infectiousand usually appears abruptly. It presents symptoms that include sore throat, headache, muscle aches and in some cases, cough.
It is quite contagious, especially through contact with other infected people and fluids expelledthrough sneezing and coughing. It is normal to even contract the flu several times in the same year, especially if the immune system is in a deficient condition or there is some seasonal pattern factor that could influence a virus epidemic.
2. Asthma
Asthma is a disorder in which chronic inflammation of the bronchioccurs, occurs in pictures and is triggered by certain elements. It produces afeeling of suffocation and difficulty breathing. It is caused by inflammation of the airways, where beeps are emitted when breathing fails.
Note: The factors that influence asthma are composed between Environmental and Genetic , causing the lungs to not have the correct mobilization, where it is difficult for the air to make the normal route through the respiratory tract.
3. Bronchitis
It is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, caused by previous infections or flu that have had a poor recovery. It is serious and smokers are the individuals most likely to suffer from this type of disease.
It produces mucus in the airways that is reflected when coughing, and it is important to know that antibiotic treatment is not very well recommended for these cases.
Important: It is recommended to stay hydrated, avoid external agents that can worsen the condition and consume foods or products that help refresh and clear the throat, such as mint, lemon and ginger.
4. Sinusitis
Sinusitis is an inflammation that occurs in the cavities around the nasal passages (paranasal sinuses). It produces nasal obstruction and pain in the area, including the head.
The inflammation can be caused by fungi, bacteria or a virus , although it can also present as an allergic reaction. Medical attention and assistanceis important, especially when a decreased sense of smell, fever, fatigue and a sensation of facial pressure begin to appear.
Note: It is usually treated with antibiotics and the search for the factors that have triggered the condition to reduce the risks.
5. Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is a fairly common and characteristic condition due to its inflammation of the tonsilsand difficulty swallowing. It is usually caused by a viral infection and it is something that, statistically, you will suffer at some time in your life.
It presents with Swollen glands located in the neck, fever, and bad breath.It is treated with rest, hydration and salty gargles and medicine are recommended to reduce inflammation and avoid constant pain. In a few cases there is a need to remove the tonsils with surgical intervention. Especially if the paintings are very frequent.
6. Rhinitis
Rhinitis produces constant sneezing, runny nose and nasal itching. It is an otorhinolaryngological disorder, because it is characterized by a swelling in the mucous membrane that causes congestion and pain, which include the ears.
The most frequent causes of rhinitis are allergies and colds, which allows it to be classified into allergic rhinitis, non-allergic rhinitis, acute rhinitis and chronic rhinitistag. In all this influences more than anything the evolution of the disease and the care provided.
7. Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an inflammation and infection of one or both lungstag. It can be caused by different microorganisms and produces cough, fever and difficulty breathing.
Diagnosis usually requires chest x-rays and a physical examination, where in making identification it is important to start treatment immediately to avoid unwanted complications.
8. Pharyngitis
It is a disease of bacterial nature and is viral. It usually appears with painful symptoms and can compromise organs such as the lungs or intestines.
To highlight: It presents with general malaise, fever, pain when swallowing and inflammation in the cervical lymph nodes. Seldom will pharyngitis be caused by a fungus, unless there is a vulnerability present in patients receiving cancer treatment.
9. Pulmonary emphysema
Pulmonary emphysema is broadly defined as a condition that leads to shortness of breath . It is an obstructive and chronic disease , where there is a permanent enlargement of the spaces in the terminal bronchioles.
Emphysema is characterized by presenting a sensation of respiratory fatigue even when resting , and the prognosis and recovery will depend on the damage caused to the lungs and the therapeutic measures taken when the disease is fully identified.
10. Lung cancer
Lung cancer is a condition that usually begins in the lungs, but ends up involving all components of the airways. There is a classification that starts from the size of cancer cells, being this lung cancer small cells and non-small cells, where the latter is the most frequent.
Lung cancer is usually detected when it is already in an advanced stage, due to its aggressive nature and presents symptoms of: tiredness, cough, loss of appetite, pain and shortness of breath.
Note: For lung cancer , chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments are applied , even in combination, in order to stop the proliferation of these cells.
Key Conclusions
- Diseases that occur in the respiratory tract are quite common and delicate.
- Poor care of respiratory diseases, or non-compliance with the recommended treatment, can bring unwanted and unnecessary complications.
- They have a wide variety of conditions and diseases, which in many cases are mainly caused by external agents and allergic elements.
- It is important to have a constant review if we are exposed to chemical agents or tobacco smoke to prevent a late diagnosis.
- Children are usually quite prone to getting cold and rhinitis more easily, so correct treatment follow-up will avoid an unsatisfied recovery.

University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.