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Lung Diseases
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Lungs Breathing

Lung Diseases

Lung diseases encompass a wide range of disorders that impair the body's ability to process oxygen, affecting millions of people and ranking as a leading cause of death in the United States.

Overview

When you breathe, your lungs take in oxygen from the air and deliver it to the bloodstream. The cells in your body need oxygen to work and grow. During a normal day, you breathe nearly 25,000 times. People with lung disease have difficulty breathing. Millions of people in the U.S. have lung disease. If all types of lung disease are lumped together, it is the number three killer in the United States.

Understanding Lung Disorders

The term lung disease refers to many disorders affecting the lungs, such as asthma, COPD, infections like influenza, pneumonia and tuberculosis, lung cancer, and many other breathing problems. Some lung diseases can lead to respiratory failure.

Source: Dept. of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health

Frequently Asked Questions

Diagnosis usually begins with a physical exam and a review of your medical history and symptoms. Common diagnostic tests include spirometry, which measures how much air you can inhale and exhale and how quickly, to assess airflow obstruction. Chest X-rays or CT scans are used to visualize the structure of the lungs and detect abnormalities like tumors, fluid, or scarring. Blood tests may be performed to check for infections or oxygen levels. In some cases, a bronchoscopy, where a thin tube with a camera is inserted into the airways, may be necessary to take a biopsy or collect samples for analysis.
Lung disease can significantly reduce your energy levels, making routine tasks like cooking, cleaning, or walking feel exhausting. To manage this, practice energy conservation by sitting down for tasks like dressing or cooking, and break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Pacing yourself is crucial; take frequent rest breaks before you feel completely exhausted. Using assistive devices, such as a walker or a shopping cart for support, can also reduce the physical effort required for movement. Additionally, scheduling demanding activities for times when you feel most energetic can help maintain your independence and quality of life.
Early symptoms of many lung diseases, including pneumonia, bronchitis, and even early-stage COPD, can mimic a common cold. These include a persistent cough that lasts more than two weeks, mild shortness of breath during exertion, and fatigue. However, if you notice that your cough is producing colored mucus (yellow, green, or rust-colored), if you are experiencing wheezing, or if your breathlessness is progressing even with rest, it is not just a cold. In older adults, confusion or a sudden change in mental status can also be an early sign of a serious respiratory infection like pneumonia.
Proper nutrition is vital because breathing requires significant energy, and people with lung disease often burn more calories than healthy individuals. A diet rich in protein helps maintain muscle mass, which is essential for supporting respiratory muscles. However, high-carbohydrate meals can increase carbon dioxide production, which may make breathing harder for some patients. It is often recommended to eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than three large ones to avoid putting pressure on the diaphragm. Staying well-hydrated is also important, as it helps thin mucus, making it easier to cough up and clear from the lungs.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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