Rare Respiratory Tract Diseases: Understanding Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
The respiratory tract is composed of several organs, including the nose, mouth, trachea, lungs and bronchial tubes. Respiratory illness, such as asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia, can occur if these organs are damaged or irritated. However, some rare respiratory tract diseases have fewer known causes, making them harder to diagnose and treat.
In this post, we’ll discuss the symptoms, treatment and prevention of rare respiratory tract diseases and how they impact overall health.
What are Rare Respiratory Tract Diseases?
Rare respiratory tract diseases are illnesses of the respiratory system that are hard to diagnose due to their uncommonness and complexity. Some of these diseases, such as sarcoidosis and interstitial lung disease, are caused by an abnormal immune response, while others are caused by genetic mutation. Common symptoms of rare respiratory tract diseases include coughing, chest pain, trouble breathing, and weight loss.
Diagnosing Rare Respiratory Tract Diseases
Diagnosing a rare respiratory tract disease can be difficult due to the obscurity of the illness. When diagnosing these illnesses, doctors usually rely on a combination of physical examinations, laboratory tests, imaging tests, and/or bronchoscopy (using a thin tube inserted into the lungs to examine the airways to check for any accumulation of fluid).
Treatment for Rare Respiratory Tract Diseases
The treatment for rare respiratory tract diseases varies from person to person, depending on the severity of the illness. Common treatment options include medications (such as nutritional supplements, steroids, or immunosuppressive medications); oxygen or bronchodilators (to help open the airways); and surgery (to remove blockages in the airways). In some cases, a combination of treatments may be necessary.
Prevention of Rare Respiratory Tract Diseases
Since the causes of rare respiratory tract diseases are largely unknown, it’s difficult to judge how to prevent them. However, some preventive measures, such as avoiding cigarette smoke, controlling asthma symptoms, limiting exposure to industrial chemicals, and avoiding airborne allergens, can help reduce the risk of developing a respiratory illness.
The Impact on Health
Rare respiratory tract diseases can have serious health implications. Those with these illnesses are more prone to developing conditions such as lung cancer, pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). As well, many rare respiratory tract diseases can interfere with day-to-day activities due to the difficulty in breathing, causing fatigue and depression.
Takeaways
In conclusion, rare respiratory tract diseases can be difficult to diagnose and treat, but fortunately, there are preventive measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing any respiratory illnesses. Those with these illnesses may also be at an increased risk for other health conditions and should speak to their doctor about ways to minimize the impact on their health.