Respiratory disease: symptoms and treatment

The average adult breathes about 12 to 16 breaths per minute. Each breath allows the respiratory system to supply oxygen-rich blood to all the parts of the body. When the respiratory system becomes compromised due to disease, this process is adversely affected leading to many health issues.

Respiratory diseases can be divided into two categories. The first are infections often caused by viruses like influenza, or by bacteria, resulting in bacterial pneumonia. The second are chronic diseases, including asthma, lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These conditions are usually progressive and are caused by a variety of factors.

Symptoms

Although there are several types of respiratory disease, the symptoms are similar. To begin, there is a shortness of breath. If you are exercising or exerting yourself in some way, feeling a shortness of breath is normal. But if you find it hard to breathe during everyday activity, it is a sign that there may be respiratory issues. If your breathing becomes noisy with wheezing, this also could be a symptom of respiratory disease

A cough that lingers for a long period of time or coughing up blood are both symptoms of respiratory illness. If you are experiencing a mucus build up that doesn’t get better, it can be a signal that problems are present. When these symptoms occur, consult a doctor to check for respiratory disease.

Treating the disease

There are many ways to address respiratory diseases. The most challenging are respiratory viral infections since antibiotics are not effective in treating viruses. In most cases, doctors will try to manage the symptoms with different medications. Drinking fluids, taking medications to control fever, using a humidifier and resting are the most common treatments. If the infection is caused by bacteria, then antibiotics are given to combat the bacteria.

Most common diseases

Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease that affects 1 in 13 adults and 1 in 12 children in the United States, according to the CDC. There are a variety of medications that are able to control this inflammation of the lung airways. There are often triggers that can aggravate asthma like tobacco smoke, pollution and pollen, so avoiding the triggers helps control this disease.

COPD is the term covering several conditions including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This progressive disease reduces the air flow in and out of the lungs making it harder to breath. More than 15 million Americans struggle with COPD, according to the CDC. Treating COPD differs from person to person. Medications, pulmonary rehabilitation, supplemental oxygen and sometimes surgery are just some of the ways COPD is addressed.

Lung Cancer is the second most common cancer for men and women. Although it is often connected with smoking, it also can affect non-smokers. Treatment options vary with the severity of the disease and include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition where lung tissues becomes damaged and scarred making it difficult for the lungs to work properly. It most commonly occurs between the ages of 50 and 70. There is no cure for pulmonary fibrosis but there are ways to slow the progression with a healthy and active lifestyle and medications to manage the symptoms.

Disease and recovery

Recovery following a hospital stay is always challenging but can be even more complicated by respiratory disease. One danger during recovery is developing pneumonia. Proper breathing can be affected by pain, medications or prolonged bed rest and can increase the chances of developing pneumonia or other respiratory conditions. Choosing to recover in a short-term care facility can help address breathing issues since there is an attentive staff keeping watch over your progress.

Glenview Terrace is a short-term rehabilitation center that understands the importance of respiratory care during recovery. Each guest is provided with a comprehensive plan tailored to meet individual needs. Respiratory therapy is provided seven days a week to both prevent regression and improve function. Breathing retraining is given as needed.

All medical needs are addressed with this same high level of care, which is why Glenview Terrace has been awarded Medicare’s highest five-star rating for its rehabilitation services, expertise and clinical outcomes. Everything from pain management to dietary needs are addressed by an experienced staff present 24-hours a day. Therapists work one-on-one with each guest to help in regaining strength and mobility. An attentive nursing staff ensures all of your doctor’s orders are met and you are as comfortable as possible.

A stay at Glenview Terrace is all about recovering as quickly as possible in an elegant setting. Amenities include tastefully appointed rooms with bathrooms featuring deluxe walk-in showers. Thoughtful extras for short-term rehabilitation guests include morning coffee and newspaper delivery, as well as concierge services. The attractive, landscaped grounds with a spacious patio and tranquil fountain also provide a calming environment for a time of recovery.

Instead of hoping for an effective recovery, plan for a successful recovery by staying at Glenview Terrace where the focus is always to help get you back to the independent lifestyle you desire. For additional information or to arrange a tour, visit glenviewterrace.com or call 847-729-9090.