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There are many types of lung diseases. These diseases can be grouped according to how they affect the lungs.
Asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and cystic fibrosis - These all affect a person's airways and limit or block the flow of air in or out of the lungs.
Respiratory failure, pulmonary edema, pulmonary embolism, and pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure) - These are caused by problems with the normal gas exchange and blood flow in the lungs.
Pneumonia and tuberculosis (TB) - Bacteria or viruses can cause these diseases that affect the membrane (or pleura) that surrounds the lungs. Other conditions can also affect the pleura.
Lung cancer - The number one cause of lung cancer is smoking.
Stiffening and scarring of lungs - The spaces between the tissues of the lungs (called the interstitium) can become stiff and scarred. This can be caused by drugs, poisons, infections, or radiation.
Lung disorders from unusual atmospheric pressure - Atmospheric pressures that are not typical can cause lung problems. This includes high altitudes (as in the mountains) where the air has less oxygen, or deep water where there is more atmospheric pressure and higher nitrogen levels in the blood.
The Australian Lung Foundation provides a range of information on lung diseases.
Reviewed July 2009
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| Title: |
The Australian Lung Foundation
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| Publisher: |
The Australian Lung Foundation
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| Description: |
The Australian Lung Foundation (ALF) is responding to the need in the community to reduce the significant and debilitating cost of lung disease, both in human and monetary terms. The LungNet contains valuable information for both healthcare professionals and the community.
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| Date: |
Oct 2009
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| Title: |
LungNet News
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| Publisher: |
The Australian Lung Foundation
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| Description: |
All issues of The Australian Lung Foundation LungNet News since September 1998.
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| Date: |
Aug 2009
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| Title: |
Pulmonary embolism in pregnancy
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| Publisher: |
Department of Health Western Australia
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| Description: |
Diagnostic imaging algorithm for patients with suspected pulmonary embolism during pregnancy.
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| Date: |
Aug 2009
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| Title: |
Thoracic computed tomography: principles and practice
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| Publisher: |
Australian Prescriber
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| Description: |
Computerised tomography of the chest has revolutionised thoracic imaging. It can provide important information in the diagnosis and management of pulmonary masses and malignancy, mediastinal disease, bronchiectasis, interstitial lung disease and pleural abnormalities.
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| Date: |
Aug 2009
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| Title: |
Health impacts of wood smoke
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| Publisher: |
The Australian Lung Foundation
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| Description: |
Wood smoke contains fine particles which are breathed into the lungs. They irritate the bronchial tubes and affect those with pre-existing lung disease, especially asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
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| Date: |
Jan 2009
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| Title: |
Woodsmoke - the burning issues
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| Publisher: |
The Australian Lung Foundation
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| Description: |
Wood-burning heaters are often admired for the ambience they add. However, smoke from woodheaters can be a major source of air pollution in many parts of Australia and is a real and significant health hazard.
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| Date: |
Jan 2009
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| Title: |
Asbestos exposure
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| Publisher: |
Virtual Medical Centre.com
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| Description: |
Information on asbestos exposure by professional health specialists.
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| Date: |
Aug 2008
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| Title: |
Pulmonary embolism
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| Publisher: |
Department of Health Western Australia
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| Description: |
Diagnostic imaging algorithm for patients with suspected pulmonary embolism.
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| Date: |
Jul 2008
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| Title: |
Sarcoidosis
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| Publisher: |
Better Health Channel
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| Description: |
Sarcoidosis causes small inflammatory nodules to form in the lungs and lymph glands in the chest. It mostly affects people in their late 20s to early 40s. Symptoms include breathlessness, tiredness, a cough or chest discomfort. The cause is not known. It is not a cancer and most cases require no treatment.
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| Date: |
May 2008
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| Title: |
Outdoor air pollution and lung disease
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| Publisher: |
The Australian Lung Foundation
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| Description: |
Modern industrial society produces a large number of gases and particles which can pollute outdoor air. The effect of air pollution on health is considered, including its likelihood of aggravating asthma and cancer, and its effect on animals and plants.
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| Date: |
May 2008
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| Title: |
Adult interstitial lung diseases
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| Publisher: |
The Australian Lung Foundation
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| Description: |
Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are a group of rare lung conditions that cause chronic breathlessness.
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| Date: |
May 2008
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| Title: |
Haemoptysis (coughing up blood)
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| Publisher: |
Virtual Medical Centre.com
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| Description: |
Information on haemoptysis by professional medical specialists.
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| Date: |
Apr 2008
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| Title: |
Asbestos in the home
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| Publisher: |
Better Health Channel
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| Description: |
Asbestos may be present in homes. Common products are fibro cement, or 'AC' sheeting, and heater insulation. Asbestos in home building materials does not generally pose a health risk unless the material is broken, deteriorating or disturbed to produce dust containing asbestos fibres.
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| Date: |
Mar 2008
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| Title: |
Patient support
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| Publisher: |
The Australian Lung Foundation
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| Description: |
Lung Disease can be a stressful life event. Apart from the physical symptoms, you may feel depressed, anxious, worried, irritable, isolated and confused. Patient support is all about helping you to manage and control your symptoms, overcome these feelings and feel confident and happy again.
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| Date: |
Mar 2008
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| Title: |
Psychological consequences of respiratory diseases
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| Publisher: |
The Australian Lung Foundation
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| Description: |
Chronic illness demands continual psychological adjustment as the disease progresses through different stages from no symptoms to mild, then moderate and severe symptoms. Respiratory patients must cope with a wide variety of stressors including shortness of breath, cough, sputum production, wheeze, pain and social isolation.
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| Date: |
Mar 2008
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| Title: |
Haemoptysis
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| Publisher: |
Department of Health Western Australia
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| Description: |
Diagnostic imaging algorithm for patients with confirmed haemoptysis.
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| Date: |
Sep 2005
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| Title: |
Cilia dysfunction.
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| Publisher: |
Better Health Channel
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| Description: |
The fine cilia ('hairs') lining the airways are damaged by tar and the other by-products of tobacco smoke. This means the lungs eventually cannot work properly.
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| Date: |
Aug 2003
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| Title: |
Lung transplantation
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| Publisher: |
The Australian Lung Foundation
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| Description: |
Lung transplantation is an exciting new therapy which offers the promise of improved survival and quality of life to selected people with life threatening lung diseases.
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| Date: |
Jul 2003
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| Title: |
Physiotherapy for children before and after heart surgery
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| Publisher: |
The Children's Hospital at Westmead
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| Description: |
Children who have had heart surgery often need physiotherapy to help prevent and decrease lung problems. Treatment which is given both before and after surgery is explained.
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| Date: |
Aug 2000
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