What Are Common Respiratory Diseases & Treatments

There are a number of respiratory diseases that afflict large numbers of people today. These diseases can dramatically affect the lifestyle and quality of life for those that suffer. For many these diseases are somewhat self-inflicted due to lifestyle choices. For others, genetics or the environment may have played a significant role. Regardless of the cause, respiratory diseases afflict millions of people who need regular treatment to fight back.

Common Respiratory Diseases

Let’s look at some of the more common respiratory diseases that afflict people today.

• Asthma – This is characterized by a predisposition to chronic inflammation of the lungs. The airways are reversibly narrowed.


• Chronic Obstructing Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – COPD refers to chronic bronchitis and emphysema. These two diseases of the lungs commonly co-exist. The airways become narrowed and cause shortness of breath.


• Respiratory Allergies – This is caused by an over-reaction of the immune system to a “trigger” which results in inflammation of the tissue of the ears, eyes, nose, throat, sinuses, larynx, and airways. This is commonly known as hay fever or cedar fever.


• Occupational Lung Disease – This refers to fibrosis and scarring of the lungs which is generally secondary to the repeated inhaling of dust that is linked to some occupations.


• Pulmonary Hypertension – This is unusually elevated blood pressure within the pulmonary circuit.


• Emphysema – This is a severe form of COPD in which the small sacs within the lung become permanently damaged.

Common Respiratory Treatments

Oxygen concentrators are frequently used to treat all of the various forms of respiratory disease. This form of oxygen therapy is most effective during the early stages of the disease. The oxygen concentrator goes a long ways toward allowing patients to lead a more normal life. In addition to using an oxygen therapy as treatment, patients should eliminate any activities that aggravate their condition. The number one activity to eliminate is smoking. If smoking is not eliminated, it will negate the positive effects of oxygen therapy.

Vitality Medical carries a wide variety of oxygen therapy devices, including home oxygen concentrators, portable oxygen concentrators, humidifiers, aspirators, CPAP, and cough assist devices. This online discount medical supply store also carries many respiratory accessories including cannulas, oxygen tubing, oxygen masks and pulse oximeters.