Large-scale globalization has resulted in a rapid rise in pollution levels, and most people are now encountering several respiratory issues. The unhealthy lifestyle of people has further contributed as a positive catalyst making illnesses like breathlessness to asthma attacks a common affair.
So if you encounter breathing trouble for the last few days or prolonged cough, it is high time you should consult a pulmonologist before the situation gets worse. A doctor specializing in treating lung diseases and breathing problems is a pulmonologist. They also analyze the health condition of a person’s entire respiratory tract, which includes the trachea, throat, and nose. So get in touch with the best lung specialist in Mumbai if you need long-term respiratory care.
Let us find some causes for which you should immediately consult a pulmonologist.
Probable Symptoms of a Respiratory or Breathing Disorder
If you are facing any healthcare issues related to your lung, chest, or breathing, you should immediately consult a general physician. If the symptoms continue, it is better to consult a specialist or a pulmonologist. A few of the common signs which signal you might have a chronic lung or breathing problem include,
- Cough over a prolonged time.
- Chest pain.
- Breathing problems.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Facing shortness of breath while doing any exercise.
- Cough is associated with blood or mucus.
Reasons You Should See A Pulmonologist
Let us look at the common reasons that would prompt you to visit a pulmonologist as soon as possible.
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD is a lung disorder that makes it difficult for a person to exhale normally, and they should immediately consult the best lung specialist in Mumbai. These abnormalities result due to excessive inflammatory processes of the lungs that permanently obstruct airflow. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are two conditions that ultimately lead to COPD.
COPD is a progressive illness and a significant cause of disability. People addicted to continuous smoking for many years are mostly affected by COPD. The common symptoms of COPD are wheezing, chest tightness, chronic cough, breathing problems, and so on. The best way to keep COPD under control is to stop smoking permanently. A person should be under complete medications to keep the symptoms away. COPD patients sometimes require supplementary oxygen to perform daily activities.
Asthma
Asthma is the most common inflammatory and chronic lung disease resulting in severe respiratory issues. Although found among all ages, asthma is most common among children and elderly persons above 60. In asthma, the bronchial tubes in the lungs react to triggers like cigarette smoke, pollen, dust, and excessive physical activity and become inflamed. It results in coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness.
People having asthma should wear a special mask over their nose and mouth to prevent themselves from dust and harmful fumes. They should consult the best lung specialist in Mumbai for a healthy life.
Lung Cancer
Smoking cigarettes, pipes, or cigars is the prime cause of 90 % of lung cancer affecting millions worldwide. Lung cancer is the condition where a tumor develops due to the rapid, abnormal growth and division of cells in the lungs. They do not even cause pain or discomfort until an advanced stage, marked by common symptoms like coughing up blood, hoarseness, shortness of breath, chest pain, and chronic cough that worsens over time. For cancer treatment, a patient should seek the help of an oncologist and a pulmonologist.
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis, or CF, is a lung disease that can directly affect your body’s secretory glands that generate sweat or mucus. It includes the glands in the upper respiratory tract, digestive tract, lungs, skin, and sexual organs. It is a genetic disease that children usually inherit from their parents’ faulty genes. Common symptoms include frequent respiratory infections, repeated cough, secretion of thick mucus, etc. Cystic fibrosis can become severe and life-threatening with age. So you should immediately consult the best lung specialist in Mumbai if you have any symptoms of CF.
Pulmonary Embolism
Pulmonary embolism or PE arises when a blood clot develops in a vein in the leg which blocks one of the pulmonary arteries in your lungs. Pulmonary embolism involves shortness of breath, chest pain, and cough that may consist of blood. It can be life-threatening without emergency treatment. People with PE should consult a pulmonologist for proper medications and therapy.
Lung Infections
If you have heart disease, you should consult a pulmonologist for chronic lung infections like tuberculosis, pneumonia, bronchitis, etc.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a general sleep disorder that results from a deficiency in oxygen in your lungs and blood. As a result, breathing stops several times during the night that can last seconds to minutes. Sleep apnea can be controlled with breathing devices or particular mouthpieces. However, it is best to consult a pulmonologist in Mumbai, if you have this disorder to get the best diagnosis.
There are many respiratory illnesses that, if not treated seriously, can lead to severe lung conditions. So if you are facing rigorous respiratory problems, you should visit the best lung specialist in Mumbai for effective treatment and quick recovery.
