What is Pulmonary?
The pulmonary system includes the lungs and the blood vessels
to and from the lungs from the heart. Blood is pumped from the heart through
the pulmonary arteries to the lungs. The oxygenated blood travels back to the
heart through the pulmonary veins.
Pulmonary function tests are used to measure the ability of
lungs. There are three kinds of pulmonary function tests. Each of these tests
is used to determine different pulmonary diseases. The first test is used to
know the exhale of lungs, second is used to measure the inhale of lungs and
the third test is used to measure lung’s ability to transfer oxygen into the
blood. Other tests used to detect pulmonary diseases are chest x-ray and
arterial blood gas study. There are a number of pulmonary disorders that could
affect the lungs. They include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
sleep apnea, pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary embolism.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive
disease that gradually reduces airflow. The symptoms are phlegmy coughing,
wheezing and shortness of breath. The most common form of COPD is emphysema
and chronic bronchitis. The treatment includes medications like
bronchodilators and oxygen-replacement therapy. In most severe cases, lung
transplant is necessary.
Pulmonary hypertension occurs due to high blood pressure in
blood vessels that supply blood to the lungs. Two forms of pulmonary
hypertension are primary and secondary. Primary pulmonary hypertension is
relatively uncommon and it has no known cause. Secondary pulmonary
hypertension is caused by underlying heart condition, cocaine abuse and
pulmonary embolism. Treatments include oxygen therapy medication such as
vasodilators and heart transplantation.
Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person’s breathing is
interrupted during sleep. Sleep apnea may be due to high blood pressure and
pulmonary hypertension. Sleep apnea can be treated through regular exercise
and avoiding alcohol. In severe cases, surgery is necessary. Sudden blockage
of an artery in the lung is called pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism
caused by large blood clots can cause sudden death. Symptoms include shortness
of breath, chest pain, fainting and rapid heart rate. Treatments include clot
dissolving drugs, anticoagulant medications and embolectomy.
