Information of certain pathologies

Asthma
Asthma manifests with dyspnea (difficulty breathing), dry cough, tightness in the chest, hiss as expiring (due to the narrowing of the airways) and dyspnea on exertion.

 

Pneumonia
The lung tissue inflammation can be caused by viruses such as the influenza virus or bacterias such as the pneumococcus. Vaccination is recommended as preventive measure. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial pneumonia.

 

Sleep apnea
Respiratory disorders and mainly sleep apnea are very common complaints in pneumology. It is important to make a proper diagnosis and establish a treatment plan to reduce the impact of sleep apnea on health and also on the people quality of life. Sleep apnea should be suspected when experiencing the following symptoms:

• Important snoring
• Nocturnal choking
• Apnea objectified by the spouse or parents
• Excessive fatigue during the day
• Significant daytime sleepiness

 

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
In cases of chronic bronchitis causing constriction of the airways, the term COPD is used.

Pulmonary emphysema is another form of COPD. It is the expansion and destruction of lung vesicles. This results in a malfunction of the gaseous exchange which results in a lack of oxygen in the blood

 

Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is an acute infection of the lower airways of viral origin, affecting the bronchi of infants and young children. Although respiratory symptoms are often disturbing to parents, this disease is usually benign. Some signs must lead to prompt medical attention in order to avoid complications.

 

Cystic Fibrosis
One of the most common hereditary disease resulting in an extremely thick mucus blocking the airways and bronchial dilatation (bronchiectasis). The disease is usually diagnosed during infancy and leads to adult disability caused by a gradual decrease in lung function.

Lung cancer
This malignant tumor is primarily found in smokers. At the initial stage, lung cancer is hard to detect since symptoms are often atypical and also match benign diseases of the airways and lungs. Certain types of lung cancer (small cell lung carcinoma) grow very rapidly and form early metastasis.

 

Tabagism
Tabagism is a medical term designating acute or chronic intoxication caused by tobacco abuse. By extension, it also means overall tobacco consumption.

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Adult Pneumology
Pediatric Pneumology
Services at the Polyclinique Centre-Ville
Information of certain pathologies