We breathe without thinking – each inhale and exhale comes naturally to us. But for some, this effortless act becomes a struggle due to respiratory disorders. These conditions occur when parts of the respiratory system, such as the lungs, sinuses, nose, mouth, windpipe, throat and voice box, get infected or inflamed, causing difficulty in breathing.
This blog explores the early symptoms, causes and practical tips to help prevent respiratory disorders. Several tests are available to diagnose respiratory disorders, depending on the symptoms and suspected causes. One such advanced diagnostic tool is Respiratory Microfire Panel, which can accurately detect a wide range of respiratory pathogens.
What are Respiratory Disorders?
Respiratory disorders refer to medical conditions that disrupt normal breathing by affecting parts of the respiratory system, including the lungs, airways (like the trachea and bronchi), alveoli, diaphragm, and even the nasal passages. These disorders can range from mild, short-term infections like the common cold to chronic or life-threatening diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary fibrosis.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), respiratory diseases are among the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, highlighting their global impact and the need for awareness and prevention.
Early Symptoms
Early diagnosis of respiratory disorders can prevent further complications. While some symptoms may be chronic and infectious, others may be acute and non-infectious. These are the symptoms one should watch out for:
- Persistent Cough: Either dry or with phlegm, may indicate an inflammation or infection.
- Wheezing: A high-pitched whistling sound made while breathing, often linked to asthma or COPD.
- Shortness of Breath: Even during mild activity can indicate a respiratory disorder.
- Chest Tightness or Pain: Discomfort or heaviness in the chest area can indicate an underlying respiratory issue.
- Extreme Tiredness or Fatigue: This can indicate low oxygen levels in the blood due to poor functioning of the lungs.
- Sore Throat: Often due to infections, a painful or infected throat can sometimes irritate the upper airways.
- Nasal Congestion: A stuffy or runny nose can sometimes indicate a respiratory disorder such as sinusitis.
- Clubbing or Swelling of toes or fingertips: Swelling due to chronic low oxygen levels.
- Tachypnea or Rapid Breathing: A sign of low oxygen, common in infections.
- Cyanosis: Bluish lips or skin indicate oxygen deficiency.
Causes of Respiratory Disorders
Respiratory disorders can arise from various triggers. Some of the most common causes of respiratory disorders include:
- Infections: Various viral, bacterial or fungal infections like influenza, common cold, pneumonia or Tuberculosis.
- Air Pollution: Exposure to air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, smoke, smog and industrial emissions.
- Allergens: Pollen, dust or pet dander can cause asthma or allergic rhinitis.
- Smoking or Tobacco Consumption: A leading cause of chronic lung diseases, such as COPD or cancer.
- Genetic Conditions: Disorders like cystic fibrosis can be inherited.
- Climate Conditions: Sudden temperature or humidity shifts may trigger respiratory issues.
- Underlying Medical Conditions: GERD and heart disease may impact breathing.
- Occupational Hazards: Exposure to chemical fumes, lead, asbestos, and coal dust at work.
How to Prevent Respiratory Disorders
Certain preventive measures go a long way in keeping respiratory disorders at bay:
- Avoid Smoking and Tobacco Consumption. Even passive smoking is injurious to health.
- Maintaining good air quality indoors helps one stay safe even when the air quality outdoors is poor. This can be done by regularly ventilating the living spaces, using air purifiers, and cleaning the upholstery of mould, dust mites or other allergens.
- Regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle can improve lung function and strengthen the respiratory system.
- Avoiding exposure to allergens can help prevent respiratory issues, particularly if an individual is aware of their common triggers.
Diagnosis of Respiratory Disorders
Your healthcare professional might conduct a series of tests to identify and diagnose a respiratory disorder. A detailed medical history and a physical examination of the patient are initially taken to understand the possible causes of the respiratory disorder.
Depending on the initial findings, the doctor might conduct one or more of the below-mentioned tests:
- CT Scan or Chest X-Ray: These imaging tests are done to detect issues like fluid build-up, chest infections, or structural abnormalities.
- Pulmonary Function Tests: These lung tests are done to study extreme conditions like asthma or COPD. Spirometry tests are done to analyse airflow, gas exchange and lung capacity.
- Sputum Analysis: These tests study the mucus or phlegm coughed up from the lungs to detect the presence of white blood cells, pathogens or other indicators of disease.
- Blood Tests: These are done to evaluate the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide and white blood cell count for signs of infection.
- Bronchoscopy: A thin tube with a camera is inserted directly into the airways to check for lung cancer, and tumours, or to collect fluid samples.
Summing Up
Respiratory disorders can profoundly impact the quality of life of an individual. Timely diagnosis and treatment rule out any further complications and ensure overall well-being.
For exceptional care and treatment, one can avail of advanced diagnostic support from LifeCell Respiratory Microfire Panel. This comprehensive test is done to accurately detect and identify 15 bacteria & 17 viruses causing infections in the upper as well as lower respiratory tracts.
Early detection empowers you to take the right steps toward better breathing and a healthier life.
