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Preventive health includes measures that can be taken to protect lung health: proper vaccination, management of chronic diseases, psychological support, avoiding smoking and tobacco products, regular sleep, and immune support.
COPD is a preventable and treatable disease. With early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and pulmonary rehabilitation, the course of the disease can be altered. In recent years, the BALLOON PROCEDURE, which has achieved successful results in the chronic bronchitis subtype, is a promising method that strengthens patients' fight against the disease.
The diagnosis and treatment of allergies are crucial from childhood to adulthood, as allergies can affect multiple systems. Allergy testing (skin and blood tests) and the identification and cleaning of allergens in domestic living spaces are of paramount importance. Additionally, the diagnosis and management of asthma constitute a significant component of this process, emphasizing the integrated approach required for effective control and treatment of these conditions.
Respiratory tract infections can pose serious risks in groups with weakened immune systems. These infections include tuberculosis, avian flu (H5N1, H7N7), influenza A/B, swine flu (H1N1), MERS-CoV, COVID-19, and Legionnaires' disease (air conditioning disease).
Lung connective tissue diseases often manifest with shortness of breath and include pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, connective tissue diseases (SLE, RA, Sjögren's Disease), and drug reactions. The follow-up of patients is conducted through a planned approach involving various tests.
Lung cancer accounts for 12-16% of all cancers and is responsible for 17-28% of cancer-related deaths. Early diagnosis, treatment, and psychological support are crucial. Thoracentesis can be used to drain fluid from the lungs. During treatment, airway patency can be maintained through bronchoscopic procedures (argon, cryotherapy, stent application).
Pulmonary embolism is a stealthy killer. It is a preventable and treatable disease that poses a threat to all age groups. Diagnosis, treatment (oral medication, injectable therapy, and intravenous clot-dissolving treatment), and follow-up are crucial.
Any cough that persists for more than 4 weeks is considered a chronic cough. While reflux, smoking, and allergies are common causes, there are numerous reasons for chronic cough. Often, a thorough medical history taken correctly can lead to a diagnosis before the need for extensive testing.
In the elderly, even a simple infection can lead to serious consequences, and the risk of drug interactions is high. Symptoms of infection may be more indistinct compared to younger individuals, and complaints can easily be overlooked, especially in the elderly requiring home care. Therefore, caring for the elderly requires specialized medical expertise because they are of utmost value to us.
Dr. Tuğçe Kasapoğlu Hürkal is a graduate of Ege University Faculty of Medicine and a specialist in chest diseases. She works as a faculty member at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital and Demiroğlu Bilim University.