Lung disease Overview of lung disease, the most common conditions and prevention opportunities. Lung disease refers to a variety of lung conditions including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), lung cancer and infections such as the flu and pneumonia. Smoking and exposure to burn pits are two examples of factors contributing to lung disease development, which places warfighters at increased risk. Most Common Lung Diseases Asthma Chronic condition caused by narrow, swollen airways that get blocked by excess mucus. Research found that Warfighters who deployed with combat experience were 24-30% more likely to develop asthma compared to those who did not deploy. COPD Chronic conditions that prevent airflow into the lungs and cause breathing problems. The most common COPD conditions are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Rates of COPD are higher among veterans than the general population. Lung Cancer Condition where cancerous cells form in the tissue of the lung, typically in the lining of the air passages. There are two main types of lung cancer: small cell and non-small cell. Veterans have a higher rate of lung cancer than the general population. Influenza Also known as the flu, this infection is a contagious virus affecting the nose, throat and lungs. The flu vaccine and proper hygiene are both ways to prevent the flu. Learn more about the flu vaccine! Pneumonia Infection where air sacs in one or both of your lungs fill up with fluid or pus. There are three types of pneumonia: bacterial, viral and fungal, with bacterial being the most common. Main Factors Leading to Lung Disease SmokingRadonAsbestosAir Pollution One of the leading causes of lung diseases is smoking and/or exposure to cigarette smoke. Quitting smoking and removing yourself from situations where cigarette smoke is present can reduce your risk. It’s also important to avoid air pollution and hazardous environments. If you are unable to avoid these situations, use protective gear such as respiratory protective equipment (RPE). Exposure to radon, asbestos and polluted air all increase your risk for developing a lung disease. If you recognize a change in your breathing pattern, have trouble breathing or notice any abnormal health effects, talk to your health care provider as soon as possible. If you were exposed to dangerous chemicals or hazardous environments that could impact your lung health, seek assistance as well. ReferencesMedlinePlus - “Lung Diseases”MedlinePlus - “Pneumonia”Rivera, A. C. et al - “New-Onset Asthma and Combat Deployment: Findings from the Millennium Cohort Study”Bamonti, P. M. et al - “Improving Physiological, Physical, and Psychological Health Outcomes: A Narrative Review in US Veterans with COPD.”U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - “VA Promotes High-Quality, Patient-centered Lung Cancer Screening for Veterans.”
