Frequently Asked Questions

Each form of lung disease demands a different approach in how it is treated. Some are a matter of receiving the right medication, while others may resort to surgical methods or modern cancer-fighting techniques. Based on your diagnosis, physicians and doctors can recommend the best path to take.

In general, if you are suffering from a lung disease it is best to stay away from problematic conditions and areas with an excess of particulate matter in the air. Avoid cigarette smoke and try to breathe oxygen rich air in natural, non-urban environments. Although it might be difficult, taking some time away from pets can also limit the agitation of your respiratory system if you have allergies.

Asthma – Besides the avoidance of environmental stressors like smoke, dust, and other allergens, asthma can be treated with beta₂ agonists, anticholinergics, corticosteroids, anti-IgE therapy, and other drugs. Each substance used to treat asthma comes with a unique set of risks and possible side effects, so always consult your doctor while undergoing treatment.

COPD – Again, quitting smoking and avoiding environmental triggers can help manage your symptoms, otherwise medicines are available. Bronchodilators can be used to ease and open the airways, mostly coming in the form of inhalers and other breathable substances. Many of the available medications overlap with treatments for asthma.

Emphysema – There are a variety of treatments available depending on the severity of this condition. Bronchodilators and other inhaled medications can be effective in early stages of the disease, but it may be necessary to undergo surgery to remove small wedges of damaged lung tissue. The last resort is a lung transplant, however, intermittent pulmonary rehabilitation and supplemental oxygen can maintain one’s health throughout the condition.

Bronchitis – Since it is mostly caused by viral infections, antibiotics are ineffective, however, doctors may still recommend them if it is suspected to be a bacterial infection. Inhaler medications may also be prescribed to allow greater airflow and reduce any inflammation.

Pneumonia – The most effective treatment available is the use of antibiotics due to pneumonia’s status as a bacterial infection. Most people will see an improvement within 2 to 3 days of taking the medication, though it's important to be in close consultation with your doctor during the process.

Pulmonary Embolism – Many times this condition will be treated with anticoagulation medication. Working to prevent pulmonary embolisms is key. Genetic predisposition, smoking, prolonged immobilization, and general damage to the blood vessel walls are all factors that increase the risk of having a pulmonary embolism.

Lung Cancer – Treatment typically includes multiple options including, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted drug therapy.

• Surgery – Includes the removal of a section or the entirety of the lung. Most surgeries take a small margin of health tissue along with the affected areas to limit the spread of cancer.

• Chemotherapy – Uses intravenous drugs to kill off cancerous cells. This method often follows a surgery in order to eliminate any cells left behind. It may also be the case that chemotherapy is administered before a surgery in hopes of shrinking tumors.

• Radiation Therapy – Uses high-powered X-rays and photons to destroy cancer cells. This type of therapy can be directed at cancer cells from outside of the body, or placed near the cancer through needles, seeds, or catheters. 

• Targeted Drug Therapy – These treatments are the newest addition to the fight against cancer, often involving multiple drugs working in conjunction with one another.