Hello Professor, I understand that during your business trip to the Philippines, in addition to exchanging experiences with domestic doctors, you also actively participated in training courses and guided young doctors on the prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases. Could you share more specifically so that we, readers and patients, can understand the importance and danger of lung diseases?
- Professor Tobias Welte:
Oh! Of course. As you know from the COVID-19 pandemic, weakening the immune system of many people increases the risk of respiratory-related diseases beyond normal levels, with high numbers of smokers and severe air pollution contributing to the worsening of the situation.
On January 1, 2025, after New Year's festivities, the AQI (Air Quality Index) in Manila reached 218, classified as "very unhealthy", with PM2.5 (Particulate Matter) concentrations more than 15 times the WHO safe limit.
High concentrations of PM2.5 can penetrate deep into the lungs and blood, causing respiratory and cardiovascular problems, and exacerbating chronic diseases such as asthma, COPD, and increasing the risk of lung cancer.β
As far as I know, there are many diseases related to the lungs and respiratory system. Can the professor explain each disease, along with its symptoms and signs, so that people can be informed and check themselves?
- Professor Tobias Welte:
There are many diseases related to the lungs. I will tell you some of the most common diseases that people often suffer. You should read carefully and check the symptoms to see if you are included here or not.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):
- Symptoms: Shortness of breath, Chronic cough, possible phlegm, Wheezing or chest tightness, Chest pain and prolonged shortness of breath.
- Causes: Primarily caused by smoking and prolonged exposure to air pollution or harmful gases. - Tuberculosis (TB):
- Symptoms: Cough lasting more than 2 weeks, Sputum possibly containing blood, Mild fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, Excessive night sweating and rapid weight loss.
- Causes: Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, usually spread through the air. - Lung Cancer:
- Symptoms: Persistent cough that may be accompanied by chest pain, Pain with deep breathing or coughing, Shortness of breath or wheezing, Rapid weight loss and persistent fatigue.
- Causes: Primarily caused by smoking, but also linked to other factors such as exposure to harmful smoke or pollutants. - Pneumonia:
- Symptoms: Fever, chills and excessive sweating, Cough with phlegm or possibly blood, Chest pain during breathing or coughing, Shortness of breath, rapid and shallow breathing.
- Causes: Caused by bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infections invading the lungs. - Asthma:
- Symptoms: Wheezing, especially at night or early morning, Chest tightness or discomfort, Difficulty breathing, especially during exertion or exposure to allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander.
- Causes: Allergic reactions or airway irritants such as pollution or harmful gases. - Silicosis:
- Symptoms: Prolonged difficulty breathing, especially in occupations exposed to harmful dust, Persistent dry cough, Chest pain, Progressive lung function decline over time.
- Causes: Caused by prolonged exposure to harmful dust such as silica, asbestos, coal, or other hazardous occupational exposures. - Pulmonary Fibrosis:
- Symptoms: Chronic shortness of breath, especially with exertion, Chest pain, shallow breathing, Significant decline in lung function over time.
- Causes: Resulting from prolonged lung damage leading to scarring and hardening of the lungs, often due to exposure to harmful chemicals or chronic infections. - Chronic Bronchitis:
- Symptoms: Persistent cough with ongoing phlegm production, Shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness, Fatigue and frequent respiratory infections.
- Causes: Common in smokers or those living in long-term exposure to polluted environments.
image of hospital overloaded with patients *
What symptoms are easily misunderstood but are actually signs of lung disease?
- Professor Tobias Welte:
- Slight cough at night, thought it was due to cold
- Shortness of breath when walking fast
- Frequent wheezing, sounds like there is a hiss in the chest
- Fatigue, weight loss for unknown reasons
This is not flu. This is the lung's cry for help.
If the patient does not receive timely treatment, what complications can the above diseases cause?
- Professor Tobias Welte:
Very serious. Some serious complications include:
- Acute respiratory failure, requiring ventilator.
- Pulmonary fibrosis, causing the lungs to lose their ability to expand.
- Lung cancer late stage.
- Right heart failure (due to increased pulmonary artery pressure).
- High risk of death if pneumonia is combined with underlying diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.