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There are many types of lung diseases. These diseases can be grouped according to how they affect the lungs.
Asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and cystic fibrosis - These all affect a person's airways and limit or block the flow of air in or out of the lungs.
Respiratory failure, pulmonary edema, pulmonary embolism, and pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure) - These are caused by problems with the normal gas exchange and blood flow in the lungs.
Pneumonia and tuberculosis (TB) - Bacteria or viruses can cause these diseases that affect the membrane (or pleura) that surrounds the lungs. Other conditions can also affect the pleura.
Lung cancer - The number one cause of lung cancer is smoking.
Stiffening and scarring of lungs - The spaces between the tissues of the lungs (called the interstitium) can become stiff and scarred. This can be caused by drugs, poisons, infections, or radiation.
Lung disorders from unusual atmospheric pressure - Atmospheric pressures that are not typical can cause lung problems. This includes high altitudes (as in the mountains) where the air has less oxygen, or deep water where there is more atmospheric pressure and higher nitrogen levels in the blood.
The Australian Lung Foundation provides a range of information on lung diseases.
Reviewed August 2008
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Asbestosis
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Links to information on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
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Cystic Fibrosis
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Links to information on cystic fibrosis.
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Lung Cancer
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Links to overviews and statistical information about lung cancers, as well as specific topic pages on prevention, treatment and risk factors for lung cancer.
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Pleurisy
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Links to information on pleurisy.
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Links to information on pneumonia, including causes, prevention and treatment.
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Tuberculosis
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Links to information on tuberculosis.
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Systematic Reviews of Treatments for Lung Diseases
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Links to systematic reviews of the evidence for the effectiveness of treatments for lung diseases.
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| Title: |
The Australian Lung Foundation
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| Publisher: |
The Australian Lung Foundation
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| Description: |
The Australian Lung Foundation (ALF) is responding to the need in the community to reduce the significant and debilitating cost of lung disease, both in human and monetary terms. The LungNet contains valuable information for both healthcare professionals and the community.
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| Date: |
Jun 2009
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| Title: |
LungNet News
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| Publisher: |
The Australian Lung Foundation
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| Description: |
All issues of The Australian Lung Foundation LungNet News since September 1998.
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| Date: |
Feb 2009
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| Title: |
Health impacts of wood smoke
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| Publisher: |
The Australian Lung Foundation
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| Description: |
Wood smoke contains fine particles which are breathed into the lungs. They irritate the bronchial tubes and affect those with pre-existing lung disease, especially asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
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| Date: |
Jan 2009
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| Title: |
Woodsmoke - the burning issues
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| Publisher: |
The Australian Lung Foundation
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| Description: |
Wood-burning heaters are often admired for the ambience they add. However, smoke from woodheaters can be a major source of air pollution in many parts of Australia and is a real and significant health hazard.
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| Date: |
Jan 2009
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| Title: |
Pulmonary embolism
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| Publisher: |
Department of Health Western Australia
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| Description: |
Diagnostic imaging algorithm for patients with suspected pulmonary embolism.
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| Date: |
Jul 2008
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| Title: |
Sarcoidosis
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| Publisher: |
Better Health Channel
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| Description: |
Sarcoidosis causes small inflammatory nodules to form in the lungs and lymph glands in the chest. It mostly affects people in their late 20s to early 40s. Symptoms include breathlessness, tiredness, a cough or chest discomfort. The cause is not known. It is not a cancer and most cases require no treatment.
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| Date: |
May 2008
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| Title: |
Outdoor air pollution and lung disease
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| Publisher: |
The Australian Lung Foundation
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| Description: |
Modern industrial society produces a large number of gases and particles which can pollute outdoor air. The effect of air pollution on health is considered, including its likelihood of aggravating asthma and cancer, and its effect on animals and plants.
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| Date: |
May 2008
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| Title: |
Adult interstitial lung diseases
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| Publisher: |
The Australian Lung Foundation
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| Description: |
Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are a group of rare lung conditions that cause chronic breathlessness.
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| Date: |
May 2008
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| Title: |
Asbestos in the home
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| Publisher: |
Better Health Channel
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| Description: |
Asbestos may be present in homes. Common products are fibro cement, or 'AC' sheeting, and heater insulation. Asbestos in home building materials does not generally pose a health risk unless the material is broken, deteriorating or disturbed to produce dust containing asbestos fibres.
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| Date: |
Mar 2008
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| Title: |
Pulmonary embolism in pregnancy
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| Publisher: |
Department of Health Western Australia
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| Description: |
Diagnostic imaging algorithm for patients with suspected pulmonary embolism during pregnancy.
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| Date: |
May 2007
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| Title: |
Physiotherapy for children before and after heart surgery
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| Publisher: |
The Children's Hospital at Westmead
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| Description: |
Children who have had heart surgery often need physiotherapy to help prevent and decrease lung problems. Treatment which is given both before and after surgery is explained.
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| Date: |
Aug 2006
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| Title: |
Cilia dysfunction.
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| Publisher: |
Better Health Channel
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| Description: |
The fine cilia ('hairs') lining the airways are damaged by tar and the other by-products of tobacco smoke. This means the lungs eventually cannot work properly.
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| Date: |
Aug 2003
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| Title: |
Lung transplantation
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| Publisher: |
The Australian Lung Foundation
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| Description: |
Lung transplantation is an exciting new therapy which offers the promise of improved survival and quality of life to selected people with life threatening lung diseases.
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| Date: |
Jul 2003
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| Results 1 to 13 displayed. |
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