Written and medically reviewed by Dorcas Morak, Pharm.D
Our lungs work tirelessly to keep us alive, yet we often take them for granted until breathing becomes difficult. October is National Healthy Lung Month, highlighting the importance of lung health. With nearly 16 million Americans living with COPD and 27 million affected by asthma, raising awareness about prevention, early detection, and treatment is essential. Let’s dive into common lung conditions, their causes, and the steps we can take to protect and improve our lung health.
What Are Lung Diseases?
Lung diseases affect the respiratory system and can result from various factors, including air pollution, bacterial or viral infections, and smoking. Genetic conditions like cystic fibrosis can also impact lung health. Early symptoms are often subtle, making early diagnosis challenging. It is crucial to seek medical advice if you experience persistent coughing, shortness of breath, or breathing discomfort. Common examples of lung diseases are bronchitis, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and pulmonary edema.
What Medications Are Used in Lung Disease Treatment?
Medications for treating lung infections depend on the type of lung disease and the cause. Common examples include:
- Bronchodilators: Bronchodilators, such as albuterol (Proventil) and ipratropium (Atrovent), are indicated for airway diseases like asthma and COPD. They relax the airway muscles, making it easier to breathe.
- Corticosteroids: Inflammatory lung diseases, including asthma, bronchitis, and COPD, often require corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Medications like prednisone (Rayos) (oral) or budesonide (Pulmicort) (inhaled) help control inflammation and prevent exacerbations.
- Antibiotics and Antivirals: Bacterial infections, such as those causing pneumonia or bronchitis, are treated with antibiotics like amoxicillin or azithromycin (Zithromax). Antiviral medications like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) are used for conditions like viral pneumonia.
- Mucolytics and Expectorants: Mucolytics, such as acetylcysteine (Acetadote), thin mucus and make coughing easier, particularly in chronic lung diseases like COPD and cystic fibrosis.
- Targeted Therapies for Lung Cancer: Advances in lung cancer treatment have led to the development of targeted therapies that attack specific cancer cells. Drugs like osimertinib (Tagrisso) target mutations in cancer cells, while immunotherapy drugs like pembrolizumab (Keytruda) help the immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells.
What are the best ways to prevent lung disease?
While medications help manage lung diseases, prevention is crucial. Key prevention strategies include quitting smoking, reducing exposure to air pollution, getting regular lung health check-ups, and maintaining an active lifestyle with regular exercise.
To observe National Healthy Lung Month, live a healthy life to prevent lung disease, visit your doctor for a proper lung examination, and encourage people around you to do the same. If you are prescribed medication for treating lung disease, use your medication as prescribed. You can download the RxLess App and get real-time savings on the go for all your medications.
