resp diseases

pneumonia

An infection of the lungs which causes the alveoli to fill with fluid or pus (infected tissue and white blood cells).

emphysema

Progressive disease which causes shortness of breath. The alveoli are weakened and collapse, leaving large air sacs, less capable of exchanging carbon dioxide and oxygen.

tuberculosis

Caused by bacteria, tuberculosis is an infection that can be diagnosed via the presence of granulomas. Granulomas are masses of macrophages (white blood cells) that form a wall around foreign substances to keep it from spreading.

anthracosis

Common in miners, it is diagnosed by the presence of black carbon particles in the interstitial tissues of the lungs. Although at a low amount, the patient will be asymptomatic, repeated exposures can lead to a more serious pneumoconiosis.