Pulmonary hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension happens when the blood pressure in the blood vessels of your lungs is too high. It can lead to serious health problems, like blood clots, heart failure, and arrythmias. Its symptoms include things like:
chest pain
wheezing
cough
hoarse voice
shortness of breath
dizziness
heart palpitations
fatigue
weakness
swelling in the lower body
skin, lips, or nails that have a blue, gray, or pale color
According to a 2020 article, experts estimate that between 50 and 70 million people have pulmonary hypertension worldwide. Its cause isn’t always known, but some medical conditions like heart failure, lung disease, and blood clots can contribute.
The treatment of pulmonary hypertension can include:
medications to lower blood pressure and prevent blood clots
oxygen therapy
surgery
treating the underlying cause
Interstitial lung disease (ILD)
ILD refers to a group of conditions that can cause scarring, called fibrosis, in the lungs. When scar tissue forms in the lungs, it can stiffen lung tissue and make it harder to breathe. Common symptoms of ILD include:
shortness of breath
dry cough
chest pain
fatigue
Some research estimates that 2.28 millionTrusted Source people worldwide were living with ILD in 2019. Many causes of ILD remain unknown. Known causes include:
exposure to hazardous substances
autoimmune conditions like sarcoidosis and rheumatoid arthritis
specific medications or medical treatments
There’s no cure for ILD. Treatment includes medications like corticosteroids to lower inflammation in the lungs as well as oxygen therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation. Doctors may recommend a lung transplant in very severe situations.
