Editorial Team
... Read More
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
If you are a woman, you are in luck. According to a new study, women are more resistant to lung infections than man. But why? You ask. Well, it's got a lot to do with your hormones. Scientists have shown that increased resistance to bacterial pneumonia in female mice is linked to an enzyme that is activated by the release of the female sex hormone oestrogen. For this, the team from Harvard University's School of Public Health introduced Streptococcus pneumoniae into the lungs of mice to mimic the inhalation of bacteria that occurs naturally as we breathe.
Female mice and male mice that had been treated with oestrogen were able to clear the bacteria from their lungs more rapidly than normal male mice. Female lung host defence cells were also better at killing other bacteria (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) when tested in vitro.
'Ultimately, this work could be especially useful in reducing risk of secondary bacterial pneumoniae during seasonal or pandemic influenza,' said senior study author professor Lester Kobzik. The scientists then took another set of both male and female mice and deleted the gene responsible for the production of the enzyme called nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3). They found that deleting this gene meant that the female mice were no longer more resistant to infection. The team hopes that this knowledge could be used to enhance resistance to common and serious lung infections. (Read: 7 reasons for breathlessness you probably didn t know about)
What is lung disease?
A lung disease or disorder occurs in the various structures of lungs and disrupts its functioning. It can vary from a mild common cold to life-threatening conditions like pneumonia and cancer. Lung disease can be caused by infections, inflammation, obstruction of airways, decreased lung function, problems related to pulmonary circulation, etc. Smoking, infections, air pollution, genetics, exposure to asbestos, etc. can cause various lung diseases.
Causes and types of lung disease
In any form of lung disease mainly the breathing gets affected, says Dr Animesh Arya, Senior Consultant, Respiratory Medicine, Delhi based Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute. Here are some common forms of lung diseases he explains.
1. Asthma: It is the most common lung disease triggered by allergies, infections and pollutants that harm the airways and cause inflammation.
2. Acute bronchitis: Bronchitis is the inflammation of the air passage. Acute bronchitis is caused by viral or bacterial respiratory infections.
3. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): It a group of diseases that causes breathing difficulties and interfere with the exhalation process of breathing.
Symptoms of lung disease:
Bronchitis, asthma, COPD, lung infections and pulmonary fibrosis have similar symptoms even though they are very different in nature, says Dr Arya. He lists a few common symptoms of lung diseases:
With inputs from IANS
Photo source: Getty images
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates! For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter.