Lung Dysfunction

When the lungs are sick they can no longer do a good job of taking oxygen from the air. In addition, sick lungs cannot release the carbon dioxide produced by the body. Diseases, infections, airborne toxins, smoking and pollution can damage lungs. Damage to the alveoli, where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged, leads to their destruction. As more alveoli are destroyed, the lungs lose their ability to function normally.

As the condition of the lungs gets worse in children, they will have more difficulty breathing. They will get short of breath, they will be unable to play as usual and will seem more tired. Since the lungs usually work less while asleep, children with advanced lung disease may have difficulty sleeping and may also have morning headaches. Children with cystic fibrosis usually have more frequent infections as their lung functioning declines.

Lung diseases have a number of causes. They can be grouped according to their effects on lung structure and function.

Obstructive diseases usually effect the airways and eventually result in destruction of smaller airways. Obstructive diseases in children include bronchiolitis obliterans, bronchiectasis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and cystic fibrosis.

Restrictive diseases are caused by damage to the alveoli or supporting tissues of the lung. Restrictive diseases include interstitial lung diseases and alveolar proteinosis.

Pulmonary vascular diseases are due to defects in the blood vessels that travel into or out of the lungs. Pulmonary hypertension is the most common vascular disease that leads to abnormal lung function. Abnormalities of the pulmonary blood vessels can also be associated with heart defects.