Respiratory Diseases

What is Respiratory Diseases?

A Respiratory disease is any type of disease that affects the respiratory organs, including the lungs, throat (pharynx), voice box (Larynx), windpipe (trachea) and the nasal cavities. It also affects respiratory muscles and tissues in prolonged cases and is caused by an infection triggered by dust, viruses, bacteria and organisms, a polluted environment, smoking tobacco or cigarettes, and even allergies.

 

Respiratory diseases can paralyze your breathing and impair your movement if not treated. They are one of the most common illnesses and usually start with mild symptoms that can aggravate if your immune system is not able to battle the affliction. There are several types of respiratory diseases, and chances are you will be exposed to one sooner or later. A sensible health insurance plan will cover almost all types of respiratory diseases and will be beneficial for you and your family in the long run. 

 

Respiratory Symptoms

Respiratory symptoms vary as per the type of respiratory disease, but most often start with a prolonged cough, fever, headache, shortness of breath, chest congestion, soreness and inflammation in the throat.

 

• Asthma

Asthma is a disease in which the airways in the lungs inflame, constrict and swell, producing excess mucus as a result. This leads to excessive coughing, wheezing, chest pain and mild to extreme shortness of breath.

• Chronic Respiratory Disease (CRD)

CRD includes diseases like chronic bronchitis, emphysema and pulmonary disease. All of these respiratory disorders include symptoms like breathlessness, continuous sputum, weight loss and fatigue in extreme cases.

• Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a disease that starts with mild symptoms like prolonged cough and fatigue, and then moves on to weight and appetite loss, blood in sputum and night sweats. It can be life-threatening if not diagnosed.

• Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an advanced form of respiratory disease. Symptoms include fever and chills, rapid and shallow breathing, nausea and weight loss and altered heart-rate due to inflammation of the lungs.

 

If you experience any such symptoms, getting medical insurance would be a sensible way of preparing for any expenses that may arise.

 

Respiratory Diagnosis

Since so many of the signs and symptoms occur on a regular basis, there can be a lot of confusion regarding the correct way of going ahead. Cough, fever and fatigue are experienced in general due to change in the weather and exposure to pollutants.

However, prolonged symptoms must be taken seriously, and a visit to a doctor or specialist is necessary. A correct diagnosis is necessary before any prescribed treatment plan or medication. Some of the diagnosis techniques used by doctors are -

Physical examination

A physical examination is the first step in the diagnosis, where doctors use a stethoscope on the chest to reveal abnormalities in breathing patters. They also examine sputum to identify infectious organisms. You might also be asked to breathe in a tube to determine your breathing capacity.

Chest X-Ray and CT-Scan

Both these are imaging techniques and are used to look for any fluid or tissue build-up in your tract or lungs. Even clots and fibroids are detected through this. Potentially life-threating diseases are detected by these tests.

Bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy is an invasive body test, where a tube with a camera attached is put through your throat. This is used to detect the presence of clots or tumours and is generally saved for excessive and continuous symptoms.

Respiratory diseases are widespread and can happen to anyone in your family. It is advisable to get health insurance for the family since most diagnostic tests are expensive and time-consuming.

 

Respiratory Treatment & Cost in India

Respiratory diseases are caused by external factors and are mostly lifelong. They can be controlled with regular treatment and doctor’s guidance. This includes -

• Prescription drugs and Medication like corticosteroids, bronchodilators, mast-cell stabilizers, antihistamines, and respiratory stimulants.
• Therapy, exercise, breathing and relaxation techniques, dietary and lifestyle changes
• Long-term treatment devices like chest tube insertions and thoracotomy. 

Most of these medications and treatment plans are an expensive investment and are likely to affect senior citizens. Thankfully, most companies provide customized plans to cover health insurance for senior citizens.

Health Insurance in India

Health insurance is one of the most sought-after insurances in India. Due to the extremely polluted environmental conditions, especially in the cities, it is very likely to develop respiratory disease. Getting health insurance is a guaranteed way of preparing for any medical emergency as it covers every related expense.

 

Most health insurance plans cover yours and your family’s medical expenses, offering a wide range of life-long benefits. These include hospitalization expenses over a network of hospitals in India, maternity cover, and other allied costs. Most types of health insurance plans require the payment of a monthly or yearly premium – an amount adjusted as per your income and needs.

 

Since treatment plans for respiratory diseases depend on factors like severity and age, it is advised to have the best health insurance plan in place to tide over any unexpected medical expenses.

 

Other diseases

The best health insurance policy covers a wide range of respiratory and non-respiratory diseases. It insures you against any unprecedented health complications and secures your future.

Some other respiratory diseases covered by health insurance plans are –

• Cystic Fibrosis/ Bronchiectasis
• Pleural effusion
• Lung Cancer
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome
• Interstitial lung disease

Consider seeking the advice of a financial expert or health insurance company for safeguarding your wellness.