J60-J70: Lung diseases due to external agents

Lung diseases due to external agents, also known as environmental lung diseases, encompass a range of conditions that occur when harmful substances are inhaled into the lungs. These substances can include dust, mold, chemicals, or even certain types of bacteria and can ultimately lead to lung damage. Common symptoms can include coughing, difficulty breathing, chest discomfort, and sometimes fever. These conditions often progress slowly and can cause permanent lung damage if the exposure continues over time. The group of diseases generally affects the respiratory system, specifically the airways and air sacs in the lungs, but sometimes can also affect the lining of the lungs. Although different conditions in this group may progress differently, they all share a common cause, which is exposure to harmful substances in the environment. Some conditions can be acute, appearing soon after exposure, while others are chronic, showing up years after the first inhalations.