Respiratory Problems
Respiratory problems are a broad term encompassing any condition that affects the lungs and airways. These conditions can make breathing difficult and can range from mild to life-threatening.
Asthma: A chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by recurrent wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD):
A progressive lung disease that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD makes breathing hard because of damaged airways and air sacs in the lungs.
Pneumonia
An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs fill with fluid or pus (infected fluid), making breathing difficult. Bacteria, viruses, or fungi can cause pneumonia.
Lung cancer
Cancer that starts in the lungs. It is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women. Lung cancer is most often caused by smoking, but other risk factors include exposure to secondhand smoke, radon gas, and air pollution.
