Respiratory Disorders

There are several different types of bronchitis. But the most common are acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis may also be called a chest cold.

A detailed look at the respiratory system and how it works.

Sleep apnea is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition. It is far more common than generally understood. Sleep apnea happens in all age groups and both genders.

Asthma is a chronic lung disease. The airways become sensitive to triggers (allergens and irritants). Here's what you need to know.

Chronic bronchitis is long-term inflammation of the breathing tubes (bronchi). It is common among smokers. People with chronic bronchitis tend to get lung infections more easily. They also have episodes of acute bronchitis, when symptoms are worse.

Detailed information on chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, including asthma, chronic bronchitis, and pulmonary emphysema

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited life-threatening disease that affects many organs. People with CF have problems with the glands that make sweat and mucus.

Detailed information on lung disorders and diseases, signs of respiratory distress, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD), Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis, Pulmonary Emphysema, Acute Bronchitis, Cystic Fibrosis, Occupational Lung Diseases, Pneumonia, Primary Pulmonary Hypertension, Pulmonary Embolism, Pulmonary Sarcoidosis, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Tuberculosis

Emphysema is a chronic lung condition in which the air sacs (alveoli) may be destroyed, narrowed, collapsed, stretched, or overinflated. Pulmonary emphysema is part of a group of lung diseases called COPD. Here's what you need to know.

Influenza, or flu, is a respiratory tract infection that spreads easily. It is caused by a virus.

Detailed information on respiratory disorders, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, control, and treatment

Inhalers and nebulizers deliver medicine directly to the lungs. They cause fewer side effects than medicine taken by mouth or injection.

Interstitial lung disease is the name for a group of more than 200 chronic lung disorders. These diseases inflame or scar the lungs. The inflammation and scarring make it hard to get enough oxygen. The scarring is called pulmonary fibrosis.

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder. It is a lifelong disease of the central nervous system. Narcolepsy causes excessive and overwhelming daytime sleepiness, even after getting plenty of nighttime sleep. If you have narcolepsy, you are likely to become drowsy or to fall asleep at inappropriate times and places. These sleep attacks may happen with or without warning.

Work-related lung diseases are lung problems that are made worse in certain work environments. They are caused by long-term exposure to certain irritants that are breathed into the lungs. These lung diseases may have lasting effects, even after the exposure ends. Read on for more details.

Pharyngitis and tonsillitis are infections that cause inflammation. If the tonsils are mainly affected, it is called tonsillitis. If the throat is mainly affected, it is called pharyngitis. These infections are spread by close contact with others. Here's what you need to know.

Pneumonia is an infection of one or both of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or chemical irritants. It is a serious infection or inflammation in which the air sacs fill with pus and other liquid.

Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is high blood pressure in the lungs. It's a rare lung disorder in which the blood vessels in the lungs narrow and the pressure in the pulmonary artery rises far above normal levels. Pulmonary hypertension is a chronic and life-changing disease that can lead to heart failure if it's not treated.

Restless legs syndrome is a sleep disorder that causes creepy, crawly feelings in your legs. This often happens when you are trying to go to sleep or have been sitting for a long time.

Sarcoidosis is a rare disease caused by inflammation. Sarcoidosis in the lungs is called pulmonary sarcoidosis. It causes small lumps of inflammatory cells in the lungs. These lumps are called granulomas and can affect how the lungs work.

It's important to learn the symptoms of respiratory distress to know how to respond appropriately.

Here's a list of respiratory conditions, as well as information on treatment and prevention.

There are many types of sleep disorders. They can interfere with health and quality of life. Sleep problems can range from insomnia to snoring.

Detailed information on sleep problems overview

Diseases caused by smoking kill more than 480,000 people in the U.S. each year. Here's a look at the risks linked to smoking, as well as information to help you quit.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that often infects the lungs. Other organs, such as the kidneys, spine, or brain may also be affected.

Detailed information on upper respiratory infections, upper respiratory infections symptoms, upper respiratory infections treatment

Insomnia is trouble falling to sleep or staying asleep. One in three adults has bouts of insomnia.

Sinusitis is an infection of the lining of the sinuses near the nose. These infections most often happen after a cold or after an allergy flare-up.

A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot that develops in a blood vessel in the body (often in the leg). It then travels to a lung artery where it suddenly blocks blood flow.

A pulmonary rehab program can help people with long-term (chronic) lung diseases. Here's what you need to know.

Snoring doesn't necessarily mean that you have a medical condition, but it can sometimes be a sign of a serious sleep disorder, including sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when your breathing stops briefly during sleep. This can occur when something is blocking your airway. The stopped breathing can occur many times a night causing snoring, and daytime fatigue.

Pneumocystis pneumonia or PCP is a fungal infection in 1 or both lungs. It is common in people who have a weak immune system, such as people who have AIDS.

Pneumoconiosis is a lung disease caused by breathing in certain kinds of dust particles that damage your lungs. It's often called a work-related lung disease.