Asthma

In layman’s terms, asthma makes the airways inside your lungs very sensitive, which in turn makes them inflamed. When someone with asthma breathes something that irritates their already inflamed lungs, the airways get narrower and less air flows through to lung tissues. See your health care professional if you suspect asthma. There are many treatments to help you and your loved one.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is inflammation of the tubes that carry air to the lungs (bronchial tubes). When these tubes are inflamed, they swell and produce mucus. The swollen tubes and increased mucus trigger coughing and may make it more difficult for you to breathe.

Lung Cancer

Cancers that begin in the lungs are divided into two major types, non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer, depending on how the cells look under a microscope. More than 87 percent of lung cancers are smoking-related. However, not all smokers develop lung cancer.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a general term for a lung infection that can make it hard for you to breathe. In adults older than 65, pneumonia is often serious (and can be deadly) and may need to be treated in the hospital. Always see your doctor if you or your loved one has trouble breathing.

Emphysema

Emphysema is a long-term lung disease that occurs when the tiny air sacs in the lungs are damaged, often as a result of long-term smoking.

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is usually diagnosed in childhood and it is a chronic disease that that causes mucus to become thick, dry, and sticky. The mucus builds up and clogs passages in many of the body's organs. In the lungs, the mucus can lead to serious breathing problems and lung disease.

Many other types of lung disease exist. Some may be caused by environmental factors. Check with your health care professional for more information.