DISORDERS

• Apnea - cessation of breathing
• Asthma - swelling or constriction of the bronchial tubes causing wheezing, a feeling of chest constriction, and difficulty breathing
• Bronchitis - chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes causing a deep cough that can produce sputum
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - inflammation or obstruction of the bronchi and/or alveoli over a long period
• Cystic fibrosis - a hereditary disorder causing production of viscous mucus that blocks the bronchioles
• Emphysema - chronic inflammation resulting in destruction of the bronchioles
• Infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS) - a condition affecting prematurely born infants, caused by lack of surfactant in the alveolar air sacs in the lungs
• Pleurisy - inflammation of the pleural membrane covering the chest cavity and the outer surface of the lungs
• Pneumonia - acute infection of the alveoli of the lungs in which the alveoli fill with fluid so that the air spaces are blocked and it is difficult to exchange O2 and CO2
• Pulmonary edema - accumulation of fluid in the lungs; frequently a complication of congestive heart failure
• Respiratory syncytial virus - a virus that causes respiratory distress in infants and children
• Rhinitis - inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes resulting in a runny nose
• Strep throat - inflammation of the pharynx caused by streptococcal group A bacteria
• Tonsillitis - inflammation of the tonsils
• Tuberculosis (TB) - infectious disease that decreases respiratory function, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• Upper respiratory infection (URI) - infection of the nose, pharynx, or larynx, including the common cold