Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):

Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are often grouped under the term COPD, which is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Obstructive lung diseases block or obstruct the normal flow of air through the respiratory system. This airflow obstruction is generally progressive.

Chronic Bronchitis

Cigarette smoking is the most serious risk factor for chronic bronchitis, which involves inflammation and plugging of the air tubes in the lungs. In clinical terms, chronic bronchitis is characterized by the presence of chronic cough with excessive sputum production on most days for a minimum of three months out of the year for at least two consecutive years.

Emphysema

Emphysema involves actual physical deterioration of the lungs. The alveoli lose their elasticity and can no longer expand and contract completely; therefore, the normal exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide cannot occur. As with chronic bronchitis, smoking is the primary risk factor. Symptoms can include progressive shortness of breath with lesser degree of activity over time, fatigue, and loss of appetite.

Asthma

Asthma is an inflammatory disorder, which, in the presence of various stimuli (e.g. allergens, infection, cold air), produces widespread narrowing of the airways. Asthma is an episodic disease with many people experiencing intervals without symptoms, followed by acute asthma attacks, or exacerbation. The attacks result in difficult breathing, wheezing, coughing, and sometimes blue-tinged skin if airflow is very restricted.

Respiratory Diseases

When we breathe, the lungs supply fresh oxygen to the blood and expel the waste product carbon dioxide. When the oxygen level is reduced, our brain, muscles, and other organs do not function as well. This can affect a person's ability to perform activities of daily living, leading to physical inactivity and altered quality of life.

Consider the two categories of respiratory disease that interfere with how well the lungs do their work...Respiratory disorders are either acute or chronic. The most common disorders include:

Upper Respiratory Infections (URI):

These are caused by bacteria or viruses that invade the nose, sinuses, and throat depending on the type of infection. Symptoms can include fever, runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. The common cold is a type of URI caused by a virus.

Pneumonia:

Inflammation of the lungs caused by an infectious agent (e.g. bacteria, viruses, fungi). Symptoms may include high fever, rapid pulse, chills, pain upon breathing or coughing, worsening shortness of breath with increased sputum production.