How Different Conditions Affect Your Lungs

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. The common causes of COPD are smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, and occupational dusts and chemicals. COPD can cause a variety of symptoms, including shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways that causes episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Asthma is triggered by a variety of factors, including allergens (such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander), exercise, cold air, and respiratory infections.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Pneumonia can cause a variety of symptoms, including fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

Tuberculosis (TB)

TB is a bacterial infection of the lungs that can spread to other parts of the body. TB can cause a variety of symptoms, including fever, cough, weight loss, and fatigue.

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the lungs. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Lung cancer can cause a variety of symptoms, including coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and weight loss.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD)

ILD is a group of lung diseases that cause inflammation and scarring of the tissue between the air sacs in the lungs. ILD can cause a variety of symptoms, including shortness of breath, coughing, and fatigue.

Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes people to stop breathing for short periods of time while they are asleep. Sleep apnea can cause a variety of symptoms, including loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, and morning headaches.