What are two ways that a respiratory disorder can make person sick?

1. By disrupting the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. This can lead to a number of problems, including:

* Hypoxemia: This is a condition in which the body does not receive enough oxygen. Hypoxemia can cause a variety of symptoms, including shortness of breath, fatigue, confusion, and impaired vision.

* Hypercapnia: This is a condition in which the body has too much carbon dioxide. Hypercapnia can cause a variety of symptoms, including drowsiness, shortness of breath, and headaches.

* Respiratory acidosis: This is a condition in which the body's pH is too acidic due to the buildup of carbon dioxide. Respiratory acidosis can cause a variety of symptoms, including confusion, seizures, and coma.

2. By causing inflammation and damage to the airways. This can lead to a number of problems, including:

* Bronchitis: This is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs. Bronchitis can cause a variety of symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

* Pneumonia: This is an infection of the lungs. Pneumonia can cause a variety of symptoms, including coughing, fever, chills, and shortness of breath.

* Asthma: This is a chronic condition that causes the airways to become inflamed and narrow. Asthma can cause a variety of symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.