Obstructive Respiratory Diseases

These diseases are characterized by a blockage or narrowing of the airways, which makes it difficult to exhale air fully.

1. Asthma: Inflamed and narrowed airways, causing wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing.
2. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):
   • Emphysema: Destruction of lung air sacs (alveoli) causing breathing difficulty.
   • Chronic Bronchitis: Inflammation of bronchial tubes, resulting in a chronic cough and mucus.
3. Cystic Fibrosis: A genetic disorder leading to thick, sticky mucus that clogs airways and causes respiratory infections.
4. Bronchiectasis: Permanent damage and widening of airways, causing chronic coughing and excessive mucus production.

Restrictive Respiratory Diseases

These diseases involve a reduction in lung volume, making it difficult to fully expand the lungs.

1. Pulmonary Fibrosis: Scarring and stiffening of lung tissue, leading to difficulty with deep breathing.
2. Interstitial Lung Disease: A group of disorders causing inflammation and scarring of lung tissue, impairing lung function.
3. Pleural Effusion: Fluid buildup between the pleural layers, restricting lung expansion.

Infectious Respiratory Diseases

These include diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens.

1. Pneumonia: Lung infection causing inflammation and fluid or pus in the alveoli.
2. Tuberculosis (TB): Bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs, but can impact other body parts.
3. Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which can be acute (often viral) or chronic.

Other Notable Respiratory Conditions

1. Sleep Apnea: Disorder with repeated breathing stops during sleep, often due to upper airway obstruction.
2. Lung Cancer: Malignant lung tumors causing coughing, chest pain, and other respiratory symptoms.
3. Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: Genetic condition leading to lung and liver disease from a lack of a protective protein.