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Asthma

A chronic condition where the airways in the lungs become inflamed and narrowed, causing wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. It commonly affects children and adults.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

A progressive (chronic) lung disease primarily affecting adults, often those with a history of smoking or exposure to lung irritants, that makes it hard to breathe due to airflow obstruction, often including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Cystic Fibrosis

A genetic disorder that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, leading to frequent lung infections and breathing difficulties. It is typically diagnosed in infancy or childhood and affects individuals from birth.

Sleep Apnea

A chronic sleep disorder primarily affecting adults where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, leading to daytime fatigue.

Croup

A viral infection (acute) causing swelling of the upper airways in children, leading to a barking cough.

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

A highly contagious bacterial infection (acute) that can affect people of all ages, especially infants and young children, causing severe coughing fits, often ending with a 'whooping' sound.

Bronchitis

Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which can be acute (often due to viral infection) or chronic (often due to smoking or irritants), causing coughing, mucus production, and wheezing. It can affect people of all ages.

Pneumonia

An acute infection that inflames the air sacs in the lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus, causing cough and difficulty breathing. It can affect anyone, but is more common and serious in infants, young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

Tuberculosis (TB)

A contagious bacterial infection, primarily affecting the lungs, that can be acute or chronic (latent), leading to a persistent cough and chest pain. It can affect people of all ages, particularly those in close contact with infected individuals or with compromised immune systems.

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

A common acute virus that infects the respiratory tract, especially dangerous for infants and older adults.

Influenza (Flu)

A contagious acute viral infection of the respiratory system causing fever, chills, and fatigue. It can affect individuals of all ages.

Sinusitis

Inflammation or infection of the sinuses, which can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-lasting), causing facial pain and nasal congestion. It generally affects adults, but children can also get it.

Epiglottitis

A rare but serious acute condition where the epiglottis becomes inflamed, potentially blocking airflow. While it can occur at any age, it is most common in young children.