Respiratory System

Asthma

A chronic condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, resulting in difficulty breathing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Asthma can be triggered by allergens, exercise, or respiratory infections.

Bronchitis

A respiratory condition involving inflammation of the bronchial tubes, leading to coughing, mucus production, and difficulty breathing. It can be acute or chronic, often caused by infections or irritants.

Acute bronchitis

A short-term inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often resulting from viral infections, leading to coughing, mucus production, and wheezing.

Chronic bronchitis

A long-term inflammation of the bronchial tubes, primarily caused by smoking or prolonged exposure to irritants, resulting in persistent cough and mucus production.

Pneumonia

A lung infection that inflames the air sacs, which may fill with fluid or pus, causing cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.

Tuberculosis (TB)

A bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs, characterized by cough, weight loss, and fever.

Emphysema

A chronic respiratory disease that results in the destruction of the lung's alveoli, leading to difficulty in breathing, reduced airflow, and a decreased ability to exchange gases.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

A progressive lung disease that obstructs airflow and makes it difficult to breathe, encompassing conditions like emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Influenza (flu)

A contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, leading to symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue.

Common cold

A viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, characterized by sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, and cough.

COVID-19

A contagious respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, resulting in symptoms such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing, and loss of taste or smell.

Whooping cough (pertussis)

A highly contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory system caused by Bordetella pertussis, leading to severe coughing fits and difficulty breathing.

Croup

A respiratory condition in children, typically caused by viral infections. It is characterized by a barking cough, hoarseness, and difficulty breathing due to swelling of the airway.

Bronchiolitis

A common viral infection in young children (infants) that causes inflammation of the bronchioles, leading to wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing.

Laryngitis

Inflammation of the larynx (voice box), often resulting from infection, overuse of the voice, or exposure to irritants. Symptoms include hoarseness, loss of voice, and a sore throat.

Pharyngitis

Inflammation of the pharynx, often caused by infections, resulting in a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and sometimes fever.

Tonsillitis

Inflammation of the tonsils, typically due to viral or bacterial infections, resulting in a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and swollen tonsils.

Sinusitis

Inflammation of the sinuses, typically due to infection or allergies, causing symptoms such as facial pain, nasal congestion, and a runny nose.

Allergic rhinitis

Inflammation of the nasal mucosa due to allergic reactions, leading to symptoms like sneezing, nasal itching, and congestion.

Non-allergic rhinitis

A condition characterized by nasal inflammation that is not triggered by allergens, often resulting in sneezing, nasal congestion, and a runny nose.

Hay fever

a type of allergic rhinitis characterized by sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose, typically triggered by pollen. It occurs during specific seasons when pollen levels are high, affecting many individuals.

Nasal polyps

Noncancerous growths in the nasal mucosa that can cause nasal obstruction and other respiratory symptoms.

Deviated septum

A condition where the nasal septum deviates from the center, potentially leading to breathing difficulties, nasal congestion, and sinus infections.

Epistaxis

the medical term for nosebleeds, often caused by trauma, dry air, or nasal irritation.

Sleep apnoea

A sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, which can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness and other health issues.

Obstructive sleep apnoea

a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep due to obstruction of the airway.

Central sleep apnoea

a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing due to a lack of respiratory effort, unlike obstructive sleep apnoea which involves a blockage of the upper airway.

Pulmonary fibrosis

a lung disease that occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred, resulting in stiffness and difficulty in breathing.

Pulmonary oedema

a condition characterized by excess fluid in the lungs, often leading to breathing difficulties and decreased oxygen exchange.

Pulmonary embolism

a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, usually caused by blood clots traveling from the legs or other parts of the body (deep vein thrombosis), which can lead to shortness of breath and chest pain.

Pleurisy

inflammation of the pleura, the membranes surrounding the lungs, causing chest pain and difficulty breathing.

Pleural effusion

a buildup of fluid in the pleural space surrounding the lungs, which can cause chest pain and difficulty breathing.

Pneumothorax

A medical condition where air leaks into the space between the lungs and chest wall, causing lung collapse. It can occur spontaneously or as a result of injury.

Hemothorax

accumulation of blood in the pleural cavity, often due to injury or trauma, leading to chest pain and respiratory distress.

Chylothorax

a type of pleural effusion that involves lymphatic fluid accumulation in the pleural space, often resulting from injury or obstruction of the lymphatic system.

Lung cancer

A type of cancer that begins in the lungs, often characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. It may present with symptoms like persistent cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.

Small cell lung cancer

a fast-growing type of lung cancer characterized by small cells that multiply rapidly. It is often associated with smoking and has a poor prognosis.

Non-small cell lung cancer

a group of lung cancers that includes several types of tumors, such as squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma, which tend to grow and spread more slowly than small cell lung cancer.

Mesothelioma

A rare and aggressive cancer primarily affecting the lining of the lungs, often associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestosis

A chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, leading to scarring of lung tissue and reduced lung function.

Silicosis

a lung disease caused by inhaling fine silica dust, characterized by inflammation and scarring of lung tissue.

Anthracosis

A coal dust-related lung disease causing inflammation and fibrosis, common among coal miners.

Hypoxia

A condition characterized by insufficient oxygen levels in the tissues, which can lead to various physiological issues and organ dysfunction.

Hypercapnia

a condition characterized by excessive carbon dioxide in the bloodstream, often resulting from inadequate respiration.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

A severe lung condition characterized by rapid onset of widespread inflammation in the lungs, leading to severe hypoxemia and respiratory failure, often requiring mechanical ventilation.

Respiratory failure

A condition in which the respiratory system fails to maintain adequate gas exchange, leading to insufficient oxygen levels or excessive carbon dioxide levels in the blood, often requiring medical intervention.

Atelectasis

a condition where there is partial or complete collapse of the lung, resulting in reduced gas exchange and often associated with hypoxia.

Interstitial lung disease

A group of lung disorders affecting the tissue and space around the air sacs, leading to inflammation and fibrosis, which impairs gas exchange.

Sarcoidosis

a type of interstitial lung disease characterized by the formation of tiny clumps of inflammatory cells, known as granulomas, which can affect lung function and may present with symptoms like cough and shortness of breath.

Pulmonary hypertension

a condition characterized by elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, which can lead to shortness of breath and fatigue.

Bronchiectasis

A chronic condition characterized by the abnormal dilation and destruction of the bronchial tubes, leading to chronic cough and sputum production.

Cystic fibrosis

a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system, leading to the production of thick, sticky mucus that can cause severe respiratory and digestive problems.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

A genetic disorder that results in the deficiency of a protein protecting the lungs and liver, increasing the risk of lung disease and liver damage.

Viral pneumonia

A type of pneumonia caused by viral infections, leading to inflammation of the lungs and respiratory symptoms. Common viruses include influenza and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Bacterial pneumonia

an infection of the lungs caused by bacteria, leading to inflammation and impaired gas exchange.

Aspiration pneumonia

A type of pneumonia that occurs when food, liquid, or vomit is inhaled into the lungs, leading to infection.

Chemical pneumonitis

A lung inflammation caused by inhaling chemical irritants or toxic substances, leading to symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

Smoke inhalation injury

lung injury from breathing in smoke and toxic fumes, leading to inflammation and respiratory distress.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

A viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory tract, especially in infants and young children. It can cause symptoms ranging from mild cold-like signs to severe respiratory distress.

Avian influenza

A viral infection caused by influenza viruses that primarily infect birds, but can also affect humans and other animals, leading to severe respiratory illness.

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)

A viral respiratory illness caused by the MERS coronavirus, characterized by severe respiratory symptoms and often leading to pneumonia.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)

A viral respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV virus, which can lead to severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress. First identified in 2003, it spread worldwide before being contained.

Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI)

An infection that affects the nasal passages, throat, and sinuses, often caused by viruses. Symptoms may include cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion.

Lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI)

A type of respiratory infection that affects the airways below the larynx, including the trachea, bronchi, and lungs, often leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.

Tracheitis

Inflammation of the trachea, typically caused by infection or irritation. It often presents with symptoms such as a cough and difficulty breathing.

Tracheal stenosis

A narrowing of the trachea that can lead to airway obstruction, often caused by injury, inflammation, or congenital factors.

Foreign body aspiration

A medical emergency where an object becomes lodged in the airway, potentially causing obstruction and respiratory distress.

Vocal cord paralysis

A condition in which one or both vocal cords do not open or close properly due to nerve damage, potentially causing voice changes, breathiness, or difficulty breathing.

Dysphonia

A voice disorder characterized by difficulty in speaking due to problems with the vocal cords, often resulting in a hoarse or weak voice.

Hoarseness

An abnormal voice quality characterized by a rough or strained sound, often due to issues with the vocal cords.

Chronic cough

A persistent cough lasting more than eight weeks, which can indicate an underlying health issue or respiratory condition, and may be accompanied by symptoms such as phlegm production or wheezing.

Acute cough

A sudden onset of coughing that lasts for a short duration, often caused by respiratory infections or irritants.

Haemoptysis

The coughing up of blood or blood-stained sputum from the respiratory tract.

Dyspnoea

A medical term describing difficulty or labored breathing, often associated with respiratory or cardiac conditions.

Orthopnoea

Shortness of breath when lying down, often relieved by sitting or standing.

Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea

a sudden episode of severe shortness of breath that occurs at night, typically waking individuals from sleep due to fluid accumulation in the lungs.

Hyperventilation syndrome

A condition characterized by episodes of rapid and deep breathing, often triggered by anxiety or panic, leading to abnormal blood gas levels.

Hypoventilation syndrome

Decreased rate or depth of breathing that results in increased carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

Respiratory alkalosis

A condition characterized by an increase in blood pH due to decreased carbon dioxide levels, often resulting from hyperventilation. This leads to symptoms such as dizziness, tingling, and muscle cramps.

Respiratory acidosis

A condition caused by impaired respiratory function, leading to an accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood and a decrease in blood pH.

Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome

A serious condition in newborns caused by incomplete lung development, characterized by difficulty in breathing and low oxygen levels.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia

A chronic lung disease commonly seen in premature infants characterized by inflammation and scarring in the lungs, often requiring respiratory support.

Pulmonary haemorrhage

A serious condition involving bleeding in the lungs, often seen in premature infants, which can lead to respiratory failure.

Lung abscess

A localized collection of pus within the lung tissue, often due to infection or obstruction, resulting in symptoms like cough, fever, and chest pain.

Empyema

Accumulation of pus in the pleural cavity, often due to infection. It can cause chest pain, fever, and respiratory distress.

Airway obstruction

A blockage in the airway that prevents airflow into or out of the lungs, which can be caused by various factors such as choking, swelling, or foreign objects.

Laryngospasm

A sudden contraction of the muscles in the larynx that can restrict airflow, often triggered by irritation or an allergic reaction.

Tracheomalacia

A condition characterized by the softening of the tracheal cartilage, leading to airway collapse and breathing difficulties.

Bronchomalacia

A condition characterized by the collapse or narrowing of the bronchial tubes due to weakness in the airway walls, resulting in breathing difficulties.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis

An inflammatory response in the lungs caused by inhaling organic dust, mold, or other allergens, leading to cough, fever, and breathing difficulties.

Occupational lung disease

A group of lung disorders caused by inhaling harmful substances at the workplace, often leading to inflammation and scarring of lung tissue.

Occupational lung disease

Refers to various lung disorders that arise from long-term exposure to harmful substances in a work environment, resulting in respiratory issues and lung damage.

Farmer’s lung

A type of hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by inhaling moldy hay or other organic materials, leading to inflammation in the lungs.

Byssinosis

A respiratory condition caused by prolonged exposure to cotton dust in inadequately ventilated working environments, leading to cough and shortness of breath.

Ozone-induced lung injury

Lung damage resulting from inhalation of ozone, which can cause symptoms such as coughing, chest pain, and reduced lung function.

Smoker’s lung disease

A chronic condition affecting the lungs resulting from long-term smoking, characterized by inflammation and airway obstruction, often leading to chronic bronchitis or emphysema.

Second hand smoke exposure

a respiratory condition resulting from inhaling smoke from burning tobacco products that is exhaled by smokers. It can cause various lung diseases and health problems.

Altitude sickness

A condition arising from exposure to high altitudes, leading to symptoms such as headache, nausea, and shortness of breath due to decreased oxygen availability.

Pulmonary contusion

A bruise of the lung tissue resulting from chest trauma, often leading to bleeding and impaired gas exchange.

Chest wall restriction

a condition where the movement of the chest wall is limited due to injury, illness, or deformity, leading to difficulty in breathing and reduced lung capacity.