med

Asthma

A chronic condition where the airways in the lungs become inflamed and narrowed, causing wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Triggers can include allergens, exercise, cold air, or stress.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

A progressive lung disease (often including chronic bronchitis and emphysema) that makes it hard to breathe due to airflow obstruction. Common causes include smoking and long-term exposure to irritants.

Cystic Fibrosis

A genetic disorder that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, digestive tract, and other organs, leading to frequent lung infections, breathing difficulties, and digestive problems.

Sleep Apnea

A sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to airway obstruction (obstructive) or brain signal problems (central), often leading to daytime fatigue and other health issues.

Croup / Whooping Cough

  • Croup: A viral infection causing swelling of the upper airways in children, leading to a barking cough and hoarseness.

  • Whooping Cough (Pertussis): A highly contagious bacterial infection causing severe coughing fits, sometimes ending with a “whooping” sound when breathing in.

Bronchitis

Inflammation of the bronchial tubes (airways) in the lungs, causing coughing, mucus production, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Can be acute (short-term) or chronic.

Pneumonia

Infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus, causing cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. Can be bacterial, viral, or fungal.

Tuberculosis (TB)

A contagious bacterial infection (caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis) primarily affecting the lungs, leading to a persistent cough, chest pain, fever, and weight loss. Spread through airborne droplets.

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

A common virus that infects the respiratory tract, especially dangerous for infants and older adults. Causes cold-like symptoms, coughing, wheezing, and sometimes bronchiolitis or pneumonia.

Influenza (Flu)

A contagious viral infection of the respiratory system causing fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, cough, and congestion. Can range from mild to severe.

Sinusitis

Inflammation or infection of the sinuses, causing facial pain, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sometimes fever. Can be acute or chronic.

Epiglottitis

A rare but serious condition where the epiglottis (the flap of tissue that covers the windpipe) becomes inflamed, potentially blocking airflow and causing severe breathing difficulty. Often caused by bacterial infection.