Respiratory System Diseases

• Pneumoconiosis - literally, “an abnormal condition of dust in the lungs.” A generic name for conditions where toxic particles become trapped in the lungs and cause symptoms and disability such a “black lung” or “miner’s lung” disease. Terms specific to the particulate matter may be given such as asbestosis.

• Epistaxis - want a fancier name for a “nosebleed?” You got it!

• Cystic fibrosis - an inheritable disease that affects not only the lungs but other systems producing mucous such as the digestive system. Patients suffer frequent lung infections that are hard to treat because mucous is thick and sluggish and result in increased scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs. They also take multiple enzyme pills because of digestive abnormalities related to abnormal mucous production.

• Emphysema (COPD) - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, of which emphysema is one of, results in progressive destruction of the air sacs in the lungs and loss of respiratory membrane for oxygen exchange. The bane of long term smoke.

• Laryngitis- Swelling and irritation of the larynx

• Bronchitis - An infection in your bronchial tubes

• Tonsillitis- Inflammation of the tonsils

• Pneumonia - An infection deep in your lungs

• Bronchiectasis - Widening and destruction of the airways, often caused by recurrent infection or inflammation

• Influenza(the flu) - A virus that enters your body through your nose and mouth and causes fever, headaches, muscle aches and sore throat

• asthma - A chronic disease in which your airway walls become sore and swollen, narrowing so that your lungs get less air

• tuberculosis- A bacterial infection that attacks the lungs and other parts of the body and can be deadly if not treated correctly

• Lung Cancer- One of the most common cancers in the world, usually caused by cigarette smoke

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - Damage of the airways and air sacs from cigarette smoke and other pollutants that prevents airflow in and out of your lungs

• Emphysema- A type of COPD, usually caused by cigarette smoke, which makes it hard to catch your breath)

• Pulmonary Embolism (PE) - A blood clot that blocks a lung artery because of surgery or long periods of inactivity