The lungs and airways bring oxygen into the body and remove carbon dioxide. Conditions affecting them can cause cough, wheezing, chest discomfort, mucus production or shortness of breath. Use the links below to read about common respiratory conditions.
Common lung and airway conditions
- Asthma — a chronic condition in which the airways become inflamed and narrowed, causing wheezing, cough and breathlessness.
- Cold-Induced Asthma — asthma symptoms triggered or worsened by cold, dry air.
- COPD — chronic obstructive pulmonary disease causes persistent airflow limitation and breathing symptoms.
- Pulmonary Emphysema — damage to the lung air sacs, commonly associated with COPD.
- Pneumonia — infection and inflammation of the lungs.
- Pleurisy — inflammation of the lining around the lungs that can cause sharp pain with breathing.
- Pulmonary Embolism — a blood clot blocking an artery in the lungs and requiring urgent medical care.
- Tuberculosis (TB) — a bacterial infection that most commonly affects the lungs.
- Cystic Fibrosis — an inherited condition affecting mucus production and multiple organs, particularly the lungs and digestive system.
- Sarcoidosis — an inflammatory condition that often affects the lungs and lymph nodes.
- Legionnaires’ Disease — a potentially serious type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria.
- Mycoplasma Pneumoniae — a respiratory bacterial infection that can cause pneumonia.
- Whooping Cough — a highly contagious bacterial respiratory infection causing prolonged coughing attacks.
- Sleep Apnea — repeated pauses or reductions in breathing during sleep.
Common respiratory symptoms
- Shortness of Breath — difficulty breathing or feeling unable to get enough air.
- Cough — a protective reflex with many possible respiratory and nonrespiratory causes.
When to seek emergency help
Seek emergency care for severe or rapidly worsening breathing difficulty, blue or gray lips or skin, new confusion, collapse, severe chest pain, coughing up a significant amount of blood, or sudden breathlessness with chest pain or fainting.
Diagnosis and treatment
Assessment may include examination, oxygen measurement, lung function tests, blood tests, chest imaging or testing for infection. Treatment depends on the cause and may include inhaled medicines, antibiotics for appropriate bacterial infections, oxygen, rehabilitation, smoking cessation support or specialist treatment.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: 4 September 2026. This page provides general health information and does not replace individual medical advice.