Respiratory System IllnessesSome respiratory diseases are caused by bacteria or viruses, while others are caused by environmental pollutants, such as tobacco smoke. Some diseases are genetic and, therefore, are inherited.

ACET

Asthma Asthma is a chronic illness in which the bronchioles become inflamed

and narrow. 

The muscles around the bronchioles contract, which narrows the airways. Large amounts of mucus are also made by the cells in the lungs.

People with asthma have difficulty breathing. Their chests feel tight, and they wheeze.

Asthma can be caused by different things, such as allergies, cold air, warm air, moist air, exercise, or stress.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi.

The bronchi become red and swollen with infection.

Usually caused by viruses or bacteria, and may last several days or weeks.

It is characterized by a cough that produces phlegm, or mucus.

Symptoms include shortness of breath and wheezing.

Cancer Lung cancer is a disease in which the cells found in the lungs grow out

of control. The growing mass of cells can form a tumor that pushes into nearby tissues. 

The most common symptoms are shortness of breath, coughing (including coughing up blood), and weight loss. 

The most common cause of lung cancer is exposure to tobacco smoke.

Emphysema

Emphysema is a chronic lung disease caused by the breakdown of the lung tissue. 

Symptoms of emphysema include shortness of breath, especially during exercise, and chronic cough, and wheezing, especially during expiration.

Smoking is the leading cause of emphysema.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an illness that occurs when the alveoli become inflamed and filled with fluid.

Infection by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites can cause pneumonia.  

Symptoms of pneumonia include cough, chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing.

Tuberculosis Tuberculosis (TB) is a common and often deadly disease caused by a

genus of bacterium called Mycobacterium.  

Symptoms include a cough, which usually contains mucus and coughing up blood.

The TB bacteria are spread in the air when people who have the disease cough, sneeze, or spit, so it is very contagious. 

Answer questions from the video

What is pneumonia? What is the effect of pneumonia on the body? What can cause this condition?

What is acute bronchitis? What effect does acute bronchitis have on the respiratory system?

Answer questions from the video

What is acute bronchitis? What effect does acute bronchitis have on the respiratory system?

What is pneumonia? What is the effect of pneumonia on the body? What can cause this condition?