Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Different Types of Respiratory Disease?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

There are many types of respiratory disease. They are often classified as obstructive or restrictive lung diseases and respiratory tract infections. Some of these diseases are serious, requiring regular treatment. Some of them may even cause death. Others, such as the common cold, are considered minor illnesses that come and go rather quickly and do not cause serious problems.

An obstructive respiratory disease is marked by the obstruction of a person’s airways. A common type of obstructive respiratory disease is asthma, which is the inflammation and temporary narrowing of a person’s airways that makes it difficult for him to breathe. Another condition that causes obstructed airways is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is marked by narrowed airways that cause a person’s airflow to be limited. Over time, the condition gets worse. Both asthma and COPD can be deadly.

The human respiratory system. There are many different respiratory diseases.
The human respiratory system. There are many different respiratory diseases.

A restrictive respiratory disease stops the lungs from expanding as they should, decreasing air capacity and making it harder to breathe. Among these diseases are asbestosis and pulmonary fibrosis. Asbestosis is caused by inhaling asbestos, which causes scarring of the inner lung tissue. The result is chest pain, coughing, trouble breathing that gradually worsens, and chest tightness. Some people with this disease develop secondary conditions that prove fatal.

Smoking is a major risk factor for many respiratory diseases.
Smoking is a major risk factor for many respiratory diseases.

Pulmonary fibrosis is also marked by scarring of the lung tissue, which progresses over time. The damage to the lungs may be caused by a number of things, such as other medical conditions, radiation, and toxins in the environment. It’s symptoms include shortness of breath, dry cough, weight loss, muscle and joint aches, and fatigue. For some people, this condition becomes severe very quickly while others may experience a worsening of symptoms over years. People with this condition have an average life expectancy of two to five years.

The respiratory and abdominal organs.
The respiratory and abdominal organs.

Most people are familiar with respiratory infections, which are caused by bacteria and viruses. The most common respiratory infection is the common cold, which is caused by a wide range of viruses. The common cold is marked by such symptoms as sore throat, sneezing, cough, and a runny or stuffy nose. Colds may be accompanied by fever, though this is not as common as the other symptoms. When it does occur, it is usually only a low-grade fever.

People with asthma should always carry inhalers.
People with asthma should always carry inhalers.

Pneumonia is another type of respiratory tract infection that may be caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This infection can affect one or both of a person’s lungs and is marked by a moderate-to-high fever, chills, and a cough that often produces mucous. Some people experience shortness of breath and chest pain with this illness. While many people recover from pneumonia, it can be deadly.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Melonlity

Lingering respiratory problems should always be checked out by a physician. As the article points out, they can be deadly.

By the way, asthma is one of the most under-treated conditions in the nation. Just ask any doctor and he or she will tell you just that. That is unfortunate as the condition can be controlled will with an inexpensive prescription and an asthma attack that hits without warning can really mess up your day.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • The human respiratory system. There are many different respiratory diseases.
      By: pixelcaos
      The human respiratory system. There are many different respiratory diseases.
    • Smoking is a major risk factor for many respiratory diseases.
      By: Denys Rudyi
      Smoking is a major risk factor for many respiratory diseases.
    • The respiratory and abdominal organs.
      By: adimas
      The respiratory and abdominal organs.
    • People with asthma should always carry inhalers.
      By: sarra22
      People with asthma should always carry inhalers.
    • Fever and chills may be indicative of an upper respiratory illness.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      Fever and chills may be indicative of an upper respiratory illness.
    • Coughing can be a symptom of various respiratory diseases.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      Coughing can be a symptom of various respiratory diseases.
    • Sneezing, runny nose or stuffiness are all symptoms of the common cold.
      By: CandyBox Images
      Sneezing, runny nose or stuffiness are all symptoms of the common cold.
    • The respiratory system is made up of the mouth, throat, nose, sinuses, bronchial tubes, and lungs.
      By: decade3d
      The respiratory system is made up of the mouth, throat, nose, sinuses, bronchial tubes, and lungs.
    • Some types of respiratory insufficiency require supplemental oxygen.
      By: khunaspix
      Some types of respiratory insufficiency require supplemental oxygen.