Respiratory diseases include a group of diseases that can affect the normal breathing by affecting your throat, sinuses, lungs, or airways. They range from mild diseases such as common cold, influenza, and pharyngitis to life-threatening diseases such as acute asthma, bacterial pneumonia, lung cancer and so on.

Air pollution, dust, inhalation of toxic substances, infections, genetic factors, and unhealthy lifestyle such as smoking can affect the health of your lungs and cause respiratory problems.

Types of respiratory diseases
Airway diseases: These conditions affect the bronchial tubes that carry air into and out of the lungs. In airway diseases, the passage for air is reduced, which is associated either with narrowing or blocking of bronchial tubes.
Lung tissue diseases: These diseases affect the structure of the lung tissue through inflammation or scarring. Lung tissue changes prevent the lungs from fully expanding, making it hard to breathe- to take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide.
Lung circulation diseases: These affect the blood vessels in the lungs. This disorder occurs when the blood vessels of the lungs are coagulated, swollen or damaged, affecting the ability of the lungs to take up oxygen or expel carbon dioxide. This disorder may also affect the functioning of the heart.

Causes and Risk Factors of Respiratory Diseases
While anyone can get lung disease, your risk can be increased by several other factors, such as:
● Aging: The older you are the more susceptible you are for respiratory diseases.
● Genetics: A family history of respiratory diseases makes you more prone to get it.
● Smoking: Smoking increases your risk of getting lung diseases like cancer and COPD.
● Environmental causes: Regular exposure to dust, gas, fumes or chemicals and other harmful substances can increase your risk of developing respiratory diseases. Allergens too can trigger respiratory issues.
● Viral Infection and bacterial infection: A variety of viruses and bacteria can cause several respiratory disorders.

Common Symptoms of Respiratory Diseases

• Difficulty in breathing
• Wheezing
• Persistent cough
• Increased mucus production
• Pain and tightness in the chest while breathing