Pulmonary/Lung

Asthma is a respiratory condition marked by spasms in the bronchi of the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing.  It usually results from a allergic reaction or other form of hypersensitivity.

Chronic Bronchitis is one type of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).  The inflamed bronchial tubes produce a lot of mucus.  This leads to coughing and difficulty breathing.  Ongoing symptoms are controlled with treatment including medications.  Symptoms include constant cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, etc. and may have ups and downs in severity, but the chronic lung condition never goes away.  "Asthmatic Bronchitis" is also chronic bronchitis.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a lung disease characterized by chronic obstruction of lung airflow that interferes with normal breathing and is not fully reversible.  The more familiar terms "chronic bronchitis" and "emphysema" are no longer used, but are now included withing the COPD diagnosis.

Emphysema is a type of COPD involving damage to the air sacs in the lungs.  As a result, your body does not get the oxygen it needs making it hard to catch your breath.  You may also have a chronic cough and have trouble breathing during exercise.

Pulmonary Fibrosis is a lung disease that occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred.  This thickened, stiff tissue makes it more difficult for your lungs to work properly.  As it worsens, you become progressively more short of breath.