Many different conditions can affect your lungs and your ability to breathe.
Asthma is an inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by paroxysmal or persistent symptoms such as dyspnea, chest tightness, wheezing, sputum production and cough, associated with variable airflow limitation and a variable degree of hyperresponsiveness of airways to endogenous and exogenous stimuli.
reference: respiratoryguidelines.ca
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a respiratory disorder largely caused by smoking, characterized by progressive, partially reversible airway obstruction and lung hyperinflation, systemic manifestations and increasingly frequent and severity of exacerbations.
reference: respiratoryguidelines.ca
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) consists of periodic stoppage of breathing (apnea) during sleep. This disrupts sleep quality, and can result in daytime sleepiness and fatigue. In severe cases, obstructive sleep apnea can result in an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
reference: https://css-scs.ca/images/brochures/osa.pdf
Pulmonary Hypertension is when the arteries of the lungs become narrowed and scarred. This can result in almost complete closing of the arteries, and can lead to heart failure. PH is a life-threatening disease for which there is currently no cure.
reference: http://www.phacanada.ca/