A chest cold, often called acute bronchitis, occurs when the airways in the lungs swell and produce mucus in the lungs. That's why you cough. Acute bronchitis can last less than 3 weeks. Definition of the pathology
Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is an allergic reaction that causes sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy nose and watery eyes. Pollen, animal dander, mould and insects can cause hay fever symptoms. Definition of the pathology
Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and may produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, a whistling sound (wheezing) when you breathe out and shortness of breath. For some people, asthma is a minor nuisance. Definition of the pathology
Bronchiolitis is a common lung infection in babies and young children. It causes swelling, irritation and a build-up of mucus in the small airways of the lungs. These small airways are called bronchioles. Bronchiolitis is almost always caused by a virus. Definition of the pathology
Chronic bronchitis is a long-term inflammation of the bronchial tubes. It is common in smokers. People with chronic bronchitis are more likely to get lung infections. They also have episodes of acute bronchitis, when the symptoms get worse. Definition of the pathology
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease that causes restricted airflow and difficulty breathing. It is sometimes called emphysema or chronic bronchitis. In people with COPD, the lungs can become damaged or clogged with mucus. Definition of the pathology
Shortness of breath - medically known as dyspnoea - is often described as an intense tightness in the chest, hunger for air, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath or a feeling of suffocation. Exercise, extreme temperatures, obesity and high altitude can cause shortness of breath in a healthy person. Definition of the pathology
Rhinitis is inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose and can be caused by an allergic reaction or a viral infection. Allergic rhinitis is usually a seasonal reaction to allergens, such as pollen, or a perennial reaction to environmental triggers, such as pet dander or smoke. Definition of the pathology
Laryngitis is an inflammation of the voice box (larynx) due to overuse, irritation or infection. Inside the larynx are your vocal cords - two folds of mucous membrane covering muscle and cartilage. Definition of the pathology
What is an ear infection? Otitis is an inflammation or infection caused by a viral or bacterial cause in the ear, whether caused by viruses, fungi or bacteria, which usually causes pain. Definition of the pathology
Pharyngitis - commonly known as sore throat - is an inflammation of the pharynx that causes a sore throat. Pharyngitis is therefore a symptom rather than a disease. Definition of the pathology
Emphysema is a chronic lung disease. It's often part of COPD, a group of lung diseases that cause airflow obstruction and breathing problems. It develops very slowly over time. It's usually caused by smoking. Definition of the pathology
Pulmonary fibrosis is a disease of the lungs. The tissue around the air sacs in the lungs - called alveoli - becomes damaged, thickened and scarred. As the lungs become scarred and stiff, breathing becomes more difficult. This can mean that not enough oxygen gets into your blood. Definition of the pathology
Rhinopharyngitis, laryngitis, otitis, bronchiolitis and bronchitis, colds, flu - all these respiratory diseases are common in children and sometimes difficult to treat. Especially when there are recurrences. Most cases of infectious origin are also often related to the child's general condition. Definition of the pathology
Sinusitis occurs when the tissues lining the sinuses become swollen or inflamed. It occurs as a result of an inflammatory reaction or infection caused by a virus, bacteria or fungus. Definition of the pathology
Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing sound in one or both ears. The noise you hear when you have tinnitus is not caused by an external sound, and other people usually can't hear it. Tinnitus is a common problem. Definition of the pathology
Tonsillitis is a common condition that occurs when your tonsils become infected. Symptoms typically include a sore throat, fever and swollen lymph nodes. Treatment depends on whether the infection is viral or bacterial, and recovery usually takes about a week. Definition of the pathology
Bacterial pneumonia tends to be more common and more severe than viral pneumonia. It's more likely to require hospitalisation. Doctors treat bacterial pneumonia with antibiotics. Viral pneumonia causes flu-like symptoms and is more likely to get better on its own. Definition of the pathology