ELI5: respiratory disorders

What are respiratory disorders?

Respiratory disorders are sicknesses that affect your lungs and airways—the tubes that help you breathe air in and out [4][5]. Think of your lungs like balloons that fill with air; when you have a respiratory disorder, something goes wrong with how these balloon-like organs work [1][2].

Why do they happen?

Respiratory disorders can happen for many reasons, like infections (like pneumonia), smoking, genetics, or even things you breathe in from the air [5]. Sometimes your body's tubes get clogged with mucus, get inflamed, or don't stretch and squeeze the right way [1][2].

What does it feel like?

When you have a respiratory disorder, breathing might feel hard or uncomfortable, like trying to sip a thick smoothie through a tiny straw [4]. You might cough a lot, feel short of breath, or have chest tightness [5].

How do you fix it?

Doctors can help with medicines that open up your airways, inhalers that reduce swelling, or treatments that help you cough up mucus more easily [1][4]. Staying away from smoke and pollution, and not using e-cigarettes, also helps keep your lungs healthy [3].