Chronic Breathing Disorders

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, often referred to as COPD, is an inflammatory disease which leads to obstructed airflow from the lungs. Sometimes it is called chronic bronchitis or emphysema. Symptoms include shortness of breath, increased sputum production and cough.

Pulmonary Fibrosis is an interstitial lung disease (ILD) that is progressive and causes scarring of the lungs and destruction of normal lung tissue. This can result in shortness of breath which can make regular activities of daily living, such as walking, exercising, bathing, more difficult.

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic, multi-system disease that affects primarily the respiratory and digestive systems and causes thick, sticky mucus to be produced. It can lead to a persistent cough, frequent chest infections, and shortness of breath.

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic disease that affects newborns, especially premature infants. Infants born preterm have immature lungs or lungs that are not fully developed and often require mechanical ventilation and oxygen to assist with breathing which in turn can cause lung damage such as scarring.