Lungs

Bronchiectasis (brong-ke-EK-ta-sis)is a condition in which damage to the airways causes them to widen and become flabby and scarred. The airways are tubes that carry air in and out of…

Pneumonia is a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection of one or both sides of the lungs that causes the air sacs, or alveoli, of the lungs to fill up with…

Asthma (AZ-ma) is a chronic (long-term) lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. Asthma causes recurring periods of wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe), chest tightness, shortness of…

A cough is your body’s natural reflex to help clear your airways of irritants and prevent infection. Common irritants include smoke, mucus, or allergens such as pollen, mold, or dust.…

Breathing is a complex process. If injury, disease, or other factors affect any part of the process, you may have trouble breathing.For example, the fine hairs (cilia) that line your…

A respiratory control center at the base of your brain controls your breathing. This center sends ongoing signals down your spine and to the muscles involved in breathing.These signals ensure…

Breathing In (Inhalation)When you breathe in, or inhale, your diaphragm contracts (tightens) and moves downward. This increases the space in your chest cavity, into which your lungs expand. The intercostal…

The respiratory system is made up of organs and tissues that help you breathe. The main parts of this system are the airways, the lungs and linked blood vessels, and…

 Your lungs are organs in your chest that allow your body to take in oxygen from the air. They also help remove carbon dioxide(a waste gas that can be toxic)…