• Asthma signs and symptoms that are more frequent and bothersome
• Increasing difficulty breathing (measurable with a peak flow meter, a device used to check how well your lungs are working)
• The need to use a quick-relief inhaler more often

For some people, asthma signs and symptoms flare up in certain situations:

• Exercise-induced asthma, which may be worse when the air is cold and dry
• Occupational asthma, triggered by workplace irritants such as chemical fumes, gases or dust
• Allergy-induced asthma, triggered by airborne substances, such as pollen, mold spores, cockroach waste or particles of skin and dried saliva shed by pets (pet dander)

  Chronic bronchitis

  Chronic bronchitis is inflammation and swelling of the lining of the airways, leading to narrowing and obstruction generally resulting in daily cough. The inflammation stimulates production of mucus, which can cause further blockage of the airways.

  Symptoms

  For either acute bronchitis or chronic bronchitis, signs and symptoms may include:

  • Cough
  • Production of mucus (sputum), which can be clear, white, yellowish-grey or green in colour — rarely, it may be streaked with blood
  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Slight fever and chills
  • Chest discomfort

  See your doctor if your cough:

  • • Lasts more than three weeks
    • Prevents you from sleeping
    • Is accompanied by fever higher than 100.4 F (38 C)
    • Produces discoloured mucus
    • Produces blood
    • Is associated with wheezing or shortness of breath

  COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

  COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a disease of the airways and lungs. It is a disease that develops slowly over a long period of time. Some symptoms of COPD are; shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, and sputum (mucus) production. Smoking is a major factor of COPD. There is no cure for COPD but with the combination of treatments and smoking cessation the progression of the disease can be slowed.

  Symptoms
  COPD symptoms often don’t appear until significant lung damage has occurred, and they usually worsen over time, particularly if smoking exposure continues. For chronic bronchitis, the main symptom is a daily cough and mucus (sputum) production at least three months a year for two consecutive years.

  • Other signs and symptoms of COPD may include:
    Shortness of breath, especially during physical activities Wheezing
    Chest tightness
  • Having to clear your throat first thing in the morning, due to excess mucus in your lungs
  • A chronic cough that may produce mucus (sputum) that may be clear, white, yellow or greenish
  • Blueness of the lips or fingernail beds (cyanosis)
  • Frequent respiratory infections
  • Lack of energy
  • Unintended weight loss (in later stages)
  • Swelling in ankles, feet or legs

    Emphysema

    Emphysema is a lung condition featuring an abnormal accumulation of air due to enlargement and destruction of the lung’s many tiny air sacs resulting in the formation of scar tissue. Emphysema is strongly associated with smoking cigarettes.

    Symptoms
    Two of the key symptoms of emphysema are shortness of breath and a chronic cough. These appear in the early stages.
    A person with shortness of breath, or dyspnea, feels being unable to catch a breath.
    This may start only during physical exertion, but as the disease progresses, it can start to happen during rest, too.
    Emphysema and COPD develop over a number of years.

    In the later stages, the person may have:

    • Frequent lung infections
      A lot of mucus
      Wheezing
    • Reduced appetite and weight loss
    • Fatigue
      Blue-tinged lips or fingernail beds, or cyanosis, due to a lack of oxygen
    • Anxiety and Depression
    • Sleep problems
    • Morning headaches due to a lack of oxygen, when breathing at night is difficult

      Pneumonia

      Pneumonia is lung inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infection, in which the air sacs fill with pus and may become solid. Inflammation may affect both lungs (double pneumonia) or only one (single pneumonia).
      Symptoms

      The signs and symptoms of pneumonia vary from mild to severe, depending on factors such as the type of germ causing the infection, and your age and overall health. Mild signs and symptoms often are similar to those of a cold or flu, but they last longer.

      Signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include:

      • Chest pain when you breathe or cough
        Confusion or changes in mental awareness (in adults age 65 and older)
      • Cough, which may produce phlegm
      • Fatigue
      • Fever, sweating and shaking chills
      • Lower than normal body temperature (in adults older than age 65 and people with weak immune systems)
      • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
      • Shortness of breath

        Pulmonary fibrosis

        Pulmonary fibrosis (literally “scarring of the lungs”) is a respiratory disease in which scars are formed in the lung tissues, leading to serious breathing problems.

        Symptoms of Pulmonary Fibrosis:

        • Shortness of breath, particularly during exercise.
        • Dry, hacking cough.
        • Fast, shallow breathing.
        • Gradual unintended weight loss.
        • Tiredness.
        • Aching joints and muscles.
        • Clubbing (widening and rounding) of the tips of the fingers or toes.

          Pulmonary hypertension

          Pulmonary hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in your lungs and the right side of your heart. In one form
          of pulmonary hypertension, tiny arteries in your lungs,
          called pulmonary arterioles, and capillaries become narrowed, blocked or destroyed

          Symptoms
          The signs and symptoms of pulmonary hypertension in its early stages might not be noticeable for months or even years. As the disease progresses, symptoms become worse.

          Pulmonary hypertension symptoms include:

          • Shortness of breath (dyspnea), initially while exercising and eventually while at rest
          • Fatigue
            Dizziness or fainting spells (syncope)
          • Chest pressure or pain
            Swelling (edema) in your ankles, legs and eventually in your abdomen (ascites)
          • Bluish colour to your lips and skin (cyanosis)
          • Racing pulse or heart palpitations

            Sarcoidosis

            Sarcoidosis is a disease involving abnormal collections of inflammatory cells that form lumps known as granulomas. The disease usually begins in the lungs, skin, or lymph nodes.

            Symptoms
            Signs and symptoms of sarcoidosis vary depending on which organs are affected. Sarcoidosis sometimes develops gradually and produces symptoms that last for years. Other times, symptoms appear suddenly and then disappear just as quickly. Many people with sarcoidosis have no symptoms, so the disease may be discovered only when a chest X-ray is done for another reason.

            General symptoms:

            • Sarcoidosis can begin with these signs and symptoms: Fatigue
            • Swollen lymph nodes
              Weight loss
              Pain and swelling in joints, such as the ankles
            • Lung symptoms
              Sarcoidosis most often affects the lungs and may cause lung problems, such as:
            • Persistent dry cough
            • Shortness of breath
            • Wheezing
            • Chest pain

              Sepsis

              Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by the body’s response to an infection. The body normally releases chemicals into the bloodstream to fight an infection. Sepsis occurs when the body’s response to these chemicals is out of balance, triggering changes that can damage multiple organ systems.

              If sepsis progresses to septic shock, blood pressure drops dramatically. This may lead to death.

              Sepsis is caused by infection and can happen to anyone. Sepsis is most common and most dangerous in: Older adults and Pregnant wome nand Children younger than one.

              People who have chronic conditions, such as diabetes, kidney or lung disease, or cancer People who have weakened immune systems

              Sepsis Symptoms:

              • Fever and chills.
              • Very low body temperature.
              • Peeing less than normal.
              • Rapid pulse.
              • Rapid breathing.
              • Nausea and vomiting.
              • Diarrhoea.

              • Dyspnea

                Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, is an uncomfortable condition that makes it difficult to fully get air into your lungs. Problems with your heart and lungs can harm your breathing. Some people may
                experience shortness of breath suddenly for short periods of time.

                Signs that a person is experiencing dyspnea include:
                shortness of breath after exertion or due to a medical condition. feeling smothered or suffocated as a result of breathing difficulties.

                • Laboured breathing.
                  tightness in the chest.
                • Rapid, shallow breathing.
                  heart palpitations.
                • Wheezing.
                • Coughing.

                  Pulmonary function test

                  Pulmonary function test is a complete evaluation of the respiratory system including patient history, physical examinations, and tests of pulmonary function. The primary purpose of pulmonary function testing is to identify the severity of pulmonary impairment.

                  Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are non-invasive tests that show how well the lungs are working. The tests measure lung volume, capacity, rates of flow, and gas exchange. This information can help your healthcare provider diagnose and decide the treatment of certain lung disorders.