Breathe Better. Understand Your Respiratory Health.
Explore common breathing symptoms, lung conditions, diagnostic tests and ways to protect your respiratory health. Find clear, medically reviewed information and connect with the right respiratory specialist.
✓ Medically Reviewed ✓ Evidence-Informed ✓ Regularly Updated
What Is Respiratory Health?
Respiratory health refers to the health and function of the respiratory system, including the airways and lungs that help your body take in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. Respiratory problems can result from infections, allergies, asthma, chronic lung diseases, environmental exposures and other health conditions.
How Air Travels in Your Body
From breathing in to oxygen entering your blood.
This is a simplified view of how air moves through your respiratory system and how oxygen enters your blood.
What Are You Looking for?
I'm Having Trouble Breathing
Shortness of breath • Breathlessness • Rapid breathing
I Have a Persistent Cough
Dry cough • Mucus • Long-lasting cough
I Want to Learn About a Lung Condition
Asthma • COPD • Pneumonia • Pulmonary fibrosis
I Need a Respiratory Specialist
Find a pulmonologist near you
How Do Your Lungs Help You Breathe?
Nose & Mouth
Air enters the respiratory system through the nose or mouth.
Trachea
The windpipe carries air toward the lungs.
Bronchi
The trachea divides into two main bronchi leading into the lungs.
Bronchioles
Smaller airways distribute air throughout the lungs.
Alveoli
Tiny air sacs are where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged.
Diaphragm
This major breathing muscle helps draw air into and push air out of the lungs.
Respiratory Symptoms You Should Know
Persistent Cough
A cough that continues longer than expected or repeatedly returns.
Shortness of Breath
A sensation of not getting enough air or having difficulty breathing.
Wheezing
A whistling or musical sound during breathing.
Chest Tightness
A feeling of pressure or tightness in the chest.
Excess Mucus
Increased mucus or phlegm production can occur with several respiratory conditions.
Coughing Up Blood
Blood in mucus or from the respiratory tract should be medically evaluated.
Noisy Breathing
Unusual sounds during breathing may indicate airway or lung problems.
Reduced Exercise Tolerance
Becoming unusually breathless or fatigued during activities that previously felt manageable.
One Symptom Can Have Many Causes
What Can Cause a Cough?
A cough, wheezing episode or breathing difficulty does not automatically mean you have a lung disease. The cause can involve the lungs, heart, allergies, infections, medications or other parts of the body. Proper evaluation helps identify the cause.
Breathing Problems You Shouldn't Ignore
- Get urgent medical attention for symptoms such as:
- Severe or rapidly worsening difficulty breathing
- Sudden chest pain with breathing difficulty
- Coughing up significant blood
- Blue or grey lips or skin
- Confusion or loss of consciousness
- Severe breathing difficulty that prevents normal speaking
What Can Affect Your Lungs and Breathing?
🚬 Tobacco Smoke
Smoking and secondhand smoke can damage the respiratory system.
🌫️ Air Pollution
Particulate matter and other pollutants can irritate the airways and affect lung health.
🦠 Infections
Respiratory infections can temporarily or seriously affect breathing.
🌿 Allergens
Pollen, dust mites, mold and other allergens can trigger respiratory symptoms in susceptible people.
🏭 Workplace Exposures
Dust, chemicals and other occupational exposures can contribute to certain lung conditions.
🧬 Genetics & Other Conditions
Some respiratory conditions have genetic or systemic causes.
Protect Your Respiratory Health From Environmental Triggers
Check Air Quality
Be aware of poor-air-quality days, especially if you have an existing respiratory condition.
Reduce Smoke Exposure
Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.
Improve Indoor Air
Reduce exposure to dust, mold and indoor pollutants where possible.
Use Protection at Work
Follow appropriate workplace safety measures when exposed to dust or chemicals.
How Are Respiratory Problems Diagnosed?
01 — Medical History
Your doctor asks about symptoms, duration, triggers, smoking, allergies, infections and other health conditions.
02 — Physical Examination
Your breathing and lungs may be examined, including listening for abnormal breath sounds.
03 — Basic Tests
- Pulse oximetry
- Blood tests
- Chest X-ray
04 — Lung Function Tests
Your doctor asks about symptoms, duration, triggers, smoking, allergies, infections and other health conditions.
05 — Advanced Evaluation
Your breathing and lungs may be examined, including listening for abnormal breath sounds.