Lung disease is any disease or disorder that occurs in the lungs
or that causes the lungs to not work properly. There are three
main types of lung disease: - Airway diseases -- These diseases
affect the tubes (airways) that carry oxygen and other gases
into and out of the lungs. These diseases usually cause a
narrowing or blockage of the airways. They include asthma ,
emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. People with airway diseases
sometimes describe the feeling as "trying to breathe out through
a straw." - Lung tissue diseases -- These diseases affect the
structure of the lung tissue. Scarring or inflammation of the
tissue makes the lungs unable to expand fully ("restrictive lung
disease"). Theis makes it hard for the lungs to breathe in
oxygen and release carbon dioxide. Pulmonary fibrosis and
sarcoidosis are examples of lung tissue diseases. People
sometimes describe the feeling as "wearing a too-tight sweater
or vest" that won't allow them to take a deep breath. - Lung
circulation diseases -- These diseases