Types of lung disease
Lung diseases come in many types, and some may involve a combination of different kinds of lung disease.
Airway diseases affect the tubes (airways) that carry oxygen and other gases in and out of the lungs. These conditions often cause narrowing or blockages in the airways. People with airway diseases often describe the sensation as “trying to breathe through a straw.”
Types of airway diseases include:
Restrictive lung diseases affect the structure of lung tissue. Scarring or inflammation reduces the lungs’ ability to expand fully, making it difficult to take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. People with this condition often describe the sensation as feeling like they’re “wearing a too-tight sweater or vest,” making deep breathing difficult.
This category includes interstitial lung disease (ILD) and connective tissue-associated ILD (CT-ILD), which involves lung tissue inflammation and scarring.
Other types of restrictive lung disease include:
Lung circulation diseases affect the blood vessels in the lungs. They’re caused by clotting, scarring, or inflammation, impairing the lungs’ ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. These diseases can also impact heart function. People with these conditions often describe feeling short of breath during physical activity.
Types of lung circulation diseases include:
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Pulmonary venous hypertension
- Pulmonary embolism (blocked lung artery)
Other types of lung conditions include:
- Lung cancer
- Pulmonary edema (abnormal buildup of fluid in the lungs)
- Pneumothorax or atelectasis (collapse of part or all of the lung)