“Common Pulmonary Issues,” by Kenneth Scott Lloyd, M.D.

The human lungs are susceptible to a number of conditions that can restrict breathing, leading to mild to severe discomfort and even death. Here are some of the most common lung diseases.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: COPD, as it is commonly called, is a chronic disease of the lungs that causes obstructions. This can be a result of emphysema, bronchitis, or even hereditary causes.

Pneumonia: Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs’ alveoli, or air sac clusters.

Cystic Fibrosis: A condition in which those afflicted have difficulty clearing mucus from the lungs, leading to frequent infections.

Asthma: A condition whereby allergens lead to the obstruction and inflammation of airways. This leads to shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing.

Emphysema: This is a type of COPD. Patients with emphysema have particular difficulty exhaling air from the lungs, because the fibers holding open airways have been destroyed.

Dr. Kenneth Scott Lloyd, a pulmonary specialist, worked for more than 20 years at Respiratory Consultants of Houston, attending to patients in both long-term acute care and intensive care.