Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis that primarily affects the lungs. TB can be spread by coughing, sneezing, laughing or singing. Repeated exposure to someone with TB disease is generally necessary for infection to take place. Although TB primarily affects the lungs, other organs and tissues may be affected as well.
Visit the American Lung Association: Tuberculosis Fact Sheet web site
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Chronic Lung Disease
Chronic lung disease (CLD) is a general term for long-term respiratory problems in premature babies. It is also known as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).
Visit the Chronic Lung Disease Information Resource web site
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Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is an acute, severe injury to most or all of both lungs. Patients with ARDS experience severe shortness of breath and often require mechanical ventilation (life support) because of respiratory failure. ARDS is not a specific disease; instead, it is a type of severe, acute lung dysfunction that is associated with a variety of diseases, such as pneumonia, shock, sepsis (a severe infection in the body) and trauma. ARDS can be confused with congestive heart failure, which is another common condition that can also cause acute respiratory distress.
Visit the MedLine Plus: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome web site
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