Topic Index

Anatomy of the Respiratory System

Signs of Respiratory Distress

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Acute Respiratory Disorders

Chronic Respiratory Disorders

Glossary

Respiratory illnesses can include a variety of problems, including colds, flu, runny noses, coughs, and sore throats. Some children may also have chronic illnesses that affect the breathing system, including asthma and cystic fibrosis (CF).

Nearly 30,000 people in the U.S. are currently affected by CF.

About 17.5 million adults and 7.1 million children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with asthma.

Most children will develop at least six to eight colds or other respiratory illness a year. This number may even be higher in children who attend day care.

Adults get colds, on average, two to four times a year.