Final answer:
Medical diagnoses that alter respiratory functions include asthma (chronic), pneumonia (acute), and COPD (chronic). These conditions are triggered by factors like allergens, infections, and exposure to tobacco smoke and pollutants, respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
Examples of medical diagnoses that alter respiratory functions include the following:
- Asthma: This is a chronic disease characterized by episodes of bronchospasm and airway inflammation, leading to difficulty in breathing, chest tightness, and coughing. Triggers can include allergens, exercise, cold air, and stress.
- Pneumonia: An acute inflammatory condition of the lung, often caused by bacterial or viral infections, where the alveoli become inflamed and fill with fluid, hindering gas exchange.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A chronic disease that includes conditions such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, where the airways become narrowed, leading to a decrease in airflow and difficulty breathing. Causes include long-term exposure to irritants such as tobacco smoke and air pollution.
These diagnoses demonstrate how conditions such as inflammation, infections, and chronic exposure to harmful substances can severely impact the respiratory system's function.