If you are living with a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) such as emphysema, asthma, bronchitis or another breathing problem, you may be looking for ways to strengthen your lungs to help you breathe easier.

Asthma is a condition caused by an overactive immune system. In persons with asthma, the immune system causes inflammation of the airway (the bronchioles), leading to bronchitis. Asthma can be triggered by a number of things, including stress, cold air, exercise and allergies.

The effects of air pollution are not confined to the atmosphere. Air pollution containing sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide causes acid rain, which in turn pollutes aquatic resources and soils. Air pollution is responsible for a host of other ills including ozone depletion, smog and impaired indoor air quality.

A certain amount of breathlessness during exercise is normal, especially when engaging in a sport as demanding as running. Increased activity leads to faster breathing, which brings oxygen into the body to help lower building levels of carbon dioxide in the body during exercise.

Pneumonia is a medical term used to describe an infection within the small air sacs in your lungs. This infection can affect both children and adults and is caused by pathogens (bacteria, viruses or fungi) that invade the airway passages.

Shortness of breath during exercise is your body’s way of telling you a number of things. Before you start any exercise program, especially if you’re overweight, haven’t exercised recently or have been diagnosed with a medical condition, you should get a complete physical exam from your doctor.

Pneumonia is a long-lasting, often severe and occasionally fatal lower-respiratory illness. It can occur in one or both lungs and make it difficult for a person to go about daily life.

Proper breathing is essential during exercise. During aerobic activities, such as running or swimming, a good breathing pattern ensures that your working muscles will continue to receive the oxygen they need to keep contracting.

Indigestion and shortness of breath while eating may be signs of various conditions. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms and treatment options. A clinical diagnosis should be made before you attempt to self-treat your symptoms.

Stopping smoking is one of the best decisions you can ever make for your health. Your lungs are resilient organs and will begin to heal shortly after they are no longer exposed to toxic cigarette smoke.

Items that break down over time naturally, like food scraps or paper, are biodegradable. According to the World Wildlife Foundation, most biodegradable items are made from animals or plants, but some artificial materials designed to mimic these organic substances can also degrade over time.

Emphysema is part of the process of deteriorating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, report doctors at the Mayo Clinic. When the air sacs at the end of the bronchioles, or air passages, become damaged, emphysema occurs.