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Breathing Disorders

Asthma, COPD and pneumonia make it hard for air to come in and out of your lungs. Although these three conditions arise from very different causes, they all result in wheezing and shortness of breath that can limit your ability to live an active life.

Man breathing outside

Types of Diseases

  • Asthma
  • COPD
  • Pneumonia

Breathing Disorders Facts and Stats

Breathing disorders affect more than 36 million Americans, sometimes limiting an active life. Here’s what you need to know.

  • Asthma, a dangerous breathing disorder, affects 6.3 million children and 17.7 million adults in the United States. About 1.8 million people rush to the emergency room each year due to an asthma attack.
  • If you have asthma, it’s more likely your children will have it, too. Symptoms usually start before a child turns 5.
  • Although chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, develops slowly over time, it’s the third leading cause of death in this country. More than 11 million people have a COPD diagnosis, but it’s estimated that 24 million have the disease. Most don’t know it.
  • Pneumonia is a leading cause of hospitalization among older adults. Vaccines to prevent the flu and pneumococcal pneumonia help prevent two of the most common pneumonia causes.

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Find an Asthma Specialist

Help for Asthma and COPD

Dandelion

Avoid Your Triggers

Find out how to avoid triggers so you can reduce asthma flare-ups.

Asthma inhaler

Maximize Your Asthma Care

Discover tips to get the most out of your asthma care at Sutter Health.

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Start Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Breathe better and get back to doing the things you love.

Ask an Expert

Gary F. Milechman

Gary F. Milechman, M.D.

California Pacific Medical Center

Living in smoggy air in Northern California has certainly made my asthma worse. Could it also be doing any damage to my heart?

Your question is a very good one and is of global concern and research. Markedly increased mortality was first recognized during brief extremes in air pollution as long ago as 1930 in the Meuse Valley in Belgiu... continue reading  about  Living in smoggy air in Northern California has certainly made my asthma worse. Could it also be doing any damage to my heart?

Francine A. Yep

Francine A. Yep, M.D.

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus

At what age should I have a pneumonia vaccination? Thank you!

The pneumonia vaccine helps protect you from S. pneumoniae, a bacterial germ that causes serious lung infections like pneumonia as well as blood infections and meningitis. It protects you from the most common t... continue reading  about  At what age should I have a pneumonia vaccination? Thank you!

Asthma Research

Sutter Health Asthma Research
Asthma is the most common chronic disease of children in the U.S. It inflames and narrows breathing airways and, if untreated, can kill. Asthma tends to run in families, but environmental factors like pollen and pollution also trigger it. Research looks for ways to improve treatment today and prevent asthma in the future.

Sutter Health Asthma Research Sutter Health Asthma Research

Health and Wellness

Ease Allergies with Sinus Rinsing

Ease Allergies with Sinus Rinsing

Flushing nasal passages with a saline rinse can relieve congestion. Here’s how.

Ease Allergies with Sinus Rinsing Ease Allergies with Sinus Rinsing

Experts Who Partner With You

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Pulmonary Care

The Sutter Health network provides pulmonary specialists with expertise in treating asthma and COPD in adults and children. Learn about advances in treatments for you and your family.

Doctor Profiles

The following doctors are part of the Sutter Health network. Learn about the doctors on this site
Mona Luke-Zeitoun, M.D.

Mona Luke-Zeitoun, M.D.

  • Pediatric Pulmonology

Will Tseng, M.D.

Will Tseng, M.D.

  • Pulmonary Disease

  • Critical Care Medicine

Estela Ayala, M.D.

Estela Ayala, M.D.

  • Critical Care Medicine

  • Pulmonary Disease

Pramod Krishnamurthy, M.D., MPH, FCCP

Pramod Krishnamurthy, M.D., MPH, FCCP

  • Pulmonary Disease

  • Critical Care Medicine

Minhtruong T. Lai, M.D.

Minhtruong T. Lai, M.D.

  • Pulmonary Disease

  • Critical Care Medicine

View All Related Doctors

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