A respiratory disorder refers to any health condition that affects breathing. There are several synonyms that can be used to define respiratory disorders, including pulmonary disease, lung disease, respiratory illness, respiratory ailment, respiratory condition, and breathing difficulty. These conditions can range from mild, such as seasonal allergies or asthma, to severe, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pneumonia. Depending on the type and severity of the respiratory disorder, symptoms can include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, chest pain or tightness, and fatigue. Proper diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disorders are critical as they can significantly impact a person's quality of life and even be life-threatening in some cases.