The Lungs are pair of spongy, air filled organs located in your chest. Every cell in the body needs oxygen to function efficiently. Your body also needs to get rid of carbon dioxide, a waste product that is made by the cells when they create energy. Your lungs are specially designed to exchange these gases every time you breathe in and out. Taking in oxygen and releasing the waste product Carbon dioxide. The lungs and respiratory system contain a complex set of tissues and cells that aid with receiving oxygen whilst removing carbon dioxide from cells through the bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli. Mucus is also produced by the lungs which aids with cleaning the lungs.Over time, the lungs can be subjected to damage due to lifestyle, infections and illnesses causing the lungs to produce more mucus than usual. Although mucus is used to cleanse the lungs, excess mucus can trap dirt, toxins and bacteria leading to further illnesses.

Problems that can affect the lungs include;

Asthma - Asthma attacks happen when the airways tighten and narrow, slowing down air flow. The lungs also become swollen and inflamed.

Bronchitis - This chest infection happens in the main airways, the bronchi. It may be due to a viral or bacterial infection. Acute bronchitis happens suddenly and can sometimes spread into the lungs from an upper respiratory tract infection, such as a common cold.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – This is chronic bronchitis or emphysema and is caused by severe bronchitisPneumonia - This is a chest infection deep in the bronchioles and alveoli. Pus and mucus can build up, and the lungs may swell. This makes it difficult to breathe. 

Tuberculosis - This bacterial infection is spread through air droplets from coughs and sneezes. It’s difficult to become infected. Tuberculosis can be serious and lead to lung scarring. It may also stay in the body without causing symptoms or spread to other parts of the body.