Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that affects the secretory glands. While mucus is normally slippery and watery, those who have cystic fibrosis often have thick and sticky mucus, which primarily affects the function of the respiratory system. This mucus is difficult to clear and provides a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to secondary infections. 

Cystic fibrosis causes sweat to become very salty, which can lead to numerous secondary issues. Some of the issues caused by this include dehydration, increased heart rate, and fatigue. It can also lead to heat stroke or death.

Pleurisy is an inflammation of the pleura, or a membrane that wraps around the lungs and chest cavity. The inflammation causes the membrane layers to rub against each other and causing sharp pain. Many things can cause pleurisy, including viral infections.

Pneumothorax is when air or gas builds up in the pleural space. This can be caused by lung disease or an acute lung injury. The symptoms are a sudden sharp pain in one side and shortness of breath. Pneumothorax can also cause the lungs to collapse.

Asthma is a respiratory disease that results in the inflammation of airways. This inflammation of the airways can lead to shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and tightness in the chest. Asthma cannot be cured, but can be managed with the use of medication and lifestyle changes. 

Tuberculosis (TB) can be tested for using a skin test or a chest x-ray. Tests that come back positive can indicate a latent or active TB infection. TB can be treated using antibiotics, but it takes several months of daily treatment to clear the disease. 

Adenoviruses can cause common colds, sore throats, bronchitis, pneumonia, and other illnesses. Adenoviruses are rarely fatal, but those with a weakened immune system can face serious complications that could lead to death. Because infections are viral, treating adenoviruses with antibiotics is ineffective. 

Aspergillosis is an infection caused by Aspergillus, a common mold that exists both indoors and outdoors. The symptoms of Aspergillus infections include allergic reactions, lung infections, and infections in other organs. Apergillosis is typically only found in those with compromised immune systems. 

Black lung is a form of pneumoconioses that is caused by inhalation of coal mine dust. This dust aggravates the tissues of the lungs and accumulates to give normally pink lungs a black color. There is no specific treatment or cure for black lung, but it can be managed by oxygen therapy or medications that dilate the airways. 

If a patient were to aspirate (swallow a foreign object into the respiratory tract) it is most likely going to end up in the right principal bronchus. This is because the right principal bronchus is almost a vertical continuation of the trachea, while the left principal bronchus departs from the trachea at an angle. Terminal bronchioles are too small for foreign objects to be lodged.