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Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening lung condition that prevents enough oxygen from getting into the blood. See also:

Aldolase is a protein (called an enzyme) that helps break down certain sugars into energy. It is found in high amounts in muscle tissue. A test can be done to measure the amount of aldolase in your blood.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency is a condition in which the body does not make enough of a protein that protects the lungs and liver from damage. The condition can lead to emphysema and .

Alpha-1 antitrypsin is a laboratory test to measure the amount of alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT) in your blood.

Alveolar abnormalities are changes in the tiny air sacs in the lungs, called alveoli. The alveoli allow oxygen to enter the blood. These air sacs may collapse, fuse together, or develop thickened membranes, making it difficult for oxygen to enter the blood.

Asbestos-related pleural effusion is a collection of fluid around the lung that generally develops a few years after asbestos exposure. The fluid collection is not harmful and usually goes away on its own. See:

Asbestosis is a disease brought on by inhaling asbestos fibers.

Aspiration pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs and airways to the lungs (bronchial tubes) from breathing in foreign material.

Asthma is an inflammatory disorder of the airways, which causes attacks of , shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. See also:

is a disease of the respiratory system, which causes swelling and narrowing of the airways. Pediatric asthma refers to asthma in children.

Atelectasis is the collapse of part or (much less commonly) all of a lung. See also:

Atypical pneumonia refers to pneumonia caused by certain bacteria, including Legionella pneumophila, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Chlamydophila pneumoniae. Pneumonia is a condition in which there is an infection of the lung.