A breathing disorder is a medical condition that affects the way a person breathes. Apnea is a type of breathing disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. Asthma is another type of breathing disorder that causes difficulty breathing due to narrowing of the airways. Symptoms of asthma include wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Both apnea and asthma can be managed with lifestyle changes, medications, and other treatments.