What Causes Difficulty Breathing Since Childhood?

Hi Doctor/s, I have a friend abroad and she told us that she has difficulties in breathing since she was a kid and last month she told us that she been confined for a day because of that. She didn t tell us what is her real condition, but she said that the doctor told her she only have a few years to live. I m just confused or doubt about what she saying to us.I wonder if what lung problem, she has? And is that even possible that the doctor suddenly well tell how many years you only live? I hope you can give me some medical answers about this. Thank you Luisza