Common types
of chronic
respiratory diseases

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

COPD is an umbrella term for a number of lung diseases that prevent proper breathing. This happens when the airways become inflamed, damaged, and narrowed. The main cause of COPD is smoking or passive smoking. The disease affects middle-aged or older adults who smoke or used to smoke. It develops slowly over time and you may not even be aware you have it until you reach your late 40s and 50s, as there are no obvious symptoms. Two of the most common types of COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Chronic Bronchitis: A type of COPD characterised by a persistent cough that produces mucus for at least three months, and happens multiple times over the course of two years. It’s common among smokers. People with chronic bronchitis tend to get lung infections more easily.

Emphysema: Another form of COPD involving the destruction of the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs, reducing the surface area available for gas exchange.

Did you know…

Around 1 in 13 people over 40 have COPD, and almost half don’t know it yet.

Symptoms of COPD

Breathlessness which can wake you up during the night or after exertion
Needing to clear your throat often, especially first thing in the morning
A chronic chesty cough with or without phlegm
The need to clear mucus from your lungs every day
Frequent chest infections, colds, or flus
Chest tightness
Wheezing
Lack of energy

In later stages of COPD, symptoms may also include:

Breathlessness on minimal exertion or even while you are resting
Fatigue – Difficulty breathing and reduced oxygen levels contribute to decreased energy levels
Swelling of the feet, ankles, or legs
Weight loss

Did you know?

COPD is the third leading cause of death in the world, after coronary heart disease and stroke, according to the World Health Organisation.

Treatment for COPD

There is no cure for COPD, but there are things you can do to slow its progress, relieve your symptoms, keep you out of hospital, and live longer. Medical experts recommend that you get the COVID-19 vaccine, flu vaccine, and pneumococcal vaccine.

Treatments for COPD usually involve relieving the symptoms with medication, such as an inhaler, to make breathing easier. Pulmonary rehabilitation may also help increase the amount of exercise you can do.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is an exercise and rehabilitation programme that helps you to stay active if you have breathing difficulties. Surgery is only an option for a small number of people, and a lung transport might be recommended in the most severe of cases.

Stopping smoking is the best way for people with COPD to help themselves feel better. Stopping smoking at an early stage of the disease makes a huge difference. Any damage already done to the airways cannot be reversed. But giving up smoking can slow the rate at which the condition worsens.

Did you know…

Around 20 to 25 per cent of smokers will develop COPD. Ex-smokers remain at risk and should be aware of symptoms of breathlessness.

Asthma

Asthma is a common, chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that causes difficulty breathing. It often starts in childhood years and progresses into adulthood. However, some people in their 60s, 70s, and 80s can get adult-onset asthma. Allergens, respiratory infections, and environmental pollutants can all trigger an asthma attack. Triggers include cold air, dust, smoke, fumes, pollen, furry or feathery animals, strong soaps, perfume, extreme exercise, or emotional upsets.

Symptoms of asthma

Dry cough, particularly at night
Wheezing when exhaling and sometimes when inhaling
Chest tightness, making it difficult to breathe deeply
Breathlessness or difficulty breathing, sometimes even when resting

Symptoms are often worse at night or during exercise. Some people will have worse symptoms when they have a cold or during changes in the weather.

Treatment for asthma

There is no cure for asthma. Inhaled medication can control symptoms and allow you to lead a normal, active life. The breathing techniques in Yoga can sometimes be beneficial for people with asthma.

Did you know?

Smoking during pregnancy is known to increase the chance of your child developing asthma.

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in men and women combined and the number one cause of cancer deaths worldwide. With the ability to develop in any part of the lungs, lung cancer is difficult to detect. It is often diagnosed late, as you may not notice any symptoms until it has spread. However, lung cancer screenings are now available for people who are considered high risk, making early detection possible.

The most common risk factor for lung cancer is cigarette smoke. Other risk factors include radon exposure, workplace hazards, including asbestos and diesel fumes, second-hand smoke, air pollution, and radiation exposure from frequent CT scans of the chest.

Symptoms of lung cancer:

Chronic coughing (lasting more than 3 weeks)
Hoarse voice
Breathlessness
Chest or shoulder pain
A chest infection that does not go away
(after 3 weeks) or keeps coming back
Harsh breathing sounds
Coughing or spitting up blood

Other symptoms
may include:

Unintentional weight loss
Fatigue
Abdominal pain
Joint pain
Difficulty swallowing
Wheezing

Treatment for lung cancer:

Surgery - if the cancer is at an early-stage
Radiotherapy - damages cancer cells and stops them dividing or spreading
Chemotherapy - to kill cancer cells

You can reduce your risk of developing lung cancer by quitting smoking, and avoiding second-hand smoke exposure.

Pulmonary fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis involves scarring of lung tissue over time, which leads to stiffness and difficulty breathing. It can result from various causes, including autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus (which cause your immune system to attack your lungs and reduce your lung function), environmental exposures, and certain medications.

The disease usually develops in adults over 60. There is no known cause, but habitual smokers are at higher risk. Exposure to certain infectious agents, medications, or environmental irritants may also be a trigger.

Symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis

Shortness of breath

Chronic dry cough

Fatigue

Treatment for pulmonary fibrosis

Treatment options focus mainly on managing symptoms and slowing down the disease. For some people, a lung transplant might be an option. If your blood oxygen levels are low, your doctor will prescribe medical oxygen to manage your breathlessness and improve your quality of life.

Did you know?

Patients with pulmonary fibrosis are at higher risk of developing serious complications if infected with COVID-19.