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Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) are a group of diseases that affect the airways and other structures of the lung. They can significantly impact your quality of life, often requiring long-term management and care. Unlike acute respiratory illnesses, which develop suddenly and resolve quite quickly, chronic respiratory diseases develop gradually but may get worse over time. Some of the most common types of CRDs include Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, lung cancer, and pulmonary fibrosis.

CAUSES OF CHRONIC RESPIRATORY DISEASES

Some of the most common factors increasing preventable CRDs are:

• Smoking is the leading cause of many chronic respiratory diseases, particularly COPD and emphysema.

• Indoor air pollution: Caused by mould, dampness, tobacco smoke, smoke from home cooking, heating fuels, or burning of wood.

• Environmental pollution: Air pollution from car emissions, occupational dusts and chemicals, and burning fossil fuels can irritate the respiratory tract and contribute to chronic respiratory diseases.

• Occupational hazards such as dust, chemicals, and fumes: Working in industries such as construction, mining, and agriculture can increase your risk of developing chronic respiratory diseases.

• Low birth weight, poor nutrition, or acute respiratory infections in early childhood can all play a role in the development of chronic respiratory diseases.

• Allergies: Allergens such as pollen, mould, and pet dander can exacerbate chronic respiratory diseases. Allergic reactions can lead to chronic inflammation of the airways, and persistent respiratory symptoms.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF CHRONIC LUNG DISEASES

• Recurrent wheezing
• Long-term difficulty breathing and breathlessness
• Feeling pain or discomfort when you breathe
• Fatigue
• Persistent cough
• Producing excess mucus when you cough
• Bleeding when you cough
• Weight loss

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.

Interesting fact

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.

Interesting fact

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. 

TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CRDs

CRDs are not curable; however, various forms of treatment can help manage your symptoms and improve daily life. This includes a combination of medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and self-care strategies.

Medication

Medications are often prescribed to manage chronic respiratory diseases; both medicines to take orally to open airways and help clear away mucus, as well as inhaled medicines.

Oxygen Therapy

Oxygen therapy focuses on supplying your lungs with extra oxygen when you are struggling to breathe.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Pulmonary rehabilitation is recommended for people with chronic lung diseases who have breathing difficulties. It aims to improve physical and emotional well-being and help you to manage your condition.

Breathing Techniques

Learning and practicing breathing techniques can help manage symptoms and improve lung function. Techniques such as pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing can be beneficial for people with COPD and asthma.

SEVEN WAYS TO KEEP YOUR LUNGS HEALTHY

1. Quit smoking

If you smoke, quitting is the most effective way to slow the progression of CPDs and improve your overall respiratory health.

2. Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight can affect your lung capacity. Excess weight places extra pressure on the lungs or airways, making breathing more difficult.

3. Exercise regularly

Engaging in regular physical activity can improve your lung function, increase stamina, and reduce symptoms.

4. Eat a healthy diet

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and fish, and low-fat dairy products supports your overall health and can help manage respiratory diseases.

5. Get rid of toxins in your environment

Avoid exposure to second-hand smoke or large amounts of dust and chemical toxins.

1. Keep up-to-date with vaccinations

Staying up-to-date with your vaccinations can help prevent respiratory infections and complications.

1. Monitor and follow-up

Regular check-ups with your doctor are essential for monitoring the progression of chronic respiratory diseases and adjusting your treatment plan as needed.

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