Asthma
Asthma is a common chronic lung disease which presents with episodes of cough, chest tightness, wheeze and shortness of breath. Asthma is caused by narrowing of the airways (breathing tubes) due to inflammation and muscle spasm within the airways. Diagnosis of asthma requires breathing tests. Usually it is easily treatable with preventative inhalers, but can be dangerous if left untreated.
COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis
these chronic lung conditions are usually related to smoking and present with long-term cough and / or breathlessness. They are diagnosed by breathing tests and imaging and treated with inhalers, pulmonary rehabilitation and oxygen in some cases. Smoking cessation is important.
Bronchiectasis
Is a chronic lung condition where the airways (breathing tubes) are too wide and sputum (phlegm) builds up in the airways. Symptoms include a long-standing “chesty” or “wet” cough and a tendency towards frequent or prolonged chest infections. Bronchiectasis is caused by a wide range of underlying conditions including previous respiratory infections, asthma, COPD, reflux, immune deficiencies and autoimmune conditions. Chronic, productive cough requires investigation with a CT scan of the chest. Treatment of bronchiectasis is targeted towards the underlying cause but also includes airway clearance/chest physiotherapy and antibiotics.
Smoking-related lung disease
Includes emphysema, COPD, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, lung cancer and some forms of interstitial lung disease.