Long-term Conditions

Respiratory conditions such as COPD, Bronchiectasis and Asthma

Asthma

Asthma is a very common long-term lung condition. It affects the airways that carry air in and out of your lungs. People with asthma often have sensitive, inflamed airways. Common asthma triggers include allergies (to house dust mites, animal fur or pollen, for example), smoke, pollution and cold air, exercise and infections like colds or flu. Identifying and avoiding your asthma triggers can help you keep your symptoms under control.

Common symptoms include coughing, wheezing, feeling breathless or a tight chest and the severity of these symptoms varies from person to person. Asthma can be controlled well in most people most of the time, although some people may have more persistent problems.

COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is commonly referred to as COPD, is a group of progressive lung diseases. The most common of these diseases are emphysema - damage to the air sacs in the lungs and chronic bronchitis - long-term inflammation of the airways. Many people with COPD have both conditions, causing difficulties with breathing.

Common COPD symptoms include breathlessness, a persistent cough, frequent chest infections and persistent wheezing. Although damage to your lungs cannot be reversed, you can slow down the progression of the disease. Stopping smoking is particularly effective at doing this.

Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a long-term respiratory condition where the airways in the lungs become widened and thickened, causing a build-up of mucus, which make them more vulnerable to infection.

The most common symptoms are a persistent cough often with sputum and breathlessness.