Chronic respiratory diseases

This overview addresses chronic respiratory diseases with particular emphasis on the global impact, prevalence and main types of chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma and COPD. We will examine key risk factors, including smoking, genetics, and environmental exposures, along with the common symptoms and their progression. Diagnosis methods, including clinical assessment and sprometry will be discussed, highlighting how these tools differentiate between asthma and COPD. Finally, we will outline current management strategies, covering medications, lifestyle interventions, and supportive treatments. Chronic respiratory diseases are a major global health concern, affecting millions and ranking among the leading causes of illness and death. These conditions impair lung function over time and include several long term pulmonary disorders. Chronic lower respiratory diseases are top causes of mortality in the United Kingdom and United States after heart disease and cancer. The most common types are asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. These diseases progress slowly, but can cause significant loss of quality of life and physical ability. The development of chronic respiratory diseases is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of COPD and emphysema, also worsening asthma. Prolonged tobacco exposure damages airways, causing inflammation, narrowing, and loss of elasticity,