A young boy, blowing bubbles in Switzerland
Chronic respiratory diseases
Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) affect the airways and other structures of the lungs. The most common are chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Together they affect over half a billion people and are a leading cause of disability and premature death worldwide. Untreated they cause persistent respiratory symptoms which can impact significantly on daily life.
Many CRDs are preventable. Key risk factors include exposure to tobacco smoke and air pollution, occupational hazards such as dusts and chemicals, and respiratory infections. Climate-related hazards, including wildfire smoke and extreme heat, are major risk for people living with CRDs.
Early diagnosis, access to quality-assured medicines and technologies, and person-centred care are essential to improving outcomes and quality of life. Effective management can reduce symptoms, prevent exacerbations, avoid hospitalizations and enable people living with CRDs to lead active lives.
WHO works with countries and partners to strengthen prevention, diagnosis, treatment and surveillance of CRDs as part of the broader noncommunicable disease agenda. The Global Alliance against CRDs (GARD) is a WHO-convened network with a vision of “a world in which all people breathe freely”. Addressing CRDs is critical to advancing universal health coverage and reducing avoidable deaths and disability worldwide.
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are chronic respiratory diseases that affect the airways in the lungs.
Asthma is characterized by recurrent episodes of difficulty breathing, cough, chest tightness and wheezing caused by narrowing of the airways. Symptoms vary in severity and frequency over time and are often worse at night or early in the morning. They may be triggered by exposure to tobacco smoke, air pollution, allergens, respiratory infections, changes in the weather, or physical exercise.
COPD is characterized by persistent and progressive respiratory symptoms. The most common symptoms are difficulty breathing, chronic cough (sometimes with phlegm) and feeling tired. Symptoms usually develop from mid-life onwards and gradually worsen over time. As the disease progresses, people may find it increasingly difficult to carry out their normal daily activities.
In both asthma and COPD, symptoms can suddenly worsen – this is called an exacerbation or flare-up. Exacerbations often require additional treatment and medical review, and in severe cases may lead to hospitalization.
Early recognition and appropriate management of symptoms can help reduce complications and improve quality of life.
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cannot be cured, but effective treatment can control symptoms, reduce exacerbations and improve quality of life.
For asthma, treatment focuses on reducing airway inflammation with inhaled corticosteroids. Patients also need a bronchodilator inhaler to quickly relieve symptoms by opening the airways. Sometimes the corticosteroid and bronchodilator medicines are combined in a single inhaler.
For COPD, treatment aims to relieve symptoms, improve exercise capacity and slow disease progression. Inhaled bronchodilator medicines are a central component of treatment and may be used alone or, for some patients, in combination with inhaled corticosteroids. Pulmonary rehabilitation, regular physical activity, vaccination against respiratory infections, and support to stop tobacco use are also important components of care.
In both asthma and COPD, patients should understand how and when to use their inhalers, how to monitor their symptoms, how to avoid or reduce exposure to triggers, and when to seek medical review. Treatment plans should be reviewed and adjusted over time according to symptom control and the occurrence of exacerbations. Regular follow-up with a health-care provider is essential to support effective long-term management and prevent complications.