Chronic Respiratory Diseases

Definition

Chronic respiratory diseases are chronic diseases of the airways and other structures of the lung. Some of the most common are:

  • asthma
  • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • respiratory allergies
  • occupational lung diseases and
  • pulmonary hypertension

Main risk factors

  • tobacco smoking
  • indoor air pollution
  • outdoor pollution
  • allergens
  • occupational risks and vulnerability

Facts

Hundreds of millions of people suffer every day from chronic respiratory diseases. According to the latest WHO estimates (2004), currently 235 million people have asthma, 64 million people have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) while millions have allergic rhinitis and other often-underdiagnosed chronic respiratory diseases.

Content provided by the website for the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int)

Easy Breathing Exercise

To promote lung health and relaxation, try 4-7-8 breathing. Here’s how you do the exercise:

  1. Breathe in through your nose for a count of 4 (1 Mississippi…2 Mississippi…)
  2. Hold your breath for a count of 7
  3. Exhale through pursed lips for a count of 8, completely emptying your lungs

If this exercise feels difficult at first, count a little faster. Start with two 4-7-8 breaths and gradually work up to four cycles. This deep breathing helps you exercise the full capacity of your lungs, instead of the shallow breathing that we usually do throughout the day. 4-7-8 breathing is also a great method to help you fall asleep at night.

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