Lung Conditions

What is Acute Asthma in Adults? Acute asthma in adults is when asthma suddenly gets worse. It can make it hard to breathe, and cause wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. This can happen to someone who already has asthma or as a new problem. 

What is asthma? Asthma is a disease where the airway becomes inflamed. It can cause symptoms like wheeze, shortness of breath, cough, or chest tightness.   For many people asthma does not last their whole life. It can be triggered by a viral throat infection, exercise, passive smoking, or allergies....

What is breathlessness? Breathlessness is shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing. It can happen for a number of reasons, including: Lung conditions such as asthma or COPD  Heart conditions   Obesity  Anxiety Other conditions such as anaemia, kidney problems or thyroid conditions  Managing your breathlessness depends on what is causing it....

What is bronchiolitis? Bronchiolitis is a common type of viral chest infection. It usually happens in babies under 12 months old. It is when the smaller airways of the lungs become inflamed and narrowed by mucus. It causes flu like symptoms, like coughing, wheezing, and fever. It also makes it...

What is COPD? COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, describes a range of lung diseases, including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, non-reversible asthma and some forms of bronchiectasis. COPD makes it hard for you to breathe. You can also experience tightness in the chest and wheezing. Smoking is the main cause of...

What is cystic fibrosis? Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that mostly affects your lungs, pancreas and sweat glands. It causes the build up of thick, sticky mucous that makes it difficult for you to breathe and digest food properly. It can increase your risk of lung and sinus infections,...

What is end-stage respiratory disease? End-stage respiratory disease is when a lung disease reaches a stage where the person with the disease is likely to die within a year. Treatment is no longer able to make the person better and instead aims to relieve symptoms. It helps the person with...

What is an inhaler device? You may need to use a medicine called an 'inhaled medicine'. These types of medicines can only be delivered using a device called an inhaler. Inhalers help treat and manage symptoms of respiratory issues. There are different types on inhaler devices. It is important to...

What is a persistent cough in children? A cough is a very common symptom in children. It can be caused by many different things. You should see your GP if your child's cough lasts for more than four weeks.

What is pneumonia? Pneumonia is a serious lung infection caused by a bacteria or virus. It can affect one or both lungs. Pneumonia causes the lungs to become inflamed and can fill with pus or liquid. This makes it hard to breathe. Pneumonia can also cause coughing, chills, fever, pain,...

What is a shortness of breath action plan? The Shortness of Breath Action Plan shows different ways to manage your breathlessness. It is completed with your GP and includes techniques you can do and medications your GP will tell you to take.

What is silicosis? Silica is a common mineral which can be found in bricks, tiles and concrete. Silica can become a fine dust when these materials are being worked on. Some workers may breathe in some of this dust without knowing it. Silica dust can cause scarring and stiffening of...

What is wheeze in children? Asthma can present an any age, however wheezing is a common breathing problem for children aged 1-5 years old. This is known as viral induced wheeze or pre-school asthma. It happens when a child has a viral infection, gets a cough or cold.   The airways...

What is pertussis (whopping cough)? Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a life-threatening infection in vulnerable people. Symptoms are similar to a cold with tiredness and fever, but also a persistent cough. The "whoop" is the sound made when the patient has extreme difficulty in breathing. It is easily...