Condition Respiratory conditions

Condition Respiratory conditions

What are respiratory conditions?

A respiratory condition is a disease or illness that affects your ability to breathe because of its impact on your lungs, airways, or associated muscles.

Symptoms can include shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, chest pain, tiredness (fatigue), swollen fingertips, and feeling generally unwell.

If symptoms come on suddenly, it may be due to an allergic reaction.

Examples of respiratory conditions include:

  • asthma – swelling of the airways which may be triggered by exercise, allergens, air pollution, or cold air
  • cystic fibrosis – a genetic condition that causes a thick sticky mucus to build up in your lungs
  • emphysema – damage to the air sacs in the lungs
  • lung cancer
  • mesothelioma – a type of cancer linked to asbestos exposure
  • pulmonary fibrosis – a build-up of scar tissue in your lungs
  • viral or bacterial infection that causes inflammation in the lungs or throat (for example, COVID-19, the common cold, laryngitis, tonsillitis, pneumonia, or bronchitis)

What causes respiratory conditions?

If you smoke, you are far more likely to get an illness or disease that affects your respiratory system compared to someone who doesn’t. Long-term exposure to air pollution, second-hand smoke, and certain substances, such as grain dust or welding fumes, can also increase your risk.

Some people’s genes can make them more vulnerable to respiratory conditions, while for others there might not be a clear reason for their illness. Ageing can be a factor in some respiratory conditions.

Next steps

Step 1. Check out our external support

Browse our recommended external support resources to learn more about your condition and ways to manage it.
Step 2. Contact a Healthcare Professional

If you need further support or have concerns, a Healthcare Professional is here to help. Reach out for professional medical advice tailored to you.
Step 3. View our services

Discover services and support options available to help you with your health and wellbeing.

Managing your health

There are a number of national and local organisations who can support you and help you manage health conditions at home. 

Respiratory Service (Berkshire West)

  • Adults

Guidance for more effective management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including a full respiratory assessment.

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Pulmonary Rehabilitation Service (Berkshire West)

  • Adults

Six-week programme to help manage chronic lung conditions by learning about symptoms and building exercise capacity.

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Cardiac Rehabilitation Service (Berkshire West)

  • Adults

A programme of exercise and education to support recovery and improve health following a cardiac event.

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Community Paediatric Service (East Berkshire)

  • Children & young people

Specialist care for children and young people with a complex developmental condition, and statutory medical assessments.

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Long COVID Integrated Service (Berkshire West)

  • Children & young people
  • Adults

Support for people aged over 12 to manage and improve symptoms of long COVID, also known as post COVID-19 syndrome.

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External support

Further information on the NHS UK website 

Allergy UK

Support for people living with an allergy 

Asthma + Lung UK 

Support for people with asthma and other respiratory conditions 

Cystic Fibrosis Trust 

Information and research about cystic fibrosis 

HSE (Health and Safety Executive) -

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 

Advice about controlling workplace risks that can cause COPD

HSE (Health and Safety Executive) –

Work-related lung disease 

Advice about preventing work-related lung disease