What are respiratory disorders?
Respiratory disorders affect your airways and lungs and can have a major impact on your life as they affect breathing and your ability to exercise.
Disorders of the respiratory system can be divided into 4 areas, obstructive condition, vascular diseases, restrictive conditions and infectious/ environmental diseases. Inability to cough can lead to infection as it is the body’s main method of removing debris from the lungs.
How common are respiratory disorders?
Respiratory disorders are common and can affect people of all ages. 5.4 million people in the UK are currently receiving treatment for asthma. Other common respiratory disorders include chronic bronchitis, emphysema and pneumonia.
How can respiratory disorders be prevented?
You can prevent many respiratory disorders by not smoking and avoiding second hand smoke. Living a healthy lifestyle also reduces your chances of contracting a respiratory disorder. Eat well, exercise regularly and try to keep stress levels down.
How are respiratory disorders treated?
Avoiding triggers is a simple way of controlling asthma and allergies. Allergy drugs, inhalers and antibiotics are also used to treat some respiratory disorders. For serious lung conditions, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be required.