Chronic Lung Disease

A chronic lung disease is a type of disease that prevents the lungs and respiratory system from working correctly. The main job of the respiratory system is to take in oxygen from the air we breathe and remove extra carbon dioxide. Every organ in your body needs oxygen. 

Chronic lung diseases often develop slowly but may get worse over time. Causes and risk factors may include smoking or having a smoking history, genetics or family history, work-related exposures, secondhand smoke, air pollution, or frequent childhood lung infections.

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There are several types of chronic lung disease that occur, and they impact different parts of your lungs in different ways. Understanding the type of chronic lung disease you have will help you better communicate your treatment goals with your healthcare provider for the best possible health outcomes.

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Chronic diseases are long-lasting conditions that can usually be controlled but not cured. There are several types of chronic lung diseases that can impact your ability to breathe, and you may have one, two, or all three types.

Restrictive lung diseases result in difficulty inhaling air. The tissue of your lungs becomes stiffer than usual, making it harder to fill with air, and you may find it difficult to take a deep breath. Your disease may also be referred to as an interstitial lung disease or pulmonary fibrosis, which means scarring of the lung tissue. There are dozens of known causes, some of which result from exposure at work or as a secondary effect of an autoimmune disease. Often, the cause is unknown.

Obstructive lung diseases result in difficulty exhaling air from your lungs. Inflammation and mucus narrow the airways, and the extra trapped air may feel like you're trying to push it out through a straw. Different types of airway diseases include asthma or COPD, which includes emphysema or chronic bronchitis. A wide variety of risk factors exist for developing an airway disease, such as exposure to tobacco smoke, recurring respiratory infections, or having an autoimmune disease.

Finally, vascular lung diseases affect the blood vessels in the lungs, meaning your heart and lungs struggle to circulate blood to and from your lungs. Pulmonary hypertension is an example of a lung circulation disease.

No matter what type or combination of lung diseases you have, treatment options are available that can improve your quality of life. You are not alone, and it's okay to ask for help. Knowledge is power when it comes to your health, so seek support and information to guide you. Learn how at Lung.org.

Understanding Types of Chronic Lung Disease

You may have one, two or all three types of chronic lung disease. 

Restrictive lung diseases

Also called interstitial lung disease (ILDs), a restrictive lung disease happens when the tissue in the lungs may become inflamed, stiff, or scarred. This makes it harder for you to inhale air because your lungs cannot fully expand.

Examples


Obstructive or airway lung diseases 

When the airways are blocked or obstructed, it is harder to breathe out all the air in your lungs. The airways may become inflamed, thick mucus can build up, and the walls of the air sacs become damaged. 

Examples


Pulmonary vascular lung diseases

These types of lung diseases affect the blood vessels in the lungs. This means the heart and lungs have a harder time working together to circulate oxygenated blood throughout your body. 

Examples

Key Facts:

35.2 million people in America were living with chronic lung disease in 2023.
586,000 people died due to lung disease, making it the 3rd leading cause of death in 2022.
$129 billion The total economic cost of lung disease per year.

Living with a Chronic Lung Disease

While there is no cure for most chronic lung diseases, there are ways to improve your symptoms and quality of life. People living with chronic lung disease can manage their disease by quitting smoking, avoiding secondhand smoke, reducing risk factors that worsen symptoms, staying up to date on vaccinations that prevent respiratory infections like flu or pneumonia, eating healthy, and staying active. 

Treatment for a chronic lung disease depends on the type of lung disease you are diagnosed with. Treatment options may include medications, supplemental oxygen, pulmonary rehabilitation, and surgery.

Patient & Caregiver Network

Join the Patient & Caregiver Network, a nationwide online support program offering easy access to lung disease management tools, educational resources, and a supportive community of fellow patients and caregivers.
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