Chronic Lung Disease

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. Watch Video  Watch in Spanish

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

• Pulmonary fibrosis or Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)
• Sarcoidosis 
• Work-related lung diseases like silicosis, histoplasmosis, or coal worker’s pneumoconiosis (black lung)

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

• Asthma
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), emphysema, and chronic bronchitis
• Bronchiectasis
• Cystic fibrosis

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

• Pulmonary hypertension
• Pulmonary embolism

Lung Health Navigator Program

A free, telephonic program for people living with asthma or COPD. Contact a Lung Health Navigator 

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 USA 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. Join the Patient & Caregiver Network

Around the Clock with Chronic Lung Disease

Living with a chronic lung disease like pulmonary fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can make doing every day actvities, like bathing or running errands, more difficult. This booklet provides helpful advice and suggestions to conserve your energy and get more done. Download the Guide
Source: https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/chronic-lung-disease