Asthma is a common respiratory condition where irritants trigger the airways to become inflamed and narrowed, which makes breathing difficult. During attacks, individuals may notice wheezing, coughing, tightness in the chest and/or shortness of breath. It is important to know how to correctly manage and prevent asthma attacks.…

Coughing is your body's way of getting rid of any foreign material or mucus in your lungs. Coughing can be a response to breathing in dust or fumes that irritate the nerve endings in the airways, or can be a symptom of a medical problem, such as a lung infection caused by bacteria or a virus, or a long-term lung disease such as asthma.…

A step-by-step guide to using an asthma inhaler: 1. Put the spacer together as directed by the instructions; 2. Remove the cap on the puffer; 3. After shaking the puffer, insert it into the end of the spacer; 4. Place the mouthpiece between your teeth and close your lips around it. Ensure there are no gaps around the mouthpiece. For young children, place the mask to cover your child's nose and mou…

Bronchiectasis is a lung disease in which the airways (bronchi) become damaged and scarred by repeated lung infections. It can cause a build-up of mucus in the airways, leading to persistent coughing and difficulty breathing.…

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a term that covers a large group of medical conditions in which damage to and scarring of lung tissue leads to long-term breathing difficulties. Causes are varied, but include smoking, radiation therapy, exposure to allergens and irritants and connective tissue diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.…

Bronchitis is a common condition that occurs when the lungs become inflamed. It causes coughing and difficult breathing. Acute bronchitis refers to the short-term type, and may occur in the aftermath of cold or flu. While the cough may be severe, it typically lasts for only a few weeks.…