What are the main types of respiratory diseases?
There are a lot of them. Grouped by where the problem sits, they’re easier to follow. This is a simple way to organise the list, not a clinical classification, and some conditions cross over.
| Where | Examples |
|---|---|
| Airways | Asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, bronchial disorders |
| Infections | Common cold, flu, bronchitis, sinusitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, RSV |
| Lung tissue | Interstitial lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis |
| Lung blood vessels | Pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension |
| Growths | Lung cancer, lung nodules |
| Nose and upper airway | Allergic rhinitis, sinusitis |
| Around the lungs | Pleural disorders, collapsed lung |
What’s the difference between asthma and COPD?
They can feel similar, which is why a GP may arrange a breathing test to tell them apart. Here’s how the WHO and NHS describe each:
| Asthma | COPD | |
|---|---|---|
| People affected | About 363 million people had it in 2023; the most common chronic disease in children | Third leading cause of death worldwide, with 3.4 million deaths in 2023 |
| Typical symptoms | Cough (often at night), wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness | Breathlessness on activity, chesty cough with phlegm, wheezing, frequent chest infections |
| Common causes or triggers | Colds, weather changes, dust, smoke, pollen, animal fur | Smoking, household air pollution, dust and fumes at work |
| Main treatment | Inhalers; can’t be cured, but can be controlled | Quitting smoking, inhalers, pulmonary rehabilitation; can’t be cured, but symptoms can improve |
Which symptoms should you get checked?
See a GP or doctor if any of these are lingering, getting worse or new to you:
- A cough that won’t go away, with or without phlegm
- Getting more out of breath than usual
- Wheezing or a tight chest
- Chest infections that keep coming back
The NHS is particularly clear on one group: if you have persistent symptoms, are over 35 and smoke or used to, get it looked at. Early treatment can help before the lungs are significantly damaged.
When is it an emergency?
The NHS says to call 999 or go to A&E immediately for the symptoms in the box at the top of this page: severe trouble breathing, a tight or heavy chest, pain spreading to the arms, back, neck or jaw, very pale, blue or grey lips or skin, or sudden confusion. Outside the UK, use your local emergency number. Coughing up blood, or being more short of breath than usual, needs urgent advice from a doctor or a service like NHS 111.
Can breathing exercises help with lung disease?
They can help with symptoms, not the disease. The American Lung Association teaches pursed-lip breathing and belly breathing to people with asthma and COPD who get short of breath, and Cleveland Clinic says pursed-lip breathing can ease breathlessness in COPD, asthma and pulmonary fibrosis. Cleveland Clinic is also clear that it doesn’t treat lung disease.
Three ground rules if you have a diagnosis:
- Ask your doctor or respiratory team first.
- Keep taking your prescribed treatment. A breathing app is never a stand-in for an inhaler.
- Practise when you feel well, so the technique is there when you need it, and stop if you feel dizzy.
Common questions
What are the most common respiratory diseases?
Common ones include asthma, COPD, allergic rhinitis and infections such as colds, flu, bronchitis and pneumonia.
Can respiratory diseases be cured?
It depends on the disease. Many infections clear up. Asthma and COPD can’t be cured, but treatment can control symptoms, according to the WHO.
What is the biggest cause of COPD?
Smoking causes over 70% of cases in high-income countries, according to the WHO. In lower-income countries, household air pollution from cooking and heating fuels is also a major risk factor.
Is shortness of breath always a lung problem?
No. It can also come from the heart, anaemia, anxiety and other causes. That’s why new or worsening breathlessness should be checked rather than guessed at.
Can ATHA help with asthma or COPD?
ATHA is a wellness app, not a medical device. It doesn’t diagnose, treat or monitor any condition. If your care team has suggested paced breathing, it can keep the timing, but ask them first.
Where does ATHA fit in?
I want to be straight here: ATHA doesn’t treat, monitor or diagnose anything to do with your lungs. It’s a free app for everyday stress and calm. If your doctor or respiratory team has suggested paced breathing, its custom patterns can keep a count you’ve agreed with them. Otherwise, your care team comes first and this app comes a long way second.
If you are living with one of these conditions, I hope this was a clear, calm read. Be well.
Indie iOS developer, and the maker of ATHA. Say hello on Instagram or at solostaseraofficial@gmail.com.
Sources
Checked on 3 November 2026.
- MedlinePlus: Lung diseases · Last updated 24 July 2024.
- Cleveland Clinic: Respiratory system · Last updated 9 April 2024.
- WHO: Asthma fact sheet · 28 April 2026.
- WHO: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) fact sheet · 10 June 2026.
- NHS: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) · Page last reviewed 11 April 2023.
- NHS: Shortness of breath · Page last reviewed 30 January 2024.
- American Lung Association: Breathing exercises · Last updated 22 June 2026.
- Cleveland Clinic: Pursed-lip breathing · Last updated 8 July 2026.
ATHA is a breathing and mindfulness app, not a medical device, and this guide is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t diagnose or treat any condition. For a symptom that is persistent, severe or worrying, talk to a doctor. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.