Chronic respiratory diseases

Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) affect the airways and other structures of the lungs. Some of the most common are chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, occupational lung diseases and pulmonary hypertension. In addition to tobacco smoke, other risk factors include air pollution, occupational chemicals and dusts, and frequent lower respiratory infections during childhood.1

KEY FACTS

  • Asthma is characterized by recurrent attacks of breathlessness and wheezing due to airway narrowing, which vary in severity and frequency from person to person.2
  • Asthma is the most common chronic disease among children.2
  • Asthma affected an estimated 363 million people in 2023 and caused 442 000 deaths.2
  • COPD only affects adults and usually becomes worse with time.3
  • The most common symptoms of COPD are breathlessness or a need for air, sputum production and a chronic cough.3
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide, causing 3.4 million deaths in 2023, approximately 6% of all global deaths.3
  • In LMIC tobacco smoking accounts for 30–40% of COPD cases, and household air pollution is a major risk factor.3
  • Neither asthma nor chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be cured but treatment can reduce symptoms, prevent deterioration and improve daily life.3

SOURCE

  1. Chronic respiratory diseases. Geneva: World Health Organization. Available from: https://www.who.int/health-topics/chronic-respiratory-diseases
  2. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Geneva: World Health Organization; 2025 Mar 24. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-(copd)
  3. Asthma. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2025 May 13. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma