Chronic respiratory diseases are a group of chronic diseases affecting the airways and other structures of the lungs. Among the most common are: Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Through our program, we are aiming to improve early detection rates and management of Chronic Respiratory Diseases at both PHC and community levels.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs that causes periodic episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing. Although the underlying asthma cannot be cured, the severity and the frequency of acute attacks can be greatly reduced by taking the proper, prescribed medication and avoiding asthma triggers.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease that limits airflow in the lungs. COPD is a life-threatening disease and one that is under-diagnosed; it is preventable, though not curable. The most common COPD symptoms are breathlessness or a need for air, excessive sputum production and a chronic cough. Treatment can help slow disease progression, but COPD generally worsens over time and, as such, is most frequently diagnosed in people aged 40 years or older.