According to the World Health Organization (WHO) (in English), chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) (in English) are “diseases of the airways and other structures of the lung.” The most common CRDs include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (in English), asthma (in English) occupational lung diseases, and pulmonary hypertension (in English). There are multiple risk factors related to CRDs, which include tobacco smoke, air pollution, frequent lower respiratory infections during childhood, and occupational chemicals and dusts. CRDs are currently not curable. However, there are treatments available that help control symptoms and increase the quality of life for people with CRDs, including respiratory therapy (in English).  CRDs can limit a person’s ability to participate fully in educational, employment, and community activities.

If you would like to learn more about respiratory diseases and research and development to support full participation of individuals who live with these conditions, take a look at these current and completed NIDILRR-funded projects (in English). Our information specialists searched the NARIC collection and found over 1200 articles, books, and reports from the NIDILRR community and beyond (in English). If you would like more information or assistance searching the NARIC collection, please contact our information specialists by calling 800/346-2742, email, or chat (in English).

Please note: If you are currently experiencing respiratory distress, please call 911 immediately. If you have signs and symptoms of a respiratory disease, please contact your primary care physician.