Respiratory diseases are any of the diseases and disorders of the airways and the lungs that affect human respiration. Any part of the respiratory system may become affected and have a wide variety of complications. Acute respiratory disorders are usually infective while non-infective disorders can be chronic causing breathing difficulty, hypoventilation and reduced oxygen intake. Any impairment of oxygenation affects general health with patients easily fatiguing.

Alongside the infection & inflammation, there is increased mucus secretion, resulting in obstruction of the airways with collapse of the lung tissue. It is of paramount importance to regain expansion of the area as soon as possible because the collapsed tissue becomes fibrosed, with permanent reduction of the ventilation through the lungs.

Types of Respiratory Disorders:

1. Infections: Lung infections are common problem particularly in children and elderly people. The commonest causes are bacterial or viral. People with weakened immune system are more prone to such infections. Infectious lung conditions are usually temporary, although some respiratory infections can become chronic or frequently recur. For decades, acute respiratory infections have been among the top three causes of death and disability among both children and adults. Lung infections are common and are caused by a wide range of organisms. They include pneumonia, pulmonary tuberculosis, fungal infection of lungs.
2. Chronic Lung Disease: Include chronic bronchitis, emphysema and bronchial asthma. These disorders are characterised by obstructive symptom like wheezing, difficulty in breathing, fatigue and cough.

Alongside tobacco smoke, other risk factors include air pollution, occupational   chemicals and dusts, and frequent lower respiratory infections during childhood. Chronic respiratory disorders are not curable; however, various forms of treatment that help open the air passages and improve shortness of breath can help control symptoms and improve daily life for people living with these conditions.

Respiratory diseases are leading causes of death and disability in the world. Hundreds of millions of people around the world suffer from preventable chronic respiratory diseases.

Respiratory diseases are an enormous challenge to life, health and productive human activity.

• Prevention, control,and cure of these diseases and promotion of respiratory health must be a top priority in global decision making in the health sector.
• The control, prevention and cure of respiratory diseases are among the most cost-effective health interventions available.
• Investment in respiratory health will pay manifold dividends in longevity, healthy living days and national economies.