Lung health information - Institute for Respiratory Health

Lung health information

We are proud to say that we’ve been looking after the State’s lungs for over 20 years.

Our lung information facts will help you learn how to keep your lungs healthy and provide you with key information on the causes of lung disease through to the symptoms and treatments.

Alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency

Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency is a rare genetic disorder in which the body's ability to produce a protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) is reduced

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Asthma

Asthma is a common, long-term respiratory disease. It affects about 2.5 million people in Australia according to the Australian Bureau of statistics.

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Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a long-term lung condition in which the airways in the lungs are damaged, causing the airways to become permanently widened.

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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a group of long-term conditions that are related to the obstruction of airflow in the lungs.

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Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common life-limiting genetic disorder affecting Australians today, for which there is no cure.

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Lung cancer

Lung cancer is the fourth leading cause of death in Australia. It develops when cells become abnormal and grow out of control in one or both of a person’s lungs.

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Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer in the form of a tumour that begins forming in the protective lining/membrane of various internal organs known as the mesothelium

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Pleural Effusion

A pleural effusion is an abnormal build-up of fluid around your lungs. This can cause pressure on the lungs, making breathing difficult. It can be a sign of serious illness.

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Pulmonary Fibrosis

The words pulmonary fibrosis literally translates to lung scarring.  It is a lung disease where the lace-like tissue around the air sacs of the lungs, known as alveoli, becomes damaged, thickened and scarred.

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Pulmonary Vascular Disease

Pulmonary vascular disease encompasses the various conditions that affect the blood vessels along the route between the heart and the lungs.

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Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a chronic disease which most commonly affects your lungs, but it can affect any organ in your body.

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