Chronic respiratory diseases


A featureless graphic image of a person showing cross section of lungsChronic respiratory diseases are chronic diseases of the airways and other structures of the lung. Some of the most common chronic respiratory diseases are: asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, occupational lung diseases and pulmonary hypertension. Chronic respiratory diseases constitute a public health problem that impose a substantial burden.

Although some chronic respiratory diseases cannot be cured, appropriate management can control the disease and enable people to enjoy a good quality of life. Smoke (tobacco smoke, smoke from wood-burning or kerosene stoves and fireplaces), aerosol sprays, strong odours (perfumes, cologne, gasoline fumes) and dust and air pollution can trigger attacks by irritating sensitive airways.

Smoking is very common in many countries of the Eastern Meditteranian Region. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control was developed in response to the globalization of the tobacco epidemic, with the aim of protecting billions of people from harmful exposure to tobacco. It is the first global health treaty negotiated by WHO, and has been ratified by more than 167 countries.

WHO also leads the Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases, a voluntary alliance of national and international organizations, institutions, and agencies working towards the common goal of reducing the global burden of chronic respiratory diseases. Its vision is a world where all people breathe freely. The Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases focuses specifically on the needs of low- and middle-income countries and vulnerable populations.

Related links

WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases

 

 

Information resources

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Recent publications

Publications of the Global Alliance against Respiratory Diseases

Global surveillance, prevention and control of chronic respiratory diseases: a comprehensive approach

Prevention and control of chronic respiratory diseases in low- and middle-income African countries

WHO headquarter's publications: chronic respiratory diseases

Others

GOLD (Global initiative of COPD)

COPD predicted to be third leading cause of death in 2030/ World Health Statistics

Prevention of allergy and allergic asthma

Policy documents

Global Alliance Against Respiratory Diseases action plan 2008–2013

Global Alliance Aaginst Respiratory Diseases meeting report of the fifth general meeting, 1–2 June 2010, Toronto, Canada

Global Alliance Against Respiratory Diseases basket: A package of information, surveillance tools and guidelines, to be offered as a service to countries

WHO strategy for prevention and control of chronic respiratory diseases

Implementation of WHO strategy for prevention and control of chronic respiratory diseases

WHO consultation on the development of a comprehensive approach for the prevention and control of chronic respiratory diseases

Plan of action for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

Prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases: report of the Secretary-General

A prioritized research agenda for prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases

Package of essential noncommunicable (‎PEN)‎ disease interventions for primary health care in low-resource settings

Links

Global Alliance against Respiratory Diseases

Global Initiative for Asthma