What are respiratory diseases?
Respiratory diseases are chronic diseases (disease of long duration) of the airways and other parts of the lungs. Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and sleep apnea (Public Health Agency of Canada) are the most common respiratory diseases.
Reducing your risk of developing respiratory diseases
The 2 main risk factors for chronic respiratory diseases are tobacco smoke (through personal smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke) and indoor and outdoor air quality.
The following tips will help to keep your lungs healthy:
- If you smoke, try to quit and learn how we can help.
- Avoid second-hand smoke.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
- Be aware of air pollution and do your part to keep the air clean indoors and outdoors.
When it comes to avoiding cancer, prevention and early detection are essential. That’s why knowing your risk is so important.
To learn your risk, complete a cancer risk assessment and get your personalized action plan at My CancerIQ
For more information, visit the Canadian Lung Association.