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Lung conditions

Asbestos under a microscope, to help illustrate an article about asbestosis - the lung disease caused by exposure to asbestos.

Asbestosis

This lung disease is caused by asbestos dust, with symptoms (shortness of breath, coughing) usually appearing 10 to 20 years after exposure.

Asthma

Asthma symptoms can include a cough, wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness. Learn more about asthma symptoms, causes and treatment options.

 X-ray showing lungs affected by bronchiectasis.

Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis damages the airways in the lungs, causing them to permanently widen. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent further damage.

Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a common chest infection in babies that affects their breathing. Urgent treatment can be needed. Find out when to call for help.

 Bronchitis causes your airways (bronchi) to become irritated and inflamed, producing more mucus and a cough.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways in your lungs, which causes a cough. Learn about the symptoms and treatment of acute bronchitis.

 Chest infections are usually caused by either bacteria or viruses.

Chest infection

Chest infections are common in people of all ages and can easily be spread. Learn more here about the causes, symptoms and treatments for chest infect...

 Image of man in his forties coughing and having his chest listened to via stethoscope by female doctor, to help illustrate COPD.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term for certain long-term lung conditions including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

 Image of young child who has cystic fibrosis (CF).

Cystic fibrosis (CF)

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a disease affecting the lungs and digestive system. Treatments can improve the quality of life for people living with CF.

Quitting smoking is the best way to treat emphysema.

Emphysema

Emphysema is a progressive lung disease usually caused by cigarette smoking. It causes shortness of breath and coughing. Read more about emphysema sym...

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Learn about the causes and symptoms of, and treatments for, this serious disease.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a malignant tumour caused by exposure to asbestos, maybe decades ago. Australia has one of the world’s highest rates of mesothelioma.

 Image of patient seeing a doctor for chest pain, one of the symptoms of pleural effusion.

Pleural effusion

A pleural effusion is an abnormal build-up of fluid in the space around the lungs. It can be caused by many things, most commonly heart failure, pneum...

 CT scan of lungs showing pleurisy.

Pleurisy

Pleurisy occurs when the lining of the lungs become inflamed, most often due to a recent respiratory tract infection.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, often caused by bacteria or viruses. It can be mild or very serious. Learn more about the illness.

 Pneumothorax makes breathing difficult

Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax (known as collapsed lung) is a reasonably common condition that occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and chest wall.

Respiratory syncytial virus

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infects the airways and lungs. Learn about the causes, treatment, prevention of RSV, and how to stop the virus from ...

Silicosis

Silicosis is a lung disease caused by inhaling unsafe levels of silica dust, usually over a period of many years. Find out how to minimise the risk.

Tuberculosis

This highly infectious disease, which mostly affects the lungs, can be spread through coughing, sneezing, speaking or even singing.

Whooping cough

Whooping cough is a contagious bacterial infection and is most serious in babies. Here’s how to spot the symptoms and protect infants.

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