Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

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 its causes, symptoms 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 is a chest infection that can affect your child’s ability to breathe freely.

Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a chest infection that affects a child’s ability to breathe freely. It usually appears in children under 12 months old.

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

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is the inflammation of the larger airways in your lungs, which causes an ongoing cough. Learn how to reduce the risk of 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, from pneumonia to kidney failure.

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.

 Washing hands can prevent the spread of RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus

RSV infects a person's airways and lungs. Learn about the causes, treatment and prevention of RSV, and how to stop the virus from spreading.

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.

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.