Lung conditions

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.

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

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 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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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
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
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.