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.

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Lung conditions

Learn all about lung conditions and diseases, such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, whooping cough and more.

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Pulmonary fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease where the tissue around the air sacs in the lungs becomes damaged, thickened and scarred. The condition leads to problems with breathing. Find out more.

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Bronchiectasis

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

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Respiratory system

Your respiratory system brings oxygen into your body and helps to remove carbon dioxide. Learn more about how it functions and related conditions.

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Lung biopsy

A lung biopsy involves removing small pieces of abnormal lung tissue using a needle. The procedure is performed by a radiologist (doctor who specialises in x-rays and scans).

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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.

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Asbestosis

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

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Emphysema

Emphysema is a progressive lung disease usually caused by cigarette smoking. It causes shortness of breath and coughing.

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Quit tobacco and you'll breathe easy

According to the World Health Organization, tobacco products were responsible for 3.3 million lung disease-related deaths worldwide in 2017.

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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.

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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.

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Bronchoscopy

During a bronchoscopy, a doctor views your airways and lungs. By inserting a tube attached to a camera, they aim to diagnose or treat a condition.

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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.

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COPD

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

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Pulmonary embolism

A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the arteries that supply blood to the lungs, caused by one or more blood clots. Here's how to spot the signs.

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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.

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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.

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Cough

Most coughs are caused by viruses which inflame the throat, windpipe or lungs. Here are some tips to relieve the symptoms.

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Tuberculosis

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

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Bone cancer

Primary bone cancer, which begins in the bones, is rare. But many other cancers, such as lung or breast cancer, can then spread to the bones.

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Haemoptysis (coughing up blood)

Haemoptysis (hemoptysis) is when you cough up blood from the lungs or bronchial tubes. Learn about the causes and when to seek emergency medical help.

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Pleurisy

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

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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.

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Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that can affect many of the body’s organs including the lungs and lymph nodes. Learn more about sarcoidosis including its symptoms and treatments

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Flu (influenza)

The flu is a viral infection affecting your nose, throat and sometimes your lungs. It is typically more severe than a cold. Find out more about the flu.

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Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a common, inherited genetic condition that can cause chronic lung and liver disease. Treatment can slow down the progress of the disease. Learn more here.

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Pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is a condition caused by changes to the arteries in your lungs that can damage your heart. Read more here about the causes, symptoms and treatment of pulmonary hypertension.

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Bacterial infections

Bacterial infections can affect the throat, the lungs, the skin, the bowel and many others parts of your body. They can be can be highly contagious. This page explains how to avoid spreading infections.

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Granulomas

A granuloma is a tiny cluster of white blood cells and other tissue, and is found in the lungs, head, skin or elsewhere. Granulomas are not cancerous; they form as a reaction to, for example, infections or foreign objects.

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