Chronic respiratory diseases
Chronic respiratory diseases are chronic diseases of the airways and other structures of the lung. Some of the most common chronic respiratory diseases are: asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, occupational lung diseases and pulmonary hypertension. Chronic respiratory diseases constitute a public health problem that impose a substantial burden.
Although some chronic respiratory diseases cannot be cured, appropriate management can control the disease and enable people to enjoy a good quality of life. Smoke (tobacco smoke, smoke from wood-burning or kerosene stoves and fireplaces), aerosol sprays, strong odours (perfumes, cologne, gasoline fumes) and dust and air pollution can trigger attacks by irritating sensitive airways.
Smoking is very common in many countries of the Eastern Meditteranian Region. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control was developed in response to the globalization of the tobacco epidemic, with the aim of protecting billions of people from harmful exposure to tobacco. It is the first global health treaty negotiated by WHO, and has been ratified by more than 167 countries.
WHO also leads the Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases, a voluntary alliance of national and international organizations, institutions, and agencies working towards the common goal of reducing the global burden of chronic respiratory diseases. Its vision is a world where all people breathe freely. The Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases focuses specifically on the needs of low- and middle-income countries and vulnerable populations.
Related links
WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases
Information resources
Recent publications
Publications of the Global Alliance against Respiratory Diseases
Prevention and control of chronic respiratory diseases in low- and middle-income African countries
WHO headquarter's publications: chronic respiratory diseases
Others
GOLD (Global initiative of COPD)
COPD predicted to be third leading cause of death in 2030/ World Health Statistics
Prevention of allergy and allergic asthma
Policy documents
Global Alliance Against Respiratory Diseases action plan 2008–2013
WHO strategy for prevention and control of chronic respiratory diseases
Implementation of WHO strategy for prevention and control of chronic respiratory diseases
Prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases: report of the Secretary-General
A prioritized research agenda for prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases
Links
Related topics
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Related programmes
Health education and promotion