Respiratory disease affects one in five people and is the third biggest cause of death in England (after cancer and cardiovascular disease).
The most common lung diseases include:
- Asthma
- Swelling and inflammation in the main passages (bronchial tubes) that carry air to the lungs (bronchitis)
- COPD
- Lung cancer
- Lung infection (pneumonia)
Common symptoms in all five diseases:
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activities
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- A chronic cough that may produce mucus (sputum) that may be clear, white, yellow or greenish
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Lack of energy
- Unintended weight loss (in later stages)
- Swelling in ankles, feet or legs
All these conditions are chronic which means they do not go away and are considered underlying medical conditions. Each of the diseases result in different things happening within the lungs, but symptoms are common across all respiratory conditions and some conditions can occur together.
Asthma, COPD and Bronchitis will all result in flare ups from time to time, some of which may need treatment in hospital, but most can be managed by the individual with flare up plans agreed with their medical practitioner and some rescue medication.
Working with a lung condition
Individuals with a chronic lung condition are encouraged to discuss their self-management plan with their manager and in some situations the First Aid Team, about how they can help in an acute flare up, especially an asthma attack.
Individuals are encouraged to always have a reliever inhaler or other spray with them so that they can quickly deal with symptoms if they get them. It is very important for people with chronic lung conditions to keep up with all their routine medicines to make sue that they stay well.
Managers should remember that it is likely that The Equality Act 2010 may apply to chronic lunch conditions, so talking to employees with these diseases about how it affects them will allow consideration of any workplace adjustments.
In some workplaces job roles are more at risk of making respiratory conditions worse or even causing respiratory conditions, such as welders, quarry and stone workers, construction workers, vehicle paint sprayers and bakers. An employer has a duty of care to control these risks, and they will provide information and specialist assessment via Occupational Health so that you are protected.
Further support
NHS – Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Asthma + Lung UK – Info on what COPD is, what the symptoms are, and how it’s diagnosed and treated
Asthma + Lung UK – Working with a lung condition
Ref: WPW0311 this information was published September 2024.
