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Lungs

Our lungs play an important role in keeping us healthy and well. Learn about conditions that affect your lungs, and how to protect your lung health.

Acute bronchitis (chest infection)

Acute bronchitis is the most common type of chest infection. Bronchitis is an infection in the large airways in your lungs, called bronchi. Acute means it comes on quickly and does not last long.

Asthma

Find out about asthma symptoms, medicines that help control asthma and what to do during an asthma attack.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

A treatable, long-term lung condition that can cause breathlessness, coughing, mucus (sputum or phlegm) and sometimes wheezing.

Croup

A common viral infection that narrows the upper airways. It is more common in pēpi (babies) over 6 months old and young tamariki (children) under 3.

Legionnaires' disease (legionellosis)

Legionnaires' disease is a chest infection (pneumonia) caused by the Legionella bacteria. People usually catch the disease by breathing in water droplets that contain the bacteria from sources like soil, compost, potting mix, or spa pools and water systems.

Persistent cough

A persistent cough is a cough that lasts longer than 6 to 8 weeks. It is also known as a chronic cough. If you have a persistent cough, see your healthcare provider so they can help you find out what is causing it and what you can do about it.

Preventing the spread of respiratory illnesses

Find out what to do if you have symptoms of a respiratory illness and how to reduce the risk of spreading it to other people.

Silicosis

Silicosis is a long-term lung disease. This happens when someone is exposed to large amounts of silica dust over a shorter time. Accelerated silicosis is when the disease comes on more quickly.