Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) are diseases related to the structure of the lungs and airways. Common CRDs include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), occupational lung diseases and pulmonary hypertension. CRDs are not curable but can be treated to increase quality of life through aiding the dilation of major air passages and improve shortness of breath.
In 2016 the global mortality rate caused by CRDs was 7% and 4% for Cambodia’s total population.
Symptoms depend on the type of disease;
- Shortness of breath.
- Chest pain or tightness
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Breathlessness
- Chronic cough,
- Mucous production.
- Difficulty undertaking daily activities
- Exacerbations
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Smoking
- Pneumonia
- cystic fibrosis
- Stroke
- injury to the chest
- drug or alcohol misuse
Risk factors include;
- tobacco smoking,
- occupational chemicals and dusts,
- outdoor and indoor air pollution
- frequent lower respiratory infections during childhood
- Allergens
- Occupational risks and vulnerability
- No smoking (educate children about the harms of smoking)
- Avoid second-hand smoking
- Wash hands
- Cover when coughing
- Avoid dust-build up in home and office
- Wear a mask
- Get vaccinated
- Antibiotics/medication
- Vaccinations
- Inhalers – ventilation
- Pneumonia
- Chest pain
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
- Depression
- Heart failure
- Death
English 
Khmer