Skip to main content
chest lungs

Chest and lungs

Jump to

The respiratory system contains the lungs, windpipe and diaphragm, among other structures and organs. You'll have learned all about this in biology classes at school, but since then many just taking breathing for granted. However, a cough or wheeze could be a sign of worse things to come.

Chest infection

Chest and lungs

Chest infection

by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP

Hands cupping lung symbol against a blue background.

Chest and lungs

Asthma

by Dr Doug McKechnie, MRCGP

Pneumonia

Chest and lungs

Pneumonia

by Dr Mohammad Sharif Razai, MRCGP

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chest and lungs

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

by Dr Toni Hazell, FRCGP

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways that causes breathing difficulties. When exposed to triggers, the airway linings swell, excess mucus is produced, and the surrounding muscles tighten, making breathing difficult.

Back to top

Breathing difficulties

Difficulty breathing is the subjective feeling of being unable to get enough air or having to work too hard to breathe. It can feel like chest tightness, gasping, or an inability to take a full breath. Severe breathing problems require emergency medical attention.

Back to top

Chest infections

Chest and lung infections (often called lower respiratory tract infections) occur when viruses, bacteria, or fungi invade your airways or lung tissue. The most common types are bronchitis and pneumonia.

Back to top

Chest pain

Chest pain refers to any discomfort, ache, or pressure felt anywhere between the neck and the upper abdomen. While frequently associated with heart issues, it can also originate from respiratory, gastrointestinal, muscular, or psychological conditions.

Back to top

COPD

COPD is a progressive lung condition that makes it hard to breathe. It is an umbrella term for long-term respiratory diseases, primarily emphysema (damage to the air sacs) and chronic bronchitis (inflamed, mucus-filled airways).

Back to top

Cough

A cough is a natural reflex to clear your airways of irritants, mucus, or foreign particles. It is usually caused by a viral infection, allergies, or environmental irritants. A cough lasting over three weeks should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Back to top

Lung conditions

Lung conditions are broadly classified by how they affect breathing and the respiratory system. They can damage the airways, the tiny air sacs (alveoli) responsible for gas exchange, or the surrounding lung tissue and blood vessels.

Back to top

Join the conversation

Looking for answers, reassurance, or people who understand your situation? Patient Communities bring together thousands of members to talk about health and wellbeing. You can browse discussions by topic, ask your own questions, and share personal experiences - all in a trusted, supportive environment.