Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Chronic lung disease refers to long-term respiratory conditions that obstruct or limit the airflow within the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing. These diseases include asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.
Related terms
Asthma: A condition in which a person's airways become inflamed, narrow and swell, producing extra mucus which makes it difficult to breathe.
Emphysema: A type of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) involving damage to the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs.
Bronchitis: An inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs.