Chronic Lung Disease
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.
Analogy
Imagine your lungs as a pair of balloons. In a healthy state, they inflate and deflate easily when you breathe in and out. But with chronic lung disease, it's like trying to blow up a balloon that has tiny holes or is partially blocked - it requires more effort and doesn't work as efficiently.
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.
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