First and foremost, it’s important to understand the difference between various conditions – which can be either acute or chronic – that can impact your respiratory system. Some of these can be managed relatively effectively, while others are harder to address, and symptoms may be more life-impacting.
Acute respiratory illnesses come up suddenly and last for a short time. They can be caused by viruses, bacteria and infections, such as a cold or flu, and may go away on their own or disappear after appropriate medical treatment.
Chronic respiratory conditions get worse with time. They may be caused by unhealthy habits (like smoking), aging or genetics, and include asthma, allergies and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Treatment of chronic conditions often includes slowing the progress of the disease and managing symptoms, since many have no cure.