Breathing should be easy - but for many people, it’s a daily struggle.
Respiratory diseases are conditions that affect the lungs and how we breathe. These include common conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as more serious illnesses like lung cancer, interstitial lung disease and mesothelioma.
In England, around one in five people live with a respiratory condition. These illnesses are not only widespread - they’re also one of the leading causes of death.
Many factors that contribute to respiratory disease, such as poor air quality and inadequate housing, are outside of people’s control. But there is good news: most respiratory conditions can be prevented or better managed with the right support.
What we’re doing in West Yorkshire
We’re working with local communities and partners to help prevent, detect and manage respiratory diseases. Together, we aim to reduce the impact of these conditions by:
- Improving air quality and housing
- Offering early screening and diagnosis
- Supporting people to look after their health
Getting the right diagnosis and treatment is essential - and learning how to manage breathing problems can significantly improve your quality of life.