Overview
Respiratory health covers the lungs and airways that move oxygen into the body and remove carbon dioxide. Problems can range from short-lived respiratory infections to longer-term airway or lung conditions.
Cough, shortness of breath and changes in breathing can have many possible causes. Infection, asthma or other airway problems may be involved, but symptoms can also overlap with heart conditions, anaemia and other health problems.
Smoking, vaping, haze, occupational exposure and repeated respiratory infections can also affect breathing health. The pattern, duration and severity of symptoms usually matter more than one symptom considered by itself.
A few things worth keeping an eye on
1. Notice a cough that does not settle
Cough is common during respiratory infections, but a cough that persists, keeps returning or changes significantly may deserve assessment, especially when it occurs with breathlessness, fever or other new symptoms.
2. Pay attention to changes in breathing
Feeling unusually short of breath during activities you previously managed comfortably can be worth discussing. Sudden or severe breathing difficulty needs more urgent assessment.
3. Smoking affects the airways and lungs
Smoking exposes the respiratory system to substances that can damage the airways and lungs over time. Stopping smoking can benefit respiratory as well as cardiovascular health.
4. Air quality can change symptoms
Haze, smoke, dust and other airborne irritants can worsen coughing or breathing symptoms in some people, particularly those who already have sensitive airways or respiratory conditions.
5. Infections usually need context
Many coughs and respiratory symptoms occur during viral infections and improve with time. Duration, breathing difficulty, fever, hydration and how unwell you feel help determine whether further assessment is needed.
6. Breathing symptoms are not always from the lungs
Shortness of breath can also occur with heart problems, anaemia and other conditions. Avoid assuming that every breathing symptom has a respiratory cause without considering the wider clinical picture.
Questions you may have along the way
What can cause shortness of breath?
Shortness of breath can have many causes, including lung or airway problems, respiratory infections, heart conditions, anaemia and other health conditions. The pattern of breathlessness and accompanying symptoms help guide what needs assessment.
When should a cough be checked?
Consider medical assessment if a cough is persistent, worsening, repeatedly returning or occurring with symptoms such as significant breathlessness, chest pain, coughing up blood or feeling unusually unwell.
Can haze affect my breathing?
Yes. Haze and other airborne irritants can trigger coughing, throat irritation or breathing symptoms, especially in people with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Reducing exposure when air quality is poor may help.
Does shortness of breath always mean there is a lung problem?
No. Breathlessness can arise from respiratory conditions, but heart disease, anaemia and several other problems can cause similar symptoms. New or unexplained breathlessness should be considered in the wider clinical context.
When is breathing difficulty an emergency?
Can stopping smoking still help my lungs after many years?
Yes. Stopping smoking can still provide health benefits even after years of smoking. It reduces ongoing exposure to substances that damage the lungs, airways and cardiovascular system.
Yes. Stopping smoking can still provide health benefits even after years of smoking. It reduces ongoing exposure to substances that damage the lungs, airways and cardiovascular system.
Useful checks for the bigger picture
Heart & Cardiovascular Screening
Heart screening looks at blood pressure, cholesterol, sugar and smoking to estimate your heart attack and stroke risk, so you can act early.
General Health Screening
General health screening covers a few simple, well-proven checks, like blood pressure and blood sugar, that can pick up common silent conditions early.