Respiratory Health

Respiratory diseases are conditions that affect the airways, including the lungs and the passages that carry air from the mouth and nose to the lungs [31104]. Common respiratory diseases among Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease [42101]. People who experience respiratory diseases may have symptoms of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and a cough.

Nearly one third of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a respiratory condition [39231]. There is a high prevalence of respiratory disease among Aboriginal children [45897], which is attributed to risk factors associated with social determinants of health [49118]. Culturally appropriate communication and health services are required to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people feel comfortable to participate in prevention and treatment services for respiratory diseases [42101].