Respiratory Health

Respiratory diseases are conditions that affect and harm the functioning of the airways and lungs [53255][42132]. They can be either acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). 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 fever, sore throat, runny/blocked nose, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and a cough [53255].

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 [50170][45897], which is attributed to risk factors associated with social determinants of health [42101][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].