Respiratory conditions such as asthma and infections can usually be managed effectively to prevent any serious complications. However, there can be a small risk of respiratory conditions damaging your lungs or preventing them from functioning properly. If you do develop any lung complications due to your respiratory condition then it could have very serious or even life-threatening consequences. It is essential to seek help as soon as possible if you are having breathing difficulties or you’re worried about possible lung complications.

Which Conditions Can Cause Lung Complications?

Respiratory conditions are more likely to trigger lung complications when they affect the lower respiratory system.

The lower respiratory system includes:

• the lower part of the windpipe
• the two bronchi or tubes that connect the windpipe to the lungs
• the smaller tubes called bronchioles that branch away from the bronchi
• the air sacs or alveoli inside the lungs

The most common conditions affecting these parts of your respiratory system are asthma and lower respiratory tract infections or chest infections. Chest infections are usually named after the part of the respiratory system where they are located. For example, bronchitis affects the bronchi, bronchiolitis affects the bronchioles, and pneumonia affects the lungs. Asthma can also affect these parts of the respiratory system. It causes excess mucus production and swelling in the airways. If any of these conditions is severe enough, it can cause serious problems for the lungs.

Respiratory conditions that affect other parts of your airways are less likely to cause complications in your lungs. However, they can sometimes trigger conditions that affect the lower airways, which could then go on to cause lung complications. For example, an upper respiratory tract infection could lead to a secondary chest infection such as pneumonia, which could cause lung complications.

Types of Lung Complications

The lungs can be affected by respiratory conditions in various ways. The impact can depend on the type of condition, the severity of the symptoms, and any underlying health problems or other risk factors. For example, young children can be at higher risk of developing lung complications when they catch a chest infection, because of their immature immune systems and smaller airways.

Some of the potential complications that can affect the lungs when you have asthma, a chest infection, or other respiratory conditions include:

• Respiratory failure, when the lung isn’t able to function properly, so your body doesn’t get enough oxygen and carbon dioxide builds up inside your body
• Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, a type of respiratory failure that is caused by extensive inflammation inside the lungs
• Partial or complete collapse of the lung, which can prevent air from getting into the lung when you breathe, making it harder to get the oxygen you need
• Lung abscesses, a pus-filled growth in the lung that can interfere with its function and cause symptoms such as chest pain
• Pleurisy or inflammation of the thin layer of tissue that surrounds the lungs, which can cause pain and may lead to respiratory failure

Respiratory conditions can also lead to complications outside of the lungs. For example, respiratory infections could spread to other parts of the body or trigger life-threatening complications such as sepsis. Conditions that affect lung function could also put you at risk of heart failure if your body isn’t able to get enough oxygen from the air.

Your respiratory specialist will make you aware of any potential complication when you are diagnosed with a condition such as asthma or a chest infection. Although the chances of developing serious complications from a respiratory condition are usually very low, it is important to be aware of the signs so that you can take action if anything does happen. The faster that you can recognise the signs and seek help, the easier it will be to manage the complications of your condition.

If you’re worried about your respiratory condition or you think you might be developing any of these lung complications then it is vital to seek help as soon as possible. You should seek emergency medical care if you are having any breathing difficulties or make an appointment with your respiratory specialist if you have noticed a change in your condition.