Pulmonary diseases are among the most common conditions, both in children in the form of asthma and in the elderly, where these diseases manifest as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Asthma in children is based on overactive immune system function and is usually treatable, but can also be very severe. A better understanding of the underlying cause and mechanisms leads to better medication and better control of the disease. Environmental factors, such as air quality, may also play a role. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are consequences of smoking behaviour and are still very poorly treatable; here, huge progress can still be made.
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Research in pulmonary diseases covers the entire axis from basic to applied and can focus on preventing and understanding lung diseases, new or better treatments using drugs or vaccines, and transplanting or even repairing broken lungs. This includes long-term monitoring of a population to find out at what point a lung disease is developed and what factors are involved. Including the patient perspective is inextricably linked to lung disease research.
