ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the concepts related to best practices for the management of individuals with life-limiting conditions secondary to respiratory diseases. Concepts described include incidence and mortality rates globally and specific to the United States; condition characteristics including typical symptom presentation; diagnostic criteria; causative factors such as air pollution and tobacco use disorder; common presentation by diagnosis; and early and late-stage disease trajectory. Diagnoses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary fibrosis are detailed, as well as infectious diseases such as pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19. The management of respiratory diseases, including pulmonary rehabilitation, are outlined.
