Sixty patients diagnosed as having chronic respiratory diseases were surveyed in order to establish how many knew the name of their disease, the medications they were taking, the name of the medical specialty dedicated to treating their condition and the nature of spirometry. Only 23 patients (38%) knew the name of their disease; among them were all those suffering asthma or silicosis, but only 24% of those with other diseases. Thirty-three (55%) were unable to name their medications. Only 22% knew what a pneumologist does or could define spirometry, although at least 45% of these patients had undergone the procedure. The majority, on the other hand, knew what a cardiologist (70%) does and what an electrocardiogram (80%) is. A large number of patients with chronic respiratory diseases know very little about basic aspects of their conditions. Use of correct terminology appears to be necessary if patient knowledge is to increase.