Welcome to the Asthma + Lung UK blog. Together we can help create a world where everyone has healthy lungs.
Read on for advice and information, personal stories and campaigning and research news.
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Featured post
After working together for over two years, Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation have now become Asthma + Lung UK. Our CEO Sarah Woolnough tells you more about our new strategy and how we’re continuing to fight for your right to breathe and support those with lung conditions.
Damp is a common issue, especially in old houses or those in need of repair. Damp and mould can be a problem if you have a lung condition so fixing damp issues is important. Here’s what you can do about damp and mould if you live in a rented home.
Over the last few months we’ve been hearing from some of our supporters who have received unsolicited calls from individuals claiming to work for a loft insulation company or an “energy hub”. These have claimed to represent Asthma + Lung UK, or one of our legacy charities, British Lung Foundation. Paul, our Head of Supporter Care tells us more.
With GP practices getting busier, appointments can be hard to find. But those with lung conditions can take charge of their illness to make sure they are getting the right treatment and care. Dr Andy Whittamore, Clinical Lead at Asthma + Lung UK, gives his advice on how you can help manage your lung condition well.
Dr Andrew Whittamore looks at recent changes to reliever inhaler prescriptions and explains what they mean and how closer monitoring of reliver inhaler use can improve asthma management. He also gives his advice on what you can do to make sure you’re getting the full benefits of your medicines.
On International Women’s Day, our Director of Research and Innovation, Dr Sam Walker, reflects on her career as a woman in research and the importance of researching how lung conditions affect women in different ways.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science is an opportunity to promote full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls. Dr Sam Walker, Director of Research and Innovation at Asthma + Lung UK introduces some of the amazing women in respiratory research we’re funding.
Today it’s a well-established fact that lung conditions can be influenced by our genes. But this wasn’t always the case. Pioneering research funded by Asthma UK, one of the founding organisations of Asthma + Lung UK, discovered the first genetic link to asthma. Dr Samantha Walker, Director of Research and Innovation, tells us all about this ground-breaking research and the importance of its legacy today.
Over 1 in 3 people with COPD report symptoms of anxiety and depression. Yet, challenges with mental health are often under-recognised and under-treated in people living with chronic lung disease. Dr Lisa Brighton tells us about her important research into ways to support people with COPD and their mental health.
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Road traffic is one of the leading sources of air pollution in the UK’s towns and cities, and urgent action is needed to clean up the way we travel. However, some communities are disproportionately affected by toxic air and are being excluded from policies designed to tack air pollution. Chloe from our policy team talks us through our new work with IPPR and Transport for All showing how clean air zone policies can be implemented to ensure no one is left behind.
On 2 May, communities across England will head to the ballot box to vote for their new Metro Mayor. Here in the clean air team at Asthma + Lung UK, we’re campaigning for mayoral candidates to protect everyone’s lungs from toxic air pollution.
This October, we hosted our first Birmingham Clean Air Community Conference. In partnership with the Clean Air Justice Network, the event brought together inspiring people from all over the city to fight for clean air. Maddy from the Clean Air Team tells us all about this fantastic day.
E-cigarettes, also known as vapes, can be a useful tool to help quit smoking, but they don’t come without risks. Laura from our policy team discusses the challenges of disposable vapes and what the government needs to do about them.
Our supporter Lesley ran for Team Breathe in the London Landmarks Half Marathon this year. Here she tells us about her journey to running half marathons and why supporting Asthma + Lung UK is so important to her and her family.
Our supporter, Ricky ran the Great North Run for us this year in memory of his close friend Stevie. Here he tells us why it was so important for him and how he’s helping fight for everyone’s right to breathe.
Our supporter, Rebecca took part in our Hula Hoop Challenge this year. She hula hooped for 15 minutes every day for 30 days in May. She raised over £200 to support our vital work fighting for lung health. Here she tells us how the memory of dad, Nick inspired her to take on the challenge, and how it helped improve her fitness.
Laura Gilmore, a 37-year-old Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) from Prestwick near Glasgow, will be tackling the iconic TSC London Marathon for Asthma + Lung UK Scotland for the second time. She tells us how running helped managed her grief after losing her dad to Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, and why she’s fundraising in his memory.
We used to post as Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation, if you want to see our post before we became Asthma and Lung UK, see our archive.