Asthma + Lung UK Cymru

Smoke and chemicals from fireworks and bonfires can affect your lung condition.

We're urging people with lung conditions like asthma or COPD to take extra care when attending displays. If you have a preventer inhaler, take it everyday as prescribed. This will help you manage your symptoms.

If you use a reliever inhaler, always have it with you. You can use it quickly if your symptoms get worse. Make sure the people you're with know how to help you in an emergency too.

Read our advice: https://asthmaandlung.org.uk/living-with/fireworks-bonfires-lung-condition

Help create a safe and healthy learning environment for children with asthma by getting involved with our campaign.

Please encourage your local school or sports club to download our free poster to help people know what to do if a child has an asthma attack: https://bit.ly/3LRHN5r

How is your going? Do you need extra support to quit smoking?

Don't do it alone, support is there if you need it. 🚭

Find different ways to quit smoking, how to cope with withdrawal symptoms, and when you’ll notice the benefits: https://orlo.uk/08S2w

Come to our next event!

On Tuesday 26 November at 6pm, we will be holding an in-person event at the Senedd to mark two years since the publication of the Quality Statement for Respiratory Disease.

Join us: https://eventbrite.co.uk/e/this-is-life-breath-reviewing-the-quality-statement-for-respiratory-tickets-1021663582277

On , we'd like to raise awareness that asthma symptoms can sometimes get worse in the time leading up to menopause (perimenopause).

As you approach menopause, we advise to have regular asthma reviews (at least once a year) with your GP or nurse so that you can get the best possible care and support.

Learn more: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/asthma/asthma-triggers/female-sex-hormones-and-asthma

RSV is a common virus that spreads from October to March each year in the UK and can make babies, young children, and older people very ill.

If you have any questions, our Helpline team are here to support you. Call the team on 0300 222 5800 (Monday - Friday, 9:15am - 5pm).

Visit out more about RSV symptoms, diagnosis and treatments: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv

Having flu can increase the chance of you having an asthma attack, or a flare-up of your lung condition. You’re also at risk of getting a chest infection after having flu.

We advise those with lung conditions to get their annual flu vaccine. Find more information on our website: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/living-with/festive #:~:text=Getting%20your%20winter,pneumonia%20vaccine.

Come to our next event!

On Tuesday 26 November at 6pm, we will be holding an in-person event at the Senedd to mark two years since the publication of the Quality Statement for Respiratory Disease.

The event will bring together people with lung conditions, health care professionals, politicians and other organisation that we work with in Wales.

Join us: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/this-is-life-breath-reviewing-the-quality-statement-for-respiratory-tickets-1021663582277

Did you know singing is good for your lungs? 🎵 The sessions include relaxation and breathing exercises and also singing.

Join our online Singing for Lung Health group tomorrow at 10am!

➡️ https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/groups-support/motivational-mondays

“Upon receiving my lung condition diagnosis, I thought my life as I knew it was over.”

Tracey was diagnosed with bronchiectasis in 2020, but her symptoms started back in 2016. Bronchiectasis is a long-term condition that affects the airways in your lungs. If you have bronchiectasis, your airways are wider and become inflamed with thick phlegm.

“I developed an excessive, violent cough and shortness of breath. I couldn’t walk short distances. At first, I was diagnosed with swine flu and given multiple courses of antibiotics, but the symptoms never went away.

Eventually, in 2020 I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis which was confirmed with a scan. I had come across bronchiectasis on Google, and on the Asthma + Lung UK website so I was aware of the condition.

The previous few years had worn me down, both physically and mentally. Upon receiving the diagnosis, I thought my life as I knew it was over. Questions ran through my mind like ‘I’m only going to get worse, there’s no cure, how long am I going to live? I’m going to be such a burden to people’. I just spiralled, trying to process everything as I was only 30 years old.

I’m now on a continual low dose of steroids, increasing my dose if I have a flare up. Anyone who has experienced a serious illness, will know it takes something like this to really value and appreciate your health. ‘Your health is your wealth’ is a phrase that is used so often, but I didn’t know it’s true meaning until I received my diagnosis. It has made me extremely grateful for the life I live.

Health is now my number one priority. This allows me to make value- based decisions that serve me in a way that is good for me. I lead a healthy and balanced life now with plenty of exercise, decent food, and a great support network. I lift weights, run twice a week and teach yoga when I can.”

Would you like guidance on managing your child’s allergies during the festive season?

Join us on Tuesday 26th November 2024 to speak with an allergy nurse specialist: https://orlo.uk/lANu9

Sam Phillips from Newport will be running the Cardiff Half Marathon this Sunday in memory of her beloved son, Luke, who tragically lost his life to a sudden asthma attack in 2019, when he was just 19 years old.

“It was a huge shock to us all. We never thought asthma could take him away from us. But I must hold on to the fact that he was so loved, had so many amazing friends, and truly lived his life to the fullest.

"Luke was born at just 1.11 pounds. I went into labour at only 31 weeks, and he spent his first year in and out of the hospital. He was hospitalised with chest problems twice when he was very little and was diagnosed with asthma soon after. Thankfully, his asthma improved during his teenage years, and we never thought it was a real danger to him.

"Our lives turned upside down just after Christmas of 2018. Luke was at a friend’s house. He loved socialising and had so many friends. That evening, he became wheezy and short of breath, so he popped home to get his inhalers. This wasn’t out of the ordinary, as his allergies sometimes made his asthma worse. But when he returned to his friend’s house, things quickly went downhill. His breathing got much worse, and Luke collapsed. He was unconscious for 16 minutes and had a cardiac arrest.

"When the paramedics arrived, they got his heart working again and he was transported to Royal Gwent Hospital and placed in intensive care. Luke never woke up and passed away a week later, on January 4th 2019. We never knew that Christmas would be our last with him.

“We decided to donate Luke’s kidneys, pancreas, and liver. Amazingly, donating his liver saved a woman’s life—she had three children. It brings me comfort to know that a part of Luke still lives on and continues to make a difference, just like he always did.

"Asthma is a silent killer. It needs to be taken more seriously. Luke’s asthma was always well managed, and he had regular check-ups. He developed an allergy to cats and dogs, which we believe played a role in his final asthma attack.

"Along with Luke’s sister Molly and his close friends, we’ve decided to run the Cardiff Half Marathon for Asthma + Lung UK, a charity which funds research into finding new treatments and supports people with lung conditions. We want keep Luke’s memory alive and to raise awareness about how dangerous asthma can be.

"I want to remind parents to take asthma more seriously, to get their child’s annual reviews booked and inhaler technique checked. It could be lifesaving! Luke should have never died of an asthma attack, and we now want to help prevent others from experiencing the same devastating loss that we have. Please donate to our JustGiving page to help others with asthma: https://www.justgiving.com/page/samantha-phillips-1718991013574

Do you have or ?

Hywel Dda Health Board are looking for patients to help them evaluate amobile app designed to help people manage their lung conditions.

Take the survey here: https://uwtsdyrathrofa.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1NBAa4kTvCk8hf0?Q_CHL=qr

Our helpline can be vital for getting help with your lung condition.

We'll give you as much time as you need to talk about what's important to you.

Speak to one of our team on 0300 222 5800 Monday to Friday, 9.15am-5pm.

Find out more: www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/helpline

Today is !

We want to improve respiratory care, secure greater investment in life-saving research, and clean up the toxic air that’s stunting the growth of our children’s lungs.

Find out what your lungs do today: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/how-your-lungs-work/about-your-lungs

It's ! Our Keep Active programme is designed for anyone living with a lung condition and includes three levels. Start slowly and build up gradually. We're here to help you on your journey toward a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Find out more and take the first step today: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/living-with/keeping-active/keep-active-programme

Having a child with asthma or suspected asthma can have a big impact on the whole family. Meeting with other families in a similar situation can be helpful and comforting. Our Parent Carer Support Network is a safe and friendly place to talk to other people who understand.

Each meeting has a different topic. Come along and meet our kind and knowledgeable healthcare professionals. Sign up here: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/groups-support/parent-carer-support-network