Asthma + Lung UK

@asthmaandlung.org.uk

We fight for everyone’s right to breath. From Research, campaigning, advice + support. For queries about your lung condition please call our helpline. asthmaandlung.org.uk

In 2023, Jodie and her family faced the unimaginable when her twins both caught RSV at just eight weeks old. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that spreads during the winter months and can cause bronchiolitis in babies, and pneumonia in babies and older adults.

Flu can be a very serious illness and if you have a lung condition and catch flu, you’re more at risk of having an asthma attack or flare-up. Vaccines are one of the most important things that the NHS does to prevent illness and save lives. Book yours today.

Text on a black background reads 'Why you should get your winter vaccines' with pink highlights.

Are you starting university this September? Before you start university, be sure to check these off: - Register with a new local GP - Keep a copy of your asthma action plan - If you’re living with other people, tell them about your asthma - Find out how to manage new asthma triggers

Alt Text: Three young adults sitting on a wall with books and a laptop with text that reads, 'University + lung conditions'

NHS reports heatwaves drive up hospital admissions. Andrew McCracken, Director of External Affairs said: “Breathing issues are already the leading cause of emergency admissions in England and it’s likely that this summer increase is in part being driven by respiratory problems."

NHS reports busiest ever summer as heatwaves drive up hospital admissions

Health secretary says extreme demand no longer confined to winter as service in England warns of knock-on effects

theguardian.com

We're delighted to announce the winner of our 2026 Summer Competition. Linda shared how rather than letting her asthma stop her from enjoying summer, she travelled north in search of cooler weather and captured this moment on Holy Island, Northumberland, during her first ride on an e-bike.

Linda sitting on a orange e-bike with a helmet on and a green picturesque background behind her.

Symptoms of lung conditions may include breathlessness, a cough that lasts a long time or goes away and comes back, wheezing and more. Having any of these symptoms does not mean you have a lung condition, but it’s important to speak to your GP or healthcare professional.

Text reads, 'Watch out signs that you might have a lung condition.' with a blue and white graphic of a megaphone.

Our Director of Research & Innovation, Dr Samantha Walker, reveals how we’re coming together to shape the future of research. Imagine if everyone working on lung conditions pulled together to work across these conditions we’d be able to make some amazing breakthroughs over the next 5 to 10 years.

We know that living with a lung condition can often be an invisible battle. But just because you can't always see it, doesn't mean it's not there. At Asthma + Lung UK we’re fighting alongside anyone affected by lung conditions. Your voices, stories and experiences inform everything we do.

Text reads, 'But you don't look disabled?'

Free alerts warning people about #airpollution launched in England But ... "These can't protect people if the bar is set too high. What govt deems dangerous is outdated and lax. Pollution breaching WHO safe levels, could still register as ‘low'," says Asthma + Lung UK news.sky.com/story/free-a...

Free alerts warning people about air pollution launched

The opt-in system will allow users to receive an alert when air quality is poor in their area, so those with health conditions can reduce exposure to pollution.

news.sky.com

We’d love to hear from healthcare professionals who work in smoking cessation services. Join us to help shape policy on smoking cessation. Sign up for our London workshop on Monday 7 September, 2-4pm in The Raines House Community Hub: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/beyond-the...

Beyond the Tobacco + Vapes Act: Improving Smoking Cessation Support

A workshop for people with a history of smoking and those working in cessation services to share experiences and improve cessation support.

eventbrite.co.uk

Study led by @qmul.bsky.social found that air quality improvements after the introduction of ULEZ are strongly associated with accelerated lung growth in children. Sarah Sleet, our CEO, said: “ULEZ can spark fierce political debate, but this study replaces the polarised opinions with hard evidence."

A graphic with the text reading, 'Air pollution damages kids’ lungs, and low emission zones can reverse the harm.' and at the bottom the text reads, 'Sarah Sleet, CEO, Asthma + Lung UK'.

GOV.UK released that newborn ICU admissions dropped by 50% in first full year of RSV maternal vaccine programme. Matt Swallow, Clinical Lead, “These findings are very encouraging and show that the RSV vaccine for pregnant women is already making a real difference for babies and their families.”

We asked Ellie our Specialist Respiratory Dietitian for tips to help you eat well and stay hydrated during hot weather. "Staying hydrated is key, drink regularly throughout the day." "You may also notice that you have less of an appetite when it’s hot. Try eating smaller and more frequent meals."

A women on a bike in a field drinking from a bottle of water, she is wearing large over the head headphones. The text reads, 'Advice from our Specialist Respiratory Dietitian this summer.' 

Noticed the heat has affected your breathing while walking? You’re not alone. Heat and humidity can make it much harder to carry on with activities. If you notice your lung condition symptoms are getting worse, follow your action or self-management plan or speak to a healthcare professional.

A man in a checked blue and white shirt smiling at the camera with his arms above his head holding onto a child who is sat on his shoulders, also smiling at the camera. the child is wearing a green top and jeans. They have a cloudy, bright sky behind them. In the top left corner text reads, 'You're not alone'.

Sometimes it's the simple things that keep you safe in the hot weather. When it’s hot outside, make sure to drink enough fluids throughout the day. This will stop you from becoming dehydrated. Being dehydrated can make asthma and other lung condition symptoms worse.

An older man using a towel to wipe his forehead from sweat in the heat with a yellow top on and blue sky and shinning sun behind him. Text reads, 'Stay Hydrated'.

Are you travelling abroad this summer? Most people with a lung condition can travel safely. But it's important to speak to your GP or specialist team for advice before planning a trip. Head to our website to find out what to consider when planning a trip:

Text reads, 'Planning a trip this summer with a lung condition?'

@nicecomms.bsky.social backs use of a machine that keeps organs alive outside the body. Jonathan Blades, our head of policy, said: “Lung transplant rates in the UK remain lower than in many other developed countries, while respiratory health outcomes remain the worst in Europe."

Machine could make more donated lungs suitable for transplant

Nice backs wider use of system that keeps organs alive outside the body, to help improve low transplantation rates

theguardian.com