Hot off the Helpline: April edition

Meet the team

Meet Claire

I’m Claire, and I have the pleasure of being a Health Care Advisor at the Asthma + Lung UK helpline. I can’t believe I’ve been here for over seven years already - time really flies.

Before joining A+LUK, I worked in the NHS, helping adults, children, and families make healthy lifestyle changes. Supporting people in improving their wellbeing is what I love most. Nowadays, it can be hard to find that personal human touch, but here we are, ready to listen.

A big part of my day is dedicated to supporting people like you to live well with their lung condition. Since I’m on the non-clinical team, I can help people understand their financial support options, give them tips for travelling, guidance on managing a lung condition while working, and much more. We can also explore lifestyle changes together. Whether you’ve been thinking about quitting smoking, getting active, or making changes to your diet, we are here to listen and help you take the next steps.

Outside of work, I love spending time walking my adorable greyhound, Luna. She’s a sweet, blind girl who needs a little extra care, and she brings so much joy. I also look forward to my yoga classes - yoga has been a big part of my life for decades. I’m always learning new things about what my body can and can’t do! I try to meditate as often as I can, even though it can be challenging with all the distractions around us. But I give it my best shot.

I look forward to speaking to you. 

Top questions on the helpline this month

Are my nose symptoms impacting my lungs?

We have conversations about lungs all day on the helpline, but we also talk lots about the nose and its impact on our lungs. Our nose is the start of our respiratory system and is important for managing the air we breathe in. Our nose filters the air, warms the air and adds moisture before it reaches our lungs. Our mouth can act as a secondary route for air travel, but it does not filter or condition the air as effectively. If you have a drippy, congested, blocked or runny nose then it can impact how our lungs behave.

Many people calling us about breathing problems often have nasal symptoms too and the link between the two is often overlooked. Ignoring nasal issues like allergies, congestion, or chronic sinusitis can directly worsen, or even cause diseases in the lower airways, such as asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia.

Your nose symptoms might be worse at different times of the year. If you have asthma, you can often have allergies like pollen. We are in the middle of springtime in April which sees pollen levels peak. Tree pollen season is in full swing, with birch, plane, ash and oak at their peak too. Flowers are also blooming, bringing their pollen into the mix. Other allergies that are common with asthma include dust mites, mould and pets.

Find out more about how things like allergies, your environment and respiratory infections can impact your nose and may make asthma harder to manage.

I’m struggling to pay for my prescriptions - what can I do?

We often hear from people worried about the costs of their prescriptions. It is really important to take any prescribed medication to maintain open, healthy airways, reduce symptoms like coughing and wheezing, and prevent life-threatening asthma attacks or COPD flare-ups.

In England, having asthma does not automatically entitle you to free prescriptions. However, you may still be eligible for free prescriptions based on other criteria, such as your age, income, or other circumstances. Key medical exemptions include cancer, permanent fistulas, epilepsy, diabetes (excluding diet-only), hypoparathyroidism, and continuing physical disabilities requiring help to leave home.

You can also save money by buying a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC). Once you have a PPC, all your prescriptions will be covered during its time period, no matter how many you need.

Find out how to get help with everyday costs like prescriptions, heating, food, and transport.

I’ve recently been diagnosed with a lung condition - how can you support me?

We often have conversations with people who have just been diagnosed with their lung condition. They’re usually looking for more information on managing their symptoms and understanding their medications and treatment options. A new diagnosis can be overwhelming, and you may have many questions. Our specialist nurses on the helpline can offer support with any aspect of your lung condition, including help with the emotional aspect of a recent diagnosis. We can answer your questions and give you the information you need to live well.

You can also sign up to receive emails with advice and support specifically for people who have just been diagnosed with a lung conditon.

We also have online sessions specially for people who have just been diagnosed with asthma or COPD. These sessions are free and led by a nurse experienced in respiratory care, where you can share experiences, support and information. 

Healthy lung habits

Each month, we’ll talk about a topic that helps keep your lungs healthy. This month we discuss the importance of annual reviews.

Annual reviews for lung conditions, like asthma or COPD, are essential to monitor your breathing, check if your medication is working for you and update your self-management plan. During the review, you can also get your inhaler technique checked and discuss any other key factors in your care. These could be things like help to stop smoking. or whether you’re eligible for pulmonary rehabilitation. They might offer you vaccinations for things like flu and pneumonia and give you advice on making healthier lifestyle choices. It’s also important to discuss any triggers, exacerbations or flare-ups you’ve had in the last year. Sometimes symptoms or conditions change over time, so the review confirms the treatment plan is still right for you to help you live well with your lung condition.

Find out how to get the best out of your asthma review. And what to expect when you have a review of your COPD.

Support group spotlight

Online sessions for people who are newly diagnosed with Asthma or COPD

We understand that being diagnosed with a lung condition can feel overwhelming. Our online sessions offer a safe space to share experiences, gain information and find support from others facing similar health concerns.

Each session will be led by a registered nurse experienced in respiratory care and there will be a live Q&A, giving you the opportunity to ask your questions.

You don’t have to manage your lung condition alone. We are here to help you learn practical skills, reduce worry, and access reliable information, all from a registered respiratory nurse, who can help you understand your condition.