Hot off the Helpline: July edition

Top questions on the helpline this month

I am planning a trip but have a lung condition, what do I need to know?

Travelling with a lung condition can sometimes mean more planning before your trip. If your symptoms have recently worsened, or you're concerned about whether you're fit to travel, speak to your healthcare professional before your trip. Here are some things you might need to consider:

Find out how to prepare for a trip in the UK or abroad. This includes practical information about insurance, medicine, and travelling with oxygen.

I’ve been invited to a lung health screening appointment, what should I expect?

Lung cancer screening is part of an NHS Lung Health Check. Lung Health Checks aim to identify people at higher risk of lung cancer and, where appropriate, offer a CT scan to look for early signs of lung cancer.

Screening can help detect lung cancer before symptoms develop. Finding cancer early often means treatment can begin sooner and may be more effective. You can find out more about how lung cancer is diagnosed and treated through NHS resources.

Currently, lung cancer screening is available only in certain parts of the UK. However, the programme is continuing to expand across the UK.

The first part of your lung health check is an appointment to talk to a healthcare professional, usually a nurse. This could be in person or over the phone.

They’ll check your height and weight, and ask some questions about your general health, medical history, family history, and smoking history, as well as some lung health questions.

After this, you’ll either be told no further action is needed, or you’ll be booked in for a CT scan. Not everyone who has a lung health check will need to have a CT scan. You’ll only be offered a CT scan if your consultation suggests you could be at a higher risk of developing lung cancer in the future.

A CT scan can give a detailed picture of your lungs. Find out more about scans for lung health

My lung condition feels worse recently - why?

In the summer months, some people with lung conditions find that things like hot weather and pollen can affect their breathing. This month we’ve noticed an increase in calls from people with long-term lung conditions finding it harder to breathe due to changes in temperature and seasonal allergies.

If you are struggling, be sure to reach out to your healthcare professional for advice or follow your self-management plan. Continue taking your inhalers/medications as prescribed. We have more expert information on hot weather and your lungs.You can also get a personalised guide to better breathing this summer by answering a few short questions.

I can't get a GP appointment - what do I do?

We know from calls to our helpline that it can be hard to get a GP appointment sometimes. Here’s some advice for getting in touch with your GP.

Each GP surgery operates differently, but in most cases, you will need to contact your GP practice to book an appointment. You may also be able to use online services or mobile apps to book, check, or cancel appointments. Surgeries often use online systems - where possible, use these as surgeries can assess and prioritise your needs. Phone lines are busiest first thing in the morning, so try calling or walking in as the surgery opens.

We understand that it can be frustrating when trying to get an appointment. During the call, try to stay focused on explaining your need for an appointment. The priority is to secure a consultation with a GP so you can discuss your symptoms and receive the appropriate advice and support.

It may help to speak to a pharmacist. Depending on your symptoms, pharmacists can offer advice, recommend treatments and, in some cases, prescribe medicines. They can provide advice on taking your medicines safely, show you how to use your inhaler properly, recommend healthy lifestyle changes and offer vaccinations. You can also dispose of your old or unwanted medicines there, including your inhalers.

If you need help now but it’s not an emergency, and you live in England, Scotland or Wales, you can call 111 or visit 111 NHS Online. They can book you directly into local services, urgent treatment centres, or out-of-hours GP hubs if they think your symptoms need to be evaluated quickly.

Find out more about GP appointments.

What do you want to know more about?

We’re really keen to hear from you, so tell us what you'd like to know from us in next month’s edition.

Let us know, and we may feature your question in a future blog. Your question can help you to learn more, as well as help the wider community. You can write in with your questions at helpline@asthmaandlung.org.uk

Healthy lung habits

Each month, we talk about a healthy habit that you can adopt to help keep your lungs healthy.  This month we discuss the importance of indoor air quality.

We might think of pollution as something that’s outside, like exhaust fumes. But there are things that pollute the air inside too, for example smoke, household chemicals, mould and damp.

Anyone can be affected by indoor air pollution, but you’re more at risk if you’re living with a lung condition. Pregnant people, babies and children and the elderly are also more vulnerable. Ventilate your home when it is safe and practical to do so, while balancing this with outdoor pollen levels or poor air quality if these affect your symptoms. Dusting and vacuuming regularly, changing air filters and keeping your house smokefree are just a few other ways you can improve the air indoors.

Find out more about indoor air pollution.

What tips and tools do you need in your lung health toolkit?

Peak flow meters

What is peak flow?

Peak flow measures how quickly you can blow air out of your lungs. If you have asthma, your airways can sometimes become narrowed, making it harder to breathe out quickly and resulting in a lower peak flow reading.

Peak flow is measured by taking a deep breath in and then blowing out as hard and as fast as possible into a small handheld device called a peak flow meter. Your peak flow reading is also known as your Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF).

What is considered a "normal" or "good" peak flow reading varies from person to person. Factors such as age, height, and sex all influence what would be considered normal. However, your own personal best reading when your asthma is well controlled is often the most useful reference point for monitoring your condition.

Peak flow measurements can be used to help diagnose asthma and to monitor asthma control over time. While peak flow is a valuable tool for guiding treatment and understanding possible causes of symptoms, it should not be relied upon in isolation.

If you’re getting asthma symptoms or need to use your reliever inhaler three or more times a week, arrange a review with your GP or asthma nurse. Even if your peak flow readings are within your normal range. This may indicate that your asthma is becoming less well controlled and that your treatment may need to be reviewed.

Find out how to use a peak flow meter correctly.

Dates for your diary

1 July was World Bronchiectasis Day. Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease which causes wider and inflamed airways and can lead to recurrent infections and difficulty breathing. World Bronchiectasis Day is observed annually to raise awareness and increase understanding, diagnosis and management. It also encourages support for people affected by the condition.

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) can be helpful for people living with bronchiectasis. It is designed for people living with a lung condition that makes them breathless. Some of you shared how it has helped you and your lung condition

Learn more about how a course of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) can help you to manage and live well with your lung condition.

Webinar spotlight

COPD 101: Sessions for people newly diagnosed with COPD

Have you recently been diagnosed with COPD? Our online session is led by a nurse experienced in respiratory care who will answer your questions and provide you with essential information on your condition. You’ll also have the chance to share your experiences and find out more about the support available to you. These standalone sessions are repeated every other month on the first Wednesday of the month at 2pm over Zoom. Find out more and register.

Thank you for reading this month’s edition of the blog. Remember to post any questions you may have, and we can publish them next time.