Hot off the Helpline: June edition

Meet the team

This month meet Sophie. She is one of our Respiratory Specialist Nurses working on the clinical helpline. She has over 20 years' respiratory experience and has worked on the Asthma + Lung UK helpline for 1.5 years. Sophie has experience in many lung conditions but has a passion for supporting those living with COPD and bronchiectasis. Her wealth of knowledge brings care, compassion and understanding to those calling in for support and advice. 

On the helpline 

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. The changes in temperature from cooler to warm and humid or hay fever can worsen some people's lung condition symptoms.

If you are struggling, be sure to reach out to your healthcare professional for advice or follow your self-management plan. 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.

Be prepared for pollen

Pollen counts can vary throughout the year and different types of pollen can affect each individual differently. It's important to try and recognise which pollen may be a trigger for you. This could cause a flare of up of your lung condition symptoms, runny, itchy or sneezing nose, itchy, red or watery eyes, itchy throat, mouth or ears, loss of smell, headaches or fatigue and more. Again take a look at our hay fever pages and check out our pollen calendar which shows which types of pollen are peaking at different times of the year.

Dates for your diary

This month has some important dates in the respiratory calendar.

Clean Air day 19 June 2025 

National Clean Air Day is an annual event that raises awareness about the importance of clean air for our health and the environment. This significant day aims to inspire individuals, communities, and organizations to take action towards reducing air pollution and improving air quality. By coming together to address this global issue, the population can create a healthier and more sustainable future.

Love your Lungs week June 23 - 29 2025 

We rely on our lungs for every single breath we take. Yet, despite how fundamental they are, too many of us take our lungs for granted. Love Your Lungs Week is the opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of good lung health with your colleagues, all while fundraising to change the future of lung conditions in the UK.

World Allergy Week from June 29  to July 5 2025  

This year’s theme is anaphylaxis. Each year, world allergy week highlights a disease topic that needs greater public awareness around the world. Member Societies and Centres of Excellence participate locally or regionally. They hold educational events for the public as well as healthcare practitioners, or media events to promote general awareness of the disease topic, or other awareness activities based on local needs. World Allergy Week provides resources, hosts an international webinar, and disseminates educational information through various channels.

Support group spotlight

Mindfulness for Lung health - This online five-week course is a taster in mindfulness. It aims to give members the tools that will support them in leading more fulfilling lives. Helping to improve quality of life, reduce emotional distress and reduce fatigue.

The techniques taught are a mix of mindfulness, meditation, compassion and supportive mindful movement practice.

This course will be led by fully accredited Breathworks teachers. The Breathworks approach to mindfulness has been subjected to numerous scientific studies and has proven to be a highly effective method for managing chronic health conditions, pain conditions and mental health illnesses.

Using mindfulness techniques such as meditation and mindful movement our instructors will help you to build a toolkit of practices, these can then be used to help accept and manage life’s challenges.

Mindfulness can help you to relax, notice and enjoy the pleasant things in life as well as helping you to manage your health condition by reducing fatigue and restoring balance and focus.

The course is a balance between mindfulness theory and practical sessions. Using mindfulness effectively is a skill and practicing between sessions is encouraged.

Each month, we’ll focus on a different topic or activity – covering everything from singing for lung health to practical advice from nurses on what to do if your breathing gets worse. Join our friendly community and get the tools you need to manage your lung health

Find out more and register.

Thanks for reading this month’s blog. Stay tuned for next month’s edition.