Hot off the Helpline: October edition

Welcome to the Asthma + Lung UK helpline blog where we’ll cover hot topics on the helpline. We will share ways to help manage your lung health with important respiratory awareness key dates for your diary. And you’ll meet our amazing team.

Meet the team

This month, meet Kim. 

Kim is a Specialist Respiratory Physiotherapist and has worked on the Helpline since 2022. She has 30 years’ experience in the NHS of working with people with long-term lung conditions including COPD, bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis and asthma. She brings a passionate and committed approach to the role. She is keen to promote not just Physiotherapy but a holistic approach to her patient. 

Kim is a strong advocate of Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR). PR is an exercise and education programme designed for people with lung conditions who experience symptoms of breathlessness. It's been shown to help people become more active, have a higher quality of life and to stay out of hospital

You might see Kim presenting at our online support groups on the benefits of home exercise, breathlessness management and clearing of sputum. 

Top questions on the helpline this month 

I am struggling with mucus, what does this mean and how can I manage it? 

Most of the time coughing up a bit of mucus can be normal but if the mucus changes in amount, colour or thickness this may mean you are unwell.  It is important to continue to take your prescribed medicines and follow your self-management plan. Find out what phlegm is, what causes it, what changes to your phlegm could mean, and how to treat and manage it.   

I need help with sourcing home oxygen providers 

Oxygen as a treatment for lung conditions must be prescribed by a registered health care professional and ordered on a home oxygen order form. All oxygen equipment is supplied by one of four suppliers according to where you live in the UK. Oxygen is only beneficial for people with low blood oxygen levels. The prescription ensures you use the correct amount of oxygen for your specific condition and needs.   

Find out what equipment is used for home oxygen therapy and how it is supplied. 

What benefits and financial support is available to me living with a lung condition? 

Depending on your circumstances you may benefit form additional financial support. Find out if you could get financial help because of your lung condition. 

I am concerned about the winter months; how can I look after my lung condition in winter?  

When autumn arrives, it’s a good idea to get ready for winter to make sure you stay well. Cold weather can trigger a flare-up of your symptoms and make you more vulnerable to illnesses. But there are lots of things you can do to look after your lungs this winter. Make sure you get all of the vaccinations you're eligible for. Get personalised advice for staying well this winter.

Current hot topics 

This time of the year can present challenges for people with lung conditions.  Cold, dry air may irritate the airways, especially in people with asthma or COPD. The decaying autumn leaves can release mould spores, while remaining pollen could cause an allergic response. And respiratory viruses such as colds and flu increase when both the temperature and humidity decrease. So combined, these seasonal factors can contribute to inflammation of the airways and make breathing more difficult. 

Respiratory syncytial virus - or RSV - can significantly worsen lung conditions like asthma and COPD, increasing the risk of asthma attacks or COPD flare-ups. It could also lead to pneumonia. RSV infections in small children are linked to a higher risk of them developing asthma later in childhood. RSV can also lead to other serious lung infections, such as bronchiolitis. 

Good hygiene and vaccinations if you’re eligible can help prevent it and is especially important if you’re vulnerable. Having a self-management plan will help with early detection of change of symptoms and prompt treatment of infective flare ups. Here are some other tips to reduce the risk of catching and spreading infections: 

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and encourage other people around you to do the same. 
  • Cough into your elbow or the crook of your arm to reduce the spread of germs. 
  • Throw away used tissues as soon as you can. 
  • Wash your hands regularly or use a hand sanitiser gel if you’re out and about. 

Find out more about RSV vaccines and other simple ways you can prevent RSV

Dates for your diary 

Stoptober  

It's Stoptober this month which is a great time to try and quit smoking. If you smoke and have a lung condition, one of the best treatments for your lungs is to stop smoking. You’ll feel less short of breath and cough less. You’re more likely to quit smoking if you have help from friends, family, or a stop smoking adviser. Find out about the different ways to help you quit smoking

World Mental Health Day – 10 October 

An opportunity to raise awareness and advocacy against mental health stigma. 

Living with a lung condition can have its challenges. It’s really important to look after your mental health and well-being if you have a lung condition. Read our advice on ways to support your emotional health and where you can get more help and support. 

Support group spotlight 

COPD online support group 

Our volunteer Vivienne leads our support group for people with COPD. 

We meet online over Zoom every 2nd Thursday of the month at 12 noon. You'll meet other people with COPD and be able to chat about your condition, as well as hear from a range of great speakers. 

Please make sure you read our full guidelines for participating in our support group sessions before you join. 

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

Get support

Call our helpline for support with your condition. Get advice on your medicines, symptoms or travelling with a lung condition, or just call us to say hello.

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