How to get better care for your lung condition

Our recent research revealed that those living in certain regions across the country are more likely to be admitted to hospital or die from a lung condition. While everyone with a lung condition is entitled to a basic level of care, many people with illnesses like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are not getting the treatment and support they need.

Managing your condition well

We know it can be difficult at the moment for people to get a doctor’s appointment. But there are lots of ways you can manage your condition and make sure you’re getting the help you need from your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. This will help prevent you having life-threatening asthma attacks or a flare-up of symptoms like breathlessness, wheezing and coughing. 

Find out more about getting a GP appointment.

Get the most from your doctor or nurse

1. Use your preventer inhaler every day/regularly as prescribed, even if you feel well. It builds up protection in the airways over time.
2. Carry your reliever inhaler with you at all times in case you have symptoms. Contact your GP if you're using your reliever inhaler three or more times a week. This may indicate your condition is being poorly controlled.
3. Download or print a free asthma action plan or child’s asthma action plan. We also have asthma action plans for MART (Maintenance and Reliever Therapy), and AIR (anti-inflammatory reliever). Take it along to your next asthma appointment and ask your GP or nurse to help you fill it in. These plans tell you and others which medicines you take, and what to do if your symptoms are getting worse. We also have self-management plans for COPD, bronchiectasis and pulmonary fibrosis (PF).
4. Get in touch with your GP surgery if you feel your symptoms such as breathlessness, or wheezing are getting worse. Make sure you attend your yearly reviews. This is key to helping you stay well.
5. Bring your inhalers, spacers, and peak flow meters with you to appointments so your GP can check your technique. Call 111 if you’re getting more symptoms than normal and can’t get an appointment at your GP surgery.
6. Read up on your condition before your appointment and make a list of questions to bring with you – the more knowledgeable you are about your lung condition the better. If you’re not sure what questions to ask during your review, our patient passports can help. We have patient passports for COPD, bronchiectasis and pulmonary fibrosis (PF).
7. Ask a friend or family member along to your appointment if it helps you feel more confident having their support.
8. Keep a diary of your symptoms and peak flow readings if you have asthma. Taking video footage or a sound recording can also help your GP better understand your condition.
9. Be honest about your lifestyle, such as if you smoke or if you regularly forget to take your medicines. This gives your doctor or nurse a clear picture of what’s going on and how they can help you.
10. Use your pharmacist. They can help you with your medicines and inhaler technique. You don’t need an appointment, and a lot of pharmacies are open in the evenings and on weekends. Some may even do asthma reviews. 

Expert help and advice

There’s lots more information and tips on living with a lung condition on our website. From advice on eating well and keeping active, to seasonal advice and potential triggers, you’ll find lots of advice to help you keep well with your lung condition. We’ve also got advice on inhaler techniques to make sure you’re getting the most from your medicines.

Explore our full range of health advice resources for people with lung conditions. You can download the resources you need for free. 

Our friendly helpline team of specialist respiratory nurses and healthcare advisors can help you with all aspects of living with a lung condition. You can call them Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm (excluding bank holidays) on 0300 222 5800.

Updated: January 2026