Have you just been diagnosed with asthma, COPD or another lung condition? We’re here for you

We know that when breathing is hard, nothing is easy. Being diagnosed with a lung condition, you may feel overwhelmed, stressed or worried. Whatever you’re feeling right now, you’re not alone. We’re here to help you with clear, practical advice and support to help you navigate your diagnosis.

Sign up

In the weeks and months after your diagnosis, it’s normal to have lots of questions about your lung condition, how to manage it and what this means for your everyday life. That’s where we can help. Asthma + Lung UK is the only UK charity fighting for everyone’s right to breathe, so you can rely on us to provide expert care, support and information at every step. 

Sign up for step-by-step support over email 

With so much to take in, it can be hard to know where to start. Our specialist support for people with a new diagnosis is designed to break things down into simple, manageable steps so you get the right information at the right time.

Sign up now to get help with everything from treatments to emotional support and practical ways to look after your lung health.

When you sign up, you’ll receive:

  • clear, step-by-step information to help you learn about your lung condition  
  • simple tips you can start using straight away
  • guidance on looking after yourself, from your medicines to things you can do at home
  • ways to get support, including our expert nurse helpline, and our online and local support groups.

Want a deeper level of support for your diagnosis? 

Sign up to our emails

Talk to people who understand lung conditions

Asthma + Lung UK is the only UK charity fighting for everyone’s right to breathe, so you can rely on us to provide expert care, support and information at every step.

We know your experience with your lung condition is unique, that’s why our support is designed around you. Whether online, on the phone, by email or face to face, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

  • Take part in one of our support groups to have fun and connect with other people with similar experiences to you while learning how to manage your condition.
  • Call our helpline for one-to-one advice from our team of friendly lung nurses and healthcare advisors.  
  • Use our Health Unlocked community to share your experiences with other people living with asthma, COPD or another lung condition. Join our asthma and lung condition communities to connect with others and get answers from people who understand.
  • Sign up for tailored emails to support you step by step after your new lung condition diagnosis.
  • Browse our health advice – we cover every lung condition in detail. All our information is checked by healthcare professionals and other people with lung conditions to make sure it’s safe, accurate and easy to use.

What can I do right now?

Here's a list of things you can do right now to help keep well with your lung condition. We explain each of these topics in more detail in our regular emails, alongside more tips to guide you through your new diagnosis. We will also give you seasonal advice so you’re well prepared to deal with the impact of our ever-changing weather on your lungs, particularly winter, the trickiest time of all for people with lung conditions.  

Ask your healthcare professional for a personalised self-management plan

Your self-management plan breaks down how to take care of your lung condition, helps you track any medicines and treatments you’re using and tells you the actions to take if your symptoms get worse.

Check out our stop smoking information

Stopping smoking can be difficult, but you don’t have to do it on your own. With the right support, you can take things one step at a time. Quitting smoking will start to improve your health straight away.

Use our Keep Active programme to help you get moving

Our Keep Active guide is specifically designed for people with lung conditions, to support you to exercise at a pace that’s right for you. Even gentle movement can help you breathe better and boost your energy levels.

Eat well and drink plenty of water

Choosing foods packed with vitamins and minerals and drinking plenty of water helps keep your lungs healthy and protects you from infections.

Ask your healthcare professional for a flu jab and other winter vaccines

Winter can be a worrying time, so getting your vaccines is a simple way to give your lungs extra protection and keep you out of hospital. They’re free for most people with lung conditions.

Hear from people navigating life after a lung condition diagnosis

These real-life stories show what life can be like after a lung condition diagnosis and how our support has made a difference. Reading them may help you feel less alone and help you along the way.

Explore our blog to read a range of real stories from people living with a lung condition.

A woman with long blonde hair wearing a grey top standing in front of a brick wall and smiling to camera.
Your stories

When I got my bronchiectasis diagnosis, I felt relieved

Laurel shares how getting diagnosis of bronchiectasis helped her finally understand and manage her symptoms.
A woman with long dark hair in a pony tail, dark sunglasses and a black and white striped top is stood in the sea taking a selfie and smiling to the camera
Your stories

It took me over a year to be diagnosed with COPD but I'm one of the lucky ones

Anita, 60, was diagnosed with COPD when she was 47 years old. Here she tells us about her diagnosis and fight for treatment.
Woman with long wavy hair and glasses, wearing a sweater and necklace, in a room with a clock and radiator
Your stories

My battle for a COPD diagnosis – and what helped change my life

Speaking on World COPD Day, Katy Brown, 65, from Bristol, reveals how she struggled to get a COPD diagnosis during the pandemic, the challenges she faced and what has helped her through.

Get support

Call or email our helpline for support with any aspect of living with a lung condition – whether you need practical advice, emotional support, or answers to health-related questions. You can also find support through our groups.