Telling a new partner about your lung condition
Being open about your lung condition means that your partner will be able to help you manage your condition. It also means that they will be prepared if you have an asthma attack or flare-up of your lung condition.
Only speak to your partner when you feel comfortable and ready.
Your lung condition is part of you, but it’s not the whole story. There’s no need to tell somebody right away if you don’t want to. It might just come up naturally in conversation.
Taking medicines and using inhalers in front of a partner
If you feel nervous or embarrassed about taking your medicines or using your inhalers in front of your date or partner, remember that:
- medicines and inhalers help you manage your condition and stay well
- if you’ve only just started dating someone, you don’t have to let them know you have a lung condition straight away. You could take your medicines in private, for example in the bathroom, until you feel ready to tell them
- 1 in 5 people in the UK live with a lung condition – this means that most people either live with a lung condition themselves, or know somebody who does.
Managing your emotional wellbeing in relationships
Everyone’s different when it comes to relationships. It’s important that you’re able to talk to your partner about your feelings, especially when you’re living with a long-term lung condition.
If you need extra help with the emotional side of your relationship:
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.
