One in five people in the UK lives with a respiratory disease, like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma.
People with such conditions can be particularly vulnerable to changes in the world around them, as their conditions may be triggered by cold weather, damp, viruses, air pollution, etc.
Health and social care services support people with respiratory disease to manage their conditions so they can stay in good health and live fulfilling and productive lives. Anyone who has a respiratory disease should contact their healthcare team for support and advice if they have any concerns around their health, whether that is via their GP practice or hospital consultant. Local pharmacists can also help with minor concerns.
Asthma + Lung UK is the leading national charity on respiratory disease and offers wide-ranging advice and support via its website to people living with the conditions.
Local authorities can provide support to residents to ensure their homes do not pose a health hazard – especially in council owned/controlled housing. This is particularly important during cold and wet weather, when damp and mould are more likely to occur.
Emergency Care
People with respiratory conditions are supported to understand and manage their conditions and to know what symptoms to be aware of. In the event of a flare-up, if symptoms worsen dramatically, people are advised to call 999.
Anyone living with asthma is advised to make sure that their asthma management plan is up-to-date and to refer to it so they know what to do in the event of an emergency.