Looking after your respiratory health is important for your overall wellbeing. Your lungs and airways help your body get the oxygen it needs to function properly. When they are not working well, it can make everyday activities more difficult.
Many respiratory conditions can be managed with the right treatment, support and lifestyle changes. Taking small steps to look after your lungs can help you breathe more easily and stay well.
Common respiratory conditions
Respiratory conditions affect the lungs and airways. Some are short-term illnesses, while others are long-term conditions that need ongoing management.
Common respiratory conditions include:
- Asthma – a long-term condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – a group of lung conditions that make breathing difficult, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis
- Chest infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia
- Respiratory infections including flu and COVID-19
- Allergies that affect breathing, such as hay fever
If you have a long-term respiratory condition, regular reviews with your GP or healthcare team can help you manage your symptoms and reduce flare-ups.
Symptoms to be aware of
Respiratory conditions can cause a range of symptoms. These may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing or noisy breathing
- A persistent cough
- Chest tightness or discomfort
- Frequent chest infections
- Feeling unusually tired when breathing becomes difficult
If symptoms suddenly worsen, or you are struggling to breathe, seek urgent medical help.
Looking after your lungs
There are simple things you can do to protect your respiratory health and reduce your risk of illness.
Stop smoking
Smoking is the biggest cause of preventable lung disease. Stopping smoking can significantly improve lung health and reduce your risk of respiratory conditions.
Local stop smoking services can provide free support, advice and treatments to help you quit.
Stay up to date with vaccinations
Vaccinations help protect you from serious respiratory infections. Vaccines available through the NHS include:
- Flu vaccination
- COVID-19 vaccination
- Pneumococcal vaccination for those at higher risk
These vaccines are particularly important for people with long-term lung conditions.
Stay active
Regular physical activity can strengthen your lungs and improve breathing. Even gentle activity such as walking can make a difference.
If you have a respiratory condition, your healthcare team may recommend pulmonary rehabilitation or breathing exercises.
Reduce exposure to air pollution
Air pollution can worsen breathing problems. When pollution levels are high, consider reducing strenuous outdoor activity, particularly if you have asthma or COPD.
Managing respiratory conditions
If you have been diagnosed with a respiratory condition, your healthcare team can help you manage it effectively.
This may include:
- Using inhalers or other prescribed medication
- Following a personalised care plan
- Attending regular reviews
- Learning how to recognise early warning signs of flare-ups
Taking medication as prescribed and understanding how to use inhalers correctly can help control symptoms and prevent complications.
When to seek medical advice
You should contact your GP or NHS 111 if you experience:
- A cough that lasts longer than three weeks
- Increasing breathlessness
- Chest pain when breathing or coughing
- Coughing up blood
- Frequent chest infections
Seek urgent help if breathing becomes very difficult or symptoms suddenly worsen.
Support and advice
If you are living with a respiratory condition, support is available to help you manage your health and improve your quality of life.
Your GP practice, local pharmacy or healthcare team can provide advice about treatment, lifestyle changes and local support services.