It seems obvious – we need to breathe well
Sadly, there are a number respiratory conditions that are experienced by our local population.
If you feel you may have a respiratory condition (usually affecting your breathing and activity levels) it’s important that you contact your GP for support and diagnosis of this.
Anyone who develops a new cough for longer than three weeks should also see their GP.
New onset breathlessness should be reviewed by a health care provider especially when there is no underlying respiratory diagnosis. If you are unable to speak in three word sentences (or less) please seek urgent medical advice/ intervention.
Common conditions
There are several common conditions which affect the lungs and our ability to breathe well. The following British Lung Foundation leaflets and external websites offer up to date information:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) leaflet
- Living with bronchiectasis leaflet
- Pulmonary fibrosis leaflet– Further information is available.
- Asthma UK website
- British Lung Foundation – Pulmonary fibrosis
- British Lung Foundation – Asbestosis-related conditions
Signs and Symptoms of Chest Infection
Whether you have a breathing condition or not, if you have any of the following symptoms you may need treatment as you may have a chest infection or be having an exacerbation (flare-up) of your breathing condition:
• Increased breathlessness
• More wheezy
• Raised temperature
• Feeling lethargic
• Coughing more than usual
• Producing more sputum
• Change in the colour and consistency of your sputum.
• Sleeping more
If you have any changes in your breathing it is important that you contact your GP or self-refer to the Hospital at Home Team (if known to the service) for a review.
For further information about COPD exacerbations the following resources are available:
British Lung Foundation – Managing COPD flare up
Disclaimer
New onset breathlessness should be reviewed by a health care provider especially when there is no underlying respiratory diagnosis. If you are unable to speak in three word sentences (or less) please seek urgent medical advice/ intervention.
Breathlessness with central chest pain is a medical emergency and you should ring 999 or follow your treatment plan as advised by your health care provider.
