Indoor Air Quality at Home (NHS guidelines )

Indoor air quality is of significant importance to the health of occupants of a building, be it a home or a place of work. There are multiple potential reasons why the air in a building can become unhealthy and many possible sources of pollution, some of which can be relatively easy to remove while others are not. In fact, indoor air is often more polluted and much more damaging to our…

Fungal spore and air quality forecasts

  Good air quality is important for everyone's health. However, those with lung conditions, such as aspergillosis and asthma, may be more vulnerable to the effects of poor air than others. Airborne pollutants and allergens are found both indoors and outdoors, and can irritate our lungs and exacerbate existing conditions. It can be useful, therefore, to know when and where these irritants…

ELF holds their first Breathe Clean Air patient conference

Last week the European Lung Foundation held their first Air Pollution and Climate Change patient conference, where people came together to share personal experiences and hear about the latest research. All recordings are available to watch on demand via their YouTube channel, including moving personal stories from Tessa Jelen (Breathe Easy Westminster) and Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah (mother of…

A Breath of Fresh Air: Repairing COPD Damage with Patients’ Own Lung Cells

In a remarkable advancement towards treating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), scientists have, for the first time, demonstrated the potential of repairing damaged lung tissue using patients' own lung cells. The breakthrough was unveiled at this year's European Respiratory Society International Congress in Milan, Italy, where results from a pioneering phase I clinical trial were…

Clean Air and Lung Health

Clean air is vitally important for people who live with aspergillosis. Chemical pollutants have the capacity to worsen symptoms and quality of life, PM2.5 particulates (mentioned in this video) include aspergillus and other fungal spores. Mortality attributable to ambient / household air pollution is numbered in the millions and is affecting people in both developing and developed…

I Have ABPA and feel worse if I sleep with windows open

Some people with Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA) have mentioned that they feel worse after sleeping while opening windows at night. Here are some possible factors: Increased Allergen Exposure Outdoor Allergens: Opening windows can allow pollen, mould spores, and other allergens to enter, triggering respiratory symptoms. This is especially true during certain seasons (e.g.,…

Facemask Guidance for CPA (Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis) Patients

Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA) patients have compromised lung function and are at risk of further lung damage from airborne Aspergillus spores, pollutants, and respiratory infections. Wearing the right facemask can help prevent exacerbations, reduce infection risks, and improve overall lung health. 1. When Should CPA Patients Wear a Facemask? A. Indoor Environments ✅ Cleaning…

Facemask Guidance for ABPA (Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis) Patients

Facemasks play a crucial role in reducing exposure to airborne Aspergillus spores, pollutants, and respiratory infections, which can trigger ABPA flare-ups. Below is a detailed guide on when to wear a mask, which types to choose, and how to use them effectively. 1. When Should ABPA Patients Wear a Facemask? A. Indoor Environments ✅ Cleaning & Housework……

Breathlessness

Breathlessness (dyspnea) is a common symptom in Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA), caused by airway inflammation, mucus production, and lung function impairment. Here are strategies to help manage it: 1. Optimize Medical Treatment Corticosteroids: Ensure proper use of systemic (e.g., prednisone) or inhaled corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Antifungal Therapy: Use…

What is an allergy?

There are two main Aspergillus infections that directly involve allergy. One is ABPA and the other is allergic fungal rhinosinusitis. In both cases the patient has an allergic reaction against the infecting material – this is completely different from inflammation of the infected tissue, which is the more usual case. The fungus does not invade the tissue but simply triggers the allergic…