How can I protect myself from air pollution?

Air pollution is increasingly reported as being something we need to improve if we are to prevent damaging the health of millions of people. Anyone who experienced the 'pea-souper' fogs of the 1960s and earlier needs little introduction to the subject, but the Clean Air Acts in the UK in 1956, 1963 and 1993 sorted that out didn't they? After all, we don't see those dreadful weather conditions any…

Aspirin may reduce harmful effects of air pollution on lungs

A recent study by Dr Xu Gao and colleagues has looked at the relationship between lung function and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (which include aspirin) in 2,280 veterans. The researchers then compared this with air pollution data from the previous month in their hometown of greater Boston. Other factors, including whether or not the participant was a smoker were also taken…

Severe asthma and pets

Managing Pets with Severe Asthma: Essential Tips and Advice Discover how to live harmoniously with your pets while managing severe asthma. Learn practical tips and strategies to minimize asthma triggers and enjoy a healthier life with your furry friends. Understanding Asthma Triggers Identify common asthma triggers associated with pets and how to mitigate them effectively. Creating…

European Lung Foundation

Aspergillosis is a rare disease, which can make it tricky to advocate for improvements in healthcare and policy. When patients in similar situations across different countries and different diseases link together, it gives them a louder collective voice. The European Lung Foundation is an international patient-led organisation representing patients with many different lung conditions…

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…

Asthma UK’s End the Lung Health Lottery

Today is the launch of Asthma UK's End the Lung Health Lottery campaign. The initiative seeks to address the significant health inequalities that exist across the UK and highlights the fact that where people live, their income and their social status can have a significant impact on their lung health, with those from disadvantaged communities being at a much higher risk of developing lung…

Loneliness and Aspergillosis

Believe it or not, loneliness is as bad for your health as obesity, air pollution or physical inactivity. Some studies put loneliness as equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes per day. In a recent poll in our Facebook patient group for people with chronic forms of aspergillosis 40% stated that they were lonely more than once per week and 75% of those stated that they were lonely every day. In…

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…