🫁 Haemoptysis in Aspergillosis: A Complete Patient Guide

1. 🌡 What Is Haemoptysis?

Haemoptysis means coughing up blood from the lungs. It might appear as:

It’s common in conditions like chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) and sometimes in ABPA.

2. 🚨 When to Worry: Recognising Emergency Bleeding

Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you experience:

Massive haemoptysis is defined as ≥150 ml in 1 hour or ≥600 ml in 24 hours .

3. 🏥 What Might Happen in Hospital

In more severe cases, you may receive:

  • Oxygen therapy, blood or fluid transfusion

  • Bronchoscopy to localise or control the bleed

  • Bronchial artery embolisation (BAE) guided by CT

  • Possible intubation if breathing is significantly compromised

  • Rarely, surgery or radiotherapy if bleeding persists  aspergillosis.org/haemoptysis/

4. 🗓 Aftercare and Monitoring

Regular follow-up is essential:

  • Repeat chest CT to check healing or detect new issues

  • Sputum cultures, specifically for Aspergillus, TB, NTM

  • Blood tests for Aspergillus IgG/IgE ± galactomannan

  • Clinic review to adjust antifungal therapy, embolisation, or airway clearance

5. 💊 Medications & Prevention

  • Tranexamic acid reduces bleeding and is prescribed short-term aspergillosis.org/haemoptysis/

  • Antifungals (itraconazole, voriconazole) for CPA/aspergilloma

  • Steroids ± antifungals for ABPA

  • Encourage adherence to antifungal/antibacterial treatments

6. 🏡 Practical Advice at Home

7. 🧘 Reducing Cough & Airway Irritation

  • Practice gentle breathing techniques (pursed-lip, diaphragmatic, nasal breathing)

  • Use lozenges or warm honey drink for throat soothing

  • Consider mild codeine or inhaled tranexamic acid if prescribed

  • Avoid cough triggers (hot steam, cold air, vapours)

8. 🆘 Be Prepared: Know Your Plan

  • Carry a medical alert card (e.g., NAC wallet card) explaining your condition to paramedics

  • Keep a written chart of your medications, dosages, and emergency numbers

  • Remove air filters or masks if they are dusty/mouldy — otherwise continue using HEPA systems

9. 😌 Emotional & Psychological Support

  • Anxiety and fear of rebleeding are normal — grounding techniques, breathing exercises, and coping strategies help aspergillosis.org

  • Join support groups to share experiences — Aspergillosis.org has active patient forums

10. 📌 What You Should Ask Your Specialist

  • What was the confirmed or suspected cause (CPA, aspergilloma, ABPA, infection)?

  • Are repeat scans or bronchoscopy needed?

  • Is my current antifungal or antibiotic strategy sufficient?

  • What is the safest way to reintroduce airway clearance or nebulizers?

  • Should I have a bronchial artery embolisation or surgery?

  • How and when can I resume daily activities, including physiotherapy?

by GAtherton

Living Well with ABPA: A Practical Guide to Preventative Living and a Low-Risk Home

This guide is for people living with Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA), chronic fungal lung conditions, or other respiratory diseases that increase sensitivity to infections and environmental triggers. It combines expert-informed advice with practical strategies patients like Alison use to stay well, especially through winter.

🔗 Quick Navigation

Section 1: What Is Preventative Living?

Preventative living means taking small, proactive steps to reduce your exposure to fungal spores, infections, and environmental risks that can cause lung flares.

"I'm not over-cautious — I just evaluate risks. Lowering my expectations in winter has helped me stay well without feeling cut off." – Alison

Preventative living is not about fear — it’s about protecting your lungs and managing your energy, so you can live confidently and safely.

Section 2: Managing Risk During Winter

  • Wear FFP2 masks in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
  • Prioritise venues with good air exchange (e.g. open windows or HVAC).
  • Stay socially connected through video calls or small outdoor gatherings.
  • Reduce physical contact when flu, COVID-19, or RSV are widespread.
  • Let family/friends know you’re managing a health condition, not avoiding them.

Section 3: Vaccination – Your First Line of Defence

Vaccination reduces the risk of severe illness from common respiratory viruses. Stay current with:

  • Annual flu vaccine
  • COVID-19 boosters
  • Pneumococcal vaccine
  • Shingles vaccine (if eligible)
  • RSV vaccine (for older adults and those with chronic lung disease)

Section 4: Keeping Your Home a Low-Risk Zone

Your home should be the safest place for your lungs. Here's how to reduce airborne risks:

4.1 Ventilation

  • Open windows when air quality is good
  • Use extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens
  • Check air quality forecasts before airing out rooms
  • Use cross-ventilation where possible to create airflow
  • Avoid ventilation near high-traffic roads during peak hours

4.2 HEPA Air Filtration

  • Use a true HEPA filter, not "HEPA-type"
  • Make sure it's correctly sized for the room (check CADR ratings)
  • Bedroom units typically need CADR ~150+, living rooms ~300–500+
  • Run the filter continuously, not just occasionally
  • Place centrally or near breathing zone (not hidden in corners)

4.3 Damp and Mould Control

  • Use dehumidifiers if humidity is regularly above 60%
  • Run extractor fans during and after showers/cooking
  • Wipe down wet windowsills or condensation daily
  • Clean any visible mould using antifungal or bleach-based cleaners (never dry scrub)
  • Check for structural issues like leaks, damp walls, or poor insulation

4.4 Houseplants and Soil

  • Avoid disturbing soil (e.g. repotting) indoors
  • Add decorative pebbles or coverings to suppress soil spore release
  • Remove or treat plants with visible mould or poor drainage
  • Do not store compostable food waste indoors — empty daily to outdoor bins
  • Use gloves and a mask when handling potting mix or plant waste

Section 5: Cleaning and Dust Control

“Dust is your enemy.”

  • Use a vacuum with a built-in HEPA filter weekly.
  • Damp dust surfaces with a microfibre or moistened cloth (not dry dusting).
  • Wash bedding at 60°C weekly to kill dust mites and remove spores.
  • Use dust-mite proof covers on pillows and mattresses.
  • Declutter rooms to reduce places for dust to collect.
  • Remove or reduce wall-to-wall carpets, especially in sleeping areas.

Section 6: Antibiotics, Fungal Risk, and Immune Suppression

If you're using steroids, biologics, or long-term antibiotics, you may be more vulnerable to fungal infections.

  • Antibiotics can suppress bacterial flora and promote fungal overgrowth.
  • Infectious Diseases (ID) specialists will weigh your infection and colonisation risks.
  • Ask about alternatives like Hiprex (methenamine hippurate) for UTI prevention.
  • Ensure regular surveillance if you’re on immune-suppressing therapy (e.g. sputum culture, IgE levels, Aspergillus PCR).

Section 7: Talking to Family and Friends

Here’s how to explain your approach:

"I’m not avoiding people — I’m managing my condition. I still want to stay connected, but I may skip events where the risk is high. Thank you for understanding."

Practical Suggestions:

  • Invite others to meet for a walk or outdoor coffee
  • Use video calls, group chats, or watch-alongs to stay connected
  • Plan in-person visits for spring or summer when risk is lower
  • Let others know that small accommodations (like good ventilation or masking) help you attend more comfortably

Summary: A Balanced Approach to Everyday Safety

You can live well with ABPA by:

  • Reducing exposure to fungal and viral triggers
  • Keeping your home dry, clean, and well-filtered
  • Using medications wisely, in coordination with your care team
  • Protecting yourself socially and medically
  • Communicating your boundaries clearly but confidently

Preventative living is not about isolation — it’s about keeping your lungs safe so you can keep living life your way.

 

by GAtherton

🌦️ Staying Safe with Aspergillosis During UK Weather and Health Alerts

People living with aspergillosis—including ABPA, CPA, Aspergillus bronchitis, or those on long-term steroids or antifungals—are especially vulnerable during periods of extreme weather. Understanding official UK weather and health alerts can help you take timely action to protect your lungs and overall health.

🔔 What Are Weather and Health Alerts?

In the UK, two major bodies issue public alerts:

1. Met Office Weather Warnings

  • Focus on immediate weather dangers: storms, heavy rain, wind, snow, ice, and fog

  • Issued in yellow, amber, or red based on severity and risk to life

2. UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Health Alerts

  • Focus on health risks from temperature extremes: heatwaves or cold spells

  • Jointly issued with the Met Office as part of the Weather-Health Alerting System

🟨🟧🟥 What the Colours Mean

Level What it means What you should do
Yellow Be aware: possible disruption Stay informed and prepare
Amber Be prepared: likely disruption Take action to protect health
Red Take action: major risk Follow emergency advice

☀️ Heat Alerts and Aspergillosis

Issued from June to September, these alerts warn of high temperatures that may affect health.

🔹 Why Heat Matters:

  • Hot, humid air can worsen breathing in people with lung conditions

  • Ozone and air pollution often rise during heatwaves, irritating airways

  • Aspergillus spores thrive in warm, damp environments, increasing exposure

  • People on antifungals (like voriconazole) may be photosensitive and prone to heat rashes

  • Steroid users may not regulate temperature well, increasing heat stress risk

🔹 What to Do:

  • Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day (11am–3pm)

  • Use fans, cool showers, and keep curtains closed in sunny rooms

  • Drink plenty of fluids (check with your doctor if you have fluid restrictions)

  • Avoid gardening, composting, or opening windows during dry, windy conditions

  • Protect your skin if taking sun-sensitive medications

❄️ Cold Alerts and Aspergillosis

Issued between November and March, these alerts warn of dangerously low temperatures.

🔹 Why Cold Matters:

  • Cold air can tighten airways, leading to coughing or wheezing

  • Cold increases the risk of chest infections in people with CPA or ABPA

  • Damp and mould thrive in unheated homes, raising fungal exposure

  • Cold-related stress can worsen cardiovascular strain and fatigue

🔹 What to Do:

  • Keep indoor temperature at 18°C or above, especially in the bedroom

  • Use dehumidifiers to reduce mould growth

  • Check for leaks or condensation, and ventilate bathrooms and kitchens

  • Wrap up warmly when going outside—wear a scarf over your nose and mouth to warm the air you breathe

  • If you use oxygen or nebulisers, make sure devices are protected from cold damage

🌪️ Storms, Floods & Other Weather Events

The Met Office issues warnings for:

  • Storms (wind, lightning)

  • Heavy rain and flooding

  • Fog

  • Snow and ice

🔹 Risks for Aspergillosis Patients:

  • Flooding or roof damage can promote indoor mould

  • Disrupted power may affect your oxygen concentrator, fridge-stored medication, or nebuliser use

  • Poor air quality may irritate airways

  • Increased fungal exposure after water damage or building repairs

🔹 What to Do:

  • Make a personal emergency plan (backup power for medical equipment, emergency contact list)

  • If your home is damp or recently flooded, ask your local council or housing provider for a mould survey

  • Stay inside during high wind or dust storms

  • Use an FFP2/FFP3 mask if entering dusty or damaged environments

🧭 Who Should Be Extra Cautious?

These alerts are especially important for:

  • People with CPA, ABPA, or bronchiectasis

  • Those on steroids, biologics, or antifungal therapy

  • People with adrenal insufficiency or immune suppression

  • The elderly, babies, or people with mobility or cognitive difficulties

  • People with a history of hospital admissions due to chest infections or exacerbations

📲 How to Get Alerts

You can receive real-time alerts from:

✅ Summary: Practical Steps

Alert Type Action for Aspergillosis Patients
Heat alert Stay indoors, cool the home, hydrate, reduce spore exposure
Cold alert Heat rooms, reduce damp/mould, stay warm, use respiratory meds as needed
Storm/flood Avoid mould-prone areas, prepare backup power/medication access
Air quality Avoid outdoor exposure, use masks and HEPA filters

📘 Extra Help & Resources

  • Ask your GP or hospital team if you can be added to a vulnerability list

  • If you’re in social housing, housing officers must act if the home becomes unsafe due to damp or cold

  • For support with mould, damp, or heating costs, contact:

    • Citizens Advice

    • Your local council

    • Your respiratory nurse or hospital’s community support team

by GAtherton

Managing ABPA: How to Protect Your Lungs and Stay Well

If you’ve been diagnosed with ABPA (Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis), you’re probably already working to control inflammation and clear mucus from your lungs. These are essential steps—but there’s more you can do to protect your lung function and prevent long-term damage.

This guide will help you understand what matters most in managing ABPA and feeling your best.

✅ The Basics: What You're Probably Already Doing

1. Keep Inflammation Low

  • This means reducing your IgE levels and calming the immune system.

  • Your doctor may prescribe:

    • Steroids (like prednisolone)

    • Antifungal medication (like itraconazole or voriconazole)

    • In some cases, biologic treatments like omalizumab or mepolizumab

2. Clear Mucus Regularly

  • Mucus can trap infection and block your airways.

  • You might be using:

    • Airway clearance techniques (like chest physiotherapy or postural drainage)

    • Nebulised medications (saline or bronchodilators)

    • Mucus-thinning medicines (like carbocisteine or NAC)

These two steps are essential, but they’re not the whole picture.

💡 What Else Can Help You Stay Well?

3. Prevent Chest Infections

ABPA can lead to bronchiectasis, a condition where your airways get scarred and damaged. To help prevent this:

  • Treat infections early

  • Get regular chest scans to monitor changes

  • Stay up to date with vaccines (flu, pneumonia, COVID, etc.)

  • Your doctor may consider low-dose antibiotics if infections are frequent

4. Avoid Fungal Exposure

Aspergillus is a fungus found in the environment, especially in:

  • Compost, soil, or damp leaves (gardening can be risky)

  • Mouldy or damp areas in homes

  • Older buildings with water damage

Use air filters, wear a mask when needed, and keep your living space clean and dry.

5. Look After Your Overall Lung Health

  • Pulmonary rehabilitation (specialist-guided breathing and exercise therapy) can improve your stamina and lung function.

  • Practice breathing exercises daily.

  • Stay physically active in ways that are manageable for you.

6. Take Care of Your Body

Steroids can cause side effects over time, like bone thinning and fragile skin.

  • Make sure you're getting enough calcium and vitamin D

  • Ask your doctor about a bone density (DEXA) scan

  • Eat a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet and stay hydrated

7. Look After Your Mental Health

Living with ABPA can be exhausting. Fatigue, breathlessness, and medical side effects can affect your mood and confidence.

  • Track how you’re feeling—physically and emotionally

  • Talk to your care team about fatigue or mental health support if needed

  • You’re not alone—support groups and patient communities can really help

🗣️ Talk to Your Doctor About:

  • Biologic treatments (like omalizumab or mepolizumab) — these may help reduce steroid use

  • Sputum testing to catch early infections

  • Specialist referral to a severe asthma or lung clinic if needed

🧭 Summary: What to Focus On

What to Manage Why It Matters
Inflammation (IgE levels) Reduces flare-ups and long-term damage
Mucus clearance Keeps airways open and lowers infection risk
Chest infections Slows or prevents bronchiectasis
Environmental exposure Reduces fungal triggers
Exercise & breathing Supports stronger lungs and energy levels
Bone and general health Counters effects of long-term steroid use
Mental wellbeing Helps you stay strong and supported

Final Tip

Managing ABPA is a long-term journey, but you're not alone. With the right care, medications, and lifestyle changes, many people with ABPA are able to stabilise their condition and keep their lungs as healthy as possible.

by GAtherton

📘 Managing IgE Levels in ABPA: What Happens After Treatment?

If you have ABPA (Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis), you’ve likely been told your IgE levels are high. Many patients ask:

“Once my IgE goes down with treatment, how do I keep it down without staying on steroids or antifungals forever?”

This guide explains why IgE is important, how it’s treated, and what long-term steps you can take to stay well.

🧪 What is IgE and Why Is It High in ABPA?

IgE (Immunoglobulin E) is an antibody your immune system makes in response to allergens. In ABPA, your immune system overreacts to Aspergillus, a common fungus, causing inflammation in the lungs. This leads to:

  • High total IgE levels (often over 1,000–10,000 IU/mL)

  • Symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and mucus plugs

  • Lung changes on scans, if untreated

🎯 Treatment Goals

Treatment aims to:

  • Lower inflammation

  • Reduce the fungal burden

  • Bring IgE levels down (a marker that your inflammation is settling)

  • Prevent long-term lung damage

You might be treated with:

  • Oral steroids (e.g. prednisolone)

  • Antifungal tablets (e.g. itraconazole or voriconazole)

These medications help bring IgE levels down, sometimes dramatically. But they can’t usually be taken forever — long-term use may cause side effects.

🔄 After IgE Drops – What Next?

Even after successful treatment, ABPA can flare up again. So the key questions become:

How do we keep IgE low?
How do we prevent future flare-ups?

🧭 Long-Term Management Options

1. Close Monitoring

  • IgE is checked every 2–6 months

  • Doctors look for a doubling in IgE — this can mean a flare is starting

  • Regular chest scans and lung function tests are also used to spot changes early

2. Tapering Medication

  • Steroids are slowly reduced, not stopped suddenly

  • Your doctor will watch for any return of symptoms or rise in IgE

3. Biologic Treatments

Some newer medications can help long-term, especially if you:

  • Have frequent flare-ups

  • Can’t reduce steroids safely

  • Have asthma or eosinophilic inflammation

These include:

  • Omalizumab (anti-IgE antibody)

  • Mepolizumab / Benralizumab (target eosinophils)

  • Dupilumab (blocks part of the allergy pathway)

Biologics are usually injections given every 2–4 weeks, and can help reduce relapses and steroid need.

🏡 Lifestyle & Environmental Tips

Reducing your exposure to Aspergillus can help keep IgE from rising again.

🔹 Avoid:

  • Damp or moldy areas

  • Compost, rotting leaves, hay, or soil dust

  • Rooms with poor ventilation

🔹 Use:

  • Ventilate your home well (eg open windows/extractor fans)

  • A HEPA-filter air purifier at home

  • An FFP2/FFP3 mask when doing dusty activities (gardening, cleaning mold)

🥗 Eat for Immune Support:

  • Anti-inflammatory foods (vegetables, oily fish, berries)

  • Reduce sugar (high sugar may promote inflammation)

  • Stay well hydrated

  • Ask your doctor about vitamin D — it may help regulate immunity

📅 Follow-up Schedule (General examples, yours may differ)

Time Since Treatment What to Expect
1–3 months Blood tests (IgE, eosinophils), lung check
3–6 months Check for symptoms, possibly repeat IgE
6–12 months CT scan or lung function, if needed
After 1 year Stable patients may have annual reviews

Let your team know if any symptoms return — even if your last IgE result was stable.

🧠 Final Thoughts

  • You may always have “elevated” IgE compared to someone without ABPA — that’s okay. The goal is stability, not “zero IgE”.

  • Many patients live well with ABPA for years by learning to manage flare-ups early and avoiding fungal exposure.

  • Ask your clinic about your personal IgE pattern — some people flare with small changes; others don’t.

  • Support groups and educational resources (like aspergillosis.org) can help you stay informed and confident.

📩 Have questions for your team?

Bring these up at your next appointment:

  • Can I reduce my medication safely?

  • Could I benefit from a biologic?

  • How often should I check my IgE?

  • How can I reduce exposure at home?

by GAtherton

Damp and Mould in UK Homes: Why It Matters and What You Can Do

❗ Why Damp and Mould Are Dangerous

Damp and mould are not just unsightly. They pose serious health risks, especially for people with:

  • Aspergillosis or other fungal lung diseases
  • Asthma, COPD, or bronchiectasis
  • Weakened immune systems
  • Babies, pregnant women, and older adults

According to the NICE NG149 guidance, exposure to damp and mould can:

  • Trigger asthma attacks, wheezing, coughing, and breathlessness
  • Worsen existing lung conditions such as ABPA or CPA
  • Increase risk of respiratory infections and fungal illnesses
  • Affect mental wellbeing, sleep, and quality of life

⚖️ What the Law Says: Landlord Responsibilities

Under UK law, landlords must make sure homes are fit to live in and free from serious health hazards:

1. Damp and Mould = Category 1 Hazard

2. Fitness for Human Habitation (Homes Act 2018)

  • All rented homes must be safe, dry, and free from serious damp and mould
  • Tenants can take their landlord to court if repairs aren’t made in a reasonable time

3. Landlords Must Act Promptly

  • Landlords must fix the cause of damp/mould (e.g., leaking guttering, blocked hoppers, rising damp), not just cover it up
  • Repairs must be made within a reasonable timeframe, especially where health is affected

4. Councils Can Enforce Action

  • If landlords refuse to act, local authorities can intervene and even carry out repairs themselves

🧱 What Makes a Home Unsafe Due to Damp or Mould?

A home may be considered unsafe if any of the following apply:

  • Visible mould covering walls, ceilings, windowsills, or furniture
  • Persistent musty odours indicating hidden damp
  • Peeling paint, warped skirting boards, or discoloured walls due to moisture
  • Condensation that doesn’t improve with ventilation
  • Damp that leads to recurring respiratory symptoms
  • Evidence of penetrating damp from leaks, poor guttering, or water ingress
  • Cold and humid indoor environments where mould easily regrows

These conditions can meet the threshold for a Category 1 hazard, especially when a vulnerable person lives in the home.

🚫 What to Do If You Are Being Ignored

If your landlord or council does nothing about serious damp and mould, you have options:

1. Keep Evidence

  • Take dated photos of the problem
  • Save copies of emails and letters you’ve sent
  • Keep a record of symptoms or doctor visits

2. Use the Law

  • Take action under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act
  • You may be entitled to repairs and compensation for harm to your health or belongings

3. Contact Environmental Health

  • Your local council's Environmental Health team can inspect your home and issue legal notices to your landlord

4. Ask Your Doctor to Support You

  • A simple letter from your GP stating your condition (e.g. aspergillosis) and how mould affects you can help push action

5. Speak to Your MP

  • Your Member of Parliament (MP) can contact the council or housing provider on your behalf

👤 For Patients with Aspergillosis or Lung Conditions

People with aspergillosis, ABPA, CPA, or asthma are especially vulnerable to mould-related illness. NICE guidance NG149 says:

  • Medical evidence is not required to trigger housing action, but
  • Doctors should ask about home conditions if someone’s symptoms worsen
  • Councils and landlords must take urgent action when health is at risk

If you’ve been trying to get help for months or even years with no success, you’re not alone. You are entitled to live in a safe, healthy home.

by GAtherton

✈️ Hints & Tips: Travel Guide for Aspergillosis Patients

This detailed article is designed to help patients with aspergillosis (including CPA, ABPA, SAFS, and those on antifungals or steroids) prepare for safe and enjoyable travel. It includes a complete travel plan, medication management, oxygen guidance, and destination risk information.

📚 Menu

  1. Planning and Medication Management
  2. Asthma, Photosensitivity, and Insurance
  3. Travelling with Oxygen Therapy
  4. Regions Riskier for Aspergillosis or Asthma
  5. Driving and Motorbiking Concerns
  6. Wheelchair Support When Travelling
  7. Why a Pulse Oximeter May Be Useful When Travelling
  8. Additional Resources
  9. Final Travel Checklist

🧳 Planning and Medication Management

✅ Plan Ahead

  • Request repeat prescriptions 3–4 weeks before travel.
  • Coordinate hospital-only meds (e.g. posaconazole, biologics).
  • Obtain a doctor's letter listing your diagnosis, meds, doses, and any special handling (e.g., refrigeration).

🎒 Pack Smart

  • Bring enough medication for the trip + 7 extra days.
  • Keep meds in original packaging with pharmacy labels.
  • Split meds between hand luggage and checked bags.
  • Carry a paper and digital medication list.

❄️ Storage Requirements

  • Use a travel cool bag for biologics or antifungals that require refrigeration.
  • Ask hotels for a fridge or minibar in your room.
  • Bring a digital thermometer to monitor storage conditions.

🌍 Getting Meds Abroad (Emergency Only)

  • Private doctors/pharmacies may help with basic meds, but antifungals are rarely stocked.
  • NHS prescriptions won’t be accepted abroad; some private scripts might.
  • Register for an EHIC/GHIC card if travelling in Europe.

🛃 Customs and Legal

🌬️ Asthma, Photosensitivity, and Insurance

Asthma Risks While Travelling

  • Triggers: dry air, cold air, perfume, anxiety, smoke
  • Always carry your rescue inhaler
  • Use a preventer consistently in the lead-up to travel
  • Pack a spacer if used

Photosensitivity (especially on Voriconazole)

  • Use SPF 50+, cover up with UV-blocking clothing
  • Avoid direct sunlight between 10am–4pm
  • Be careful near windows or during flights

Travel Insurance Challenges

  • Declare aspergillosis, asthma, biologics, antifungals, hospitalisations
  • Use specialist providers (e.g., AllClear, Insurancewith, Avanti)
  • Get a GP letter confirming stability

🫁 Travelling with Oxygen Therapy

Planning Ahead

  • Get a letter from your doctor about oxygen requirements
  • Book a pre-flight oxygen assessment if needed

Flying with Oxygen

  • Notify airlines 3–4 weeks in advance
  • Check if onboard oxygen or POCs (Portable Oxygen Concentrators) are accepted
  • Bring enough batteries (150% of flight duration)

Travelling in the UK or EU

  • Arrange oxygen through providers like Baywater Healthcare or Dolby Vivisol
  • Outside UK/EU: you’ll likely need private supply — plan in advance

Legal and Insurance Notes

  • Declare oxygen use in travel insurance
  • Carry pulse oximeter and chargers

🌍 Regions Riskier for Aspergillosis or Asthma

🔥 High-Risk Areas

  • Tropical/humid countries: SE Asia, India, Sub-Saharan Africa, Brazil
  • Dusty deserts: Arizona (USA), Middle East, North Africa
  • Polluted cities: Delhi, Beijing, Cairo, Lagos, some UK cities during heatwaves

Safer Destinations

  • Northern Europe, Scandinavia, highland areas, and coastal regions with good air quality.

Tips:

  • Avoid mouldy buildings, dusty markets, unregulated AC systems.
  • Wear FFP2/FFP3 masks in high-risk environments.
  • Stay indoors during dust storms or poor air quality alerts.

🛵 Driving and Motorbiking Concerns

Medication Side Effects That Can Impair Driving

Medication Risk
Voriconazole Visual disturbance, hallucinations
Steroids Mood changes, insomnia
Painkillers (opioids) Drowsiness, slowed reaction

DVLA Guidelines

Biking and Sun Risk

  • Long UV exposure while biking is dangerous on voriconazole
  • Use UV-blocking visors, wear protective clothing

Other Tips

  • Avoid long journeys without breaks
  • Keep hydration and rescue meds close

♿ Wheelchair Support When Travelling

Airport Wheelchair Support

  • Request wheelchair assistance when booking your flight.
  • Arrive early and inform check-in or help desks of your needs.
  • Most airports have dedicated support staff to help with boarding, disembarking, and security checks.

Travelling with Your Own Wheelchair

  • Airlines allow you to bring your own manual or electric wheelchair free of charge.
  • Label your chair clearly and bring any detachable parts in your carry-on.

Hotel Accessibility

  • Contact hotels in advance to confirm:
    • Step-free access
    • Lift availability
    • Wheel-in showers or accessible bathrooms

Rental Options

  • Many cities have wheelchair rental services — check availability online before travelling.

🩺 Why a Pulse Oximeter May Be Useful When Travelling

A pulse oximeter is a small device that clips onto your finger to measure your blood oxygen levels (SpO₂) and pulse rate. For aspergillosis patients, especially those with CPA, ABPA, or coexisting conditions like asthma or bronchiectasis, oxygen levels can drop unexpectedly during illness, flight, or physical exertion.

Having a pulse oximeter can help you:

  • Monitor for early signs of low oxygen during travel or exertion
  • Track changes if you're recovering from infection or flare-up
  • Provide data to healthcare providers during emergencies

They're small, affordable, and highly recommended when travelling, especially if you use oxygen, have unstable symptoms, or are flying.

📄 Additional Resources

Asthma + Lung UK: Travel Safely with a Lung Condition

Asthma + Lung UK's web guide on travelling safely with a lung condition offers clear and practical advice for every step of the journey. Key topics include:

  • Planning ahead: Inform your healthcare team early and check vaccination and visa requirements.
  • Medication and equipment: Tips for transporting oxygen, packing extra meds, and navigating airport security.
  • Flying: How to prepare if you need oxygen or are concerned about air pressure and dry air on planes.
  • Travel insurance: Advice on declaring lung conditions and finding appropriate cover.
  • During your trip: Staying safe in heat or cold, managing humidity and pollution, and what to do in an emergency.

This guide is especially useful for patients with asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis, or those using nebulisers and oxygen.

📖 Read the full guide online: Travel safely with a lung condition – Asthma + Lung UK

Also - The BTS guide on air travel [pdf-embedder url="https://aspergillosis.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/BTS-Clinical-Statement-on-Air-Travel-1.pdf" title="BTS Clinical Statement on Air Travel (1)"]

📌 Final Travel Checklist

  • Enough medication + 7 days extra

  • Doctor’s letter and prescription list

  • Insurance (specialist provider)

  • Rescue inhaler, spacer, antifungals

  • SPF and protective clothing (if on photosensitive meds)

  • Pulse oximeter (if applicable)

  • Contact details for your consultant

  • Face masks for flights/dusty areas

  • Travel cool bag and thermometer (if needed)

  • EHIC/GHIC card if travelling in Europe

  • Approved portable oxygen concentrator (if applicable)

  • Medical summary on phone and paper

by GAtherton

👅 Geographic Tongue and Aspergillosis: What You Need to Know

Several members have raised concerns about Geographic Tongue — a harmless but uncomfortable condition that affects the surface of the tongue. While it’s not directly caused by aspergillosis, certain factors in people with ABPA, CPA, SAFS, or bronchiectasis may increase their risk of developing or worsening symptoms.

🔍 What is Geographic Tongue?

Geographic tongue causes red, smooth patches on the surface of the tongue with white or pale borders. These patches may change location from day to day — like a moving map, hence the name. It’s not contagious and usually not dangerous, but it can cause burning or soreness, especially when eating spicy, salty, or acidic foods.

🤔 Why might people with Aspergillosis be affected?

While aspergillosis doesn’t directly cause geographic tongue, the following indirect factors may make it more likely or more bothersome:

1. Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS)

Used for asthma, ABPA, and bronchiectasis, these can:

  • Alter the balance of bacteria and fungi in the mouth

  • Increase the risk of oral thrush, which can irritate the tongue

  • Cause dryness or sensitivity in the mouth

2. Dry Mouth

Common in patients with:

  • Chronic lung disease

  • Long-term medications

  • Dehydration from breathing difficulties
    Dry mouth makes the tongue more prone to irritation and soreness.

3. Mouthwash Sensitivity

Many aspergillosis patients avoid alcohol-based or acidic mouthwashes (like Listerine) — and with good reason:

  • These products can worsen tongue discomfort

  • Your dentist may advise they’re not necessary, especially if they’re harming the delicate lining of your mouth

4. Immune or Nutritional Changes

  • Long-term corticosteroids or other medications may suppress the immune system

  • Vitamin deficiencies (like B12, folate, or iron) can affect the tongue and mouth tissues

✅ Tips to Manage Geographic Tongue

  • Use non-acidic, alcohol-free mouthwashes (or none at all if your dentist agrees)

  • Switch to SLS-free toothpaste (found in many sensitive brands)

  • Avoid spicy, salty, or acidic foods during flare-ups

  • Stay well hydrated

  • Rinse your mouth after using inhalers

  • Speak to your dentist or GP if symptoms are severe or persistent

by GAtherton

BBC Food Nutrition Calculator – Summary for Patients and Public

The BBC Food Nutrition Calculator is an easy-to-use, interactive tool designed to help you understand whether your diet is meeting your nutritional needs. By entering your age and sex, the calculator evaluates your intake of key nutrients and highlights any you might be under- or over-consuming. It also suggests foods rich in those nutrients to help you make healthy dietary adjustments.

Key Features

  • Personalised Assessment: Calculates your nutritional needs based on age and sex.

  • Food Recommendations: Suggests nutrient-rich foods if your intake is too low or too high.

  • Supplement Guidance: Explains when supplements might be useful—e.g. vitamin D in winter months or when housebound.

  • Immune System Support: Highlights nutrients that support immune health (vitamins A, C, D, B6, B9, B12, zinc, and iron).

Common Nutrient Gaps in the UK

According to UK dietary surveys, many people do not get enough of the following nutrients:

  • Fibre – under-consumed across all age groups

  • Vitamin D – commonly low year-round

  • Iron – especially low in girls and women aged 11–49

  • Calcium – often low in girls aged 11–18

  • Selenium – low among most females and older males

  • Zinc – insufficient in teenagers and adults over 75

Additionally, many people exceed recommended levels of free sugars, saturated fats, and salt.

Is the Information Verified?

Yes. The nutritional guidance in the BBC Food Nutrition Calculator is based on verified and reliable sources, including:

  • NHS and Public Health England recommendations

  • National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) data

  • Scientific consensus on daily nutrient requirements and health effects

While the BBC may not cite sources on every page, its content is regularly reviewed and reflects the current public health standards in the UK. You can trust this tool as a credible and evidence-based guide to dietary health.

Try the Calculator

You can access the BBC Nutrition Calculator here:
🔗 bbc.co.uk/food/articles/nutrition_calculator

by GAtherton

Types of Window Screens for Allergen Protection

Yes — there are specialised window screens designed specifically to block allergens, including fungal spores, pollen, and dust. These can be a practical and effective solution for patients with ABPA, SAFS, asthma, CPA, or other respiratory allergies.

✅ 1. Pollen and Allergen Screens (Micromesh / Allergy Mesh)

  • Made from ultrafine polyester or polypropylene mesh

  • Pore size: typically 0.3–0.5 mm, small enough to block:

    • Pollen

    • Fungal spores (like Aspergillus and Cladosporium)

    • Insect particles

  • Allows air flow while reducing allergen load

🛒 UK Brands / Products to Look For:

  • Poll-Tex®: Proven in European studies to block >99% of airborne pollen and fine particles.

  • Neat Pleat® or Flyscreen UK Allergy Mesh

  • Tesa® Insect Stop Pollen Protection

  • Amazon or B&Q: Offer DIY-fit mesh kits

✅ 2. HEPA-Filtered Window Units

  • Some products combine an extractor fan + HEPA filter, ideal for:

    • Rooms needing airflow without outdoor contaminants

    • Urban or high-spore environments

  • More expensive but very effective

Examples:

  • Vent-Axia PureAir Room Ventilator

  • Aereco HRV or HEPA filter units

🛠️ Installation Tips

  • Choose removable or magnetic frames for rented homes

  • Ensure tight seal around edges to prevent gaps

  • Use with dehumidifiers or HEPA air purifiers indoors for extra control

💡 Bonus Tip:

  • Leave windows open early morning or midday if you must ventilate — avoid dusk/night when fungal spore levels rise.

  • Don’t open windows near compost heaps, sheds, or leafy overgrowth.

by GAtherton