Blog

Updates from the Taskforce

We were never told that pulmonary fibrosis is terminal

Sarah is 39, and living with asthma. Sadly, in 2013, her dad passed away from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

I thought I would lose my love of exercise but pulmonary rehabilitation helped me rediscover the joy of keeping fit

Ron, 59, lives in Lincoln and has idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). He shares how pulmonary rehabilitation has helped him.

Respiratory data in the time of COVID-19: Things that took years before now take weeks.

By Professor Jennifer Quint, Deputy Director, BREATHE – The Health Data Research Hub for Respiratory Health

I don’t go near anyone, so it’s almost like staying at home

Kimberlee, 64, has bronchiectasis and has told us about how the pandemic has impacted on her mental health.

After COVID-19, people diagnosed with lung disease must get the support they need

The Health and Social Care Committee recently put out a call for evidence to ask people working in healthcare for their thoughts on what they believe the government’s priorities ought to be on delivering core NHS and care services during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond. Here's our response.

I forget I’m using oxygen until I notice someone staring at me

Caroline, 60, a retired teacher, has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis [non-specific interstitial pneumonia], and mixed connective tissue disease. She started using oxygen in 2009 and describes how people’s attitudes to her use of oxygen have affected her.

Pulmonary rehabilitation and exercise – If I can do it, you can do it, too

Rita is 91 years old and lives in a care home with her husband Eric, who is 100. Rita has Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), and shares her story of how exercise is key to living well with a lung condition.

I recognised there was a gap in understanding asthma

Dr Noel Baxter of the Primary Care Respiratory Society, a member of the Taskforce for Lung Health, describes the progress that has been made in diagnosing and treating people with asthma, and the steps that patients and healthcare practitioners can take now to ensure asthma is managed correctly.

People's expectations of what asthma is shouldn't be narrow

Aaron, 49, has asthma and severe allergies. He describes some of the gaps he has seen in his asthma care, and what he wishes other people were taught about the condition.