Respiratory information. For patients and healthcare professionals
Inhaler technique videos
When diagnosed with a respiratory condition, an inhaler may be prescribed. The information in this section will help with the correct use of inhalers. Inhalers could be a Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI), Soft Mist Inhaler (SMI), or Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI).Videos on how to use the different inhalers can be found on the RightBreathe website
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a common long-term condition that can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness. The severity of these symptoms varies from person to person. Asthma can be well controlled in most people most of the time, although some people may have more persistent problems. For more information about Asthma please visit the NHS website.
Click here to access our Asthma resources.
What is COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a collection of lung diseases including chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic obstructive airways disease.
People with COPD have difficulties breathing, primarily due to the narrowing of their airways, this is called airflow obstruction. Typical symptoms of COPD include increasing breathlessness when active, a persistent cough with phlegm and frequent chest infections.
For more information about COPD visit the NHS website.
Click here to access our COPD resources including Self-Management Plans and Rescue Pack leaflets.
What is sleep apnoea?
There are two types obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA); Apnoea and Hypopnoea. Apnoea is where the muscles and soft tissues in the throat relax during sleep and closes completely, when this happens, the sleeper will stop breathing temporarily. Hypopnoea is when the throat is only partial blocked.
For more information about sleep apnoea please visit The Sleep Apnoea Trust Association website.
Other useful respiratory websites
Asthma and Lung UK
Asthma and Lung UK (formerly British Lung Foundation) is a charity aiming to; prevent lung disease wherever possible, diagnose lung disease earlier and more accurately, enable everyone to live well with a lung condition and drive life-changing research and innovation. (Information taken from Asthma and Lung UK)
The Primary Care Respiratory Society
The Primary Care Respiratory Society (PCRS) supports all Health Care Professionals in primary, community, and integrated care settings. PCRS develop an optimal, holistic, patient-centred approach to delivering quality care for all people with respiratory conditions. (Information taken from Primary Care Respiratory Society website)
Link to the mMRC Dyspnoea scale
