Conditions
Asthma and allergy, COPD, persistent cough, lung infections and nodules, each explained in plain language.
Asthma and respiratory allergy
Asthma is a long-term condition of the airways that shows up as wheezing, cough (especially at night), breathlessness and a tight chest. This page explains who should be seen, how the assessment goes, what treatment generally looks like, what you can do yourself and when to get urgent help.
Read moreCOPD, chronic bronchitis and emphysema
COPD is the name for a group of long-term lung conditions that limit airflow; emphysema and chronic bronchitis are part of it. This page explains the symptoms, when to be seen, what spirometry does, what treatment generally looks like and what to do when things suddenly get worse.
Read moreLong-lasting cough and unexplained breathlessness
A cough that has lasted for weeks, or breathlessness whose cause you do not know, is not a diagnosis. It is a symptom with many possible causes. This page explains which causes are common, who should be seen, how a doctor looks for the cause and which signs are urgent.
Read morePneumonia, bronchiectasis and tuberculosis
Lung infections range from a simple chest infection to pneumonia, bronchiectasis (long-term damage to the airways that produces a lot of phlegm) and tuberculosis. This page explains the symptoms, who should be seen, how the assessment goes, when antibiotics are needed and why TB treatment must be finished.
Read moreLung nodules and interstitial lung disease
A lung nodule is a small round spot seen on a lung scan, most often benign, and follow-up is set by the doctor. Interstitial lung diseases are a group of conditions that thicken or scar the tissue around the air sacs. This page explains what each means, how the assessment goes and what to do.
Read more
The full patient guide
What to bring to the first visit, what lung tests mean and when to call urgently.