Respiratory resources

My lungs my life

My Lungs My Life is a comprehensive, free website for anyone living with COPD, asthma or for parents/guardians of children with asthma. The resource is a collaboration between NHS, third sector and the University of Edinburgh.

In addition to general information regarding conditions, videos demonstrating technique on a number of the most commonly prescribed inhaler devices are provided. These may be considered useful when initiating or changing inhalers at a patient level.

Don’t waste a breath

The Don’t Waste a Breath website, developed by NHS Grampian, provides information for patients on inhaler technique and how to recycle inhalers. This website complements My Lungs My Life and is aimed directly at patients.

Personal asthma action plans

There is substantial evidence to support the value of personalised actions plans for asthma in both adults and children. Clinicians should refer to local guidance and resources. A generic template is also available from Asthma action plans | Asthma + Lung UK

Charity resources

Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, Asthma + Lung UK and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation have lots of information to support health care professionals and patients. There are patient leaflets, booklets and toolkits available for use and both have a patient helpline providing advice. 

Patient information leaflets

The patient information leaflet 'Inhalers and the environment - choosing an inhaler which is good for you and good for the planet' is provided by Greener Practice.

An example of one of the patient information leaflets from PrescQIPP, which can be adapted for local use, is also available here as a pdf.