Resources for people with lung conditions - asthma and COPD
Asthma
Asthma is a common lung condition that causes breathing difficulties.
Asthma Action Plan
This individualised plan contains information to help keep your asthma under control. It will help you to recognise asthma symptoms and provide you with information on what actions to take if your asthma symptoms are getting worse.
Asthma action plan (PDF, 334 KB, 2 pages)
The Asthma Society of Ireland
The Asthma Society of Ireland can help you with information, support and a range of services.
These include:
- information on how to manage your asthma
- how to use inhalers correctly
- personalised plans to help you manage your asthma
- easy to read information for the Roma, refugees, people seeking international protection and the traveller community
- asthma advice line - freephone 1800 44 54 64 to speak to a nurse from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
- WhatsApp nurse messaging service with a respiratory nurse specialist - send a message on WhatsApp to 086 059 0132
- webinars and events on subjects related to asthma
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - COPD
COPD is a term for a group of lung conditions. These conditions make it hard to breathe.
COPD communication card
Your COPD communication card contains details about your condition. It includes an action plan for you to follow. It also offers advice on how to manage your COPD based on how you're feeling. It can help you recognise and manage a flare-up or an exacerbation of your COPD.
COPD communication card (PDF, 1.8 MB, 2 pages)
COPD self-management plan
Your COPD self-management plan will help you:
- manage your condition when you are well
- be aware of your symptoms
- know what to do if you have a flare-up
COPD self-management plan (PDF, 584 KB, 1 page)
Pulmonary rehabilitation education support programme
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a special programme that combines exercise and education. It is for people with lung conditions like COPD.
This programme has 14 videos. They are an extra support for people with COPD.
Topics include:
- breathing exercises
- oxygen
- nutrition
- managing fatigue
- self-management
- coping skills for people living with a chronic condition
- smoking cessation
- managing medication
The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Education Support Programme
Spirometry
Spirometry is a test used to diagnose and check lung conditions.
These include:
- asthma
- COPD
- cystic fibrosis
- pulmonary fibrosis
Videos
Spirometry results explained (video)
COPD Support Ireland
COPD Support Ireland provides information, support and a range of services to people with COPD and their families.
These include:
A printed copy can be posted on request.
Phone: 086 041 5128 or contact info@copd.ie
COPD videos
A series of educational videos was created to support people living with and managing COPD.
COPD adviceline
This is a freephone service for people who want to learn more about COPD. It can also be used to discuss COPD with a respiratory nurse.
Phone the free COPD adviceline on 1800 83 21 46 to book a free telephone consultation with a COPD nurse.
Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
COPD Ireland peer support and exercise groups
These groups provide support and information for people living with COPD.
COPD Ireland peer support groups - copd.ie
Email: support@copd.ie
SingStrong – Singing for better lung health
Singing for better lung health is a fun way to learn and use breathing techniques through singing.
Singing for better lung health - copd.ie
Email: singstrong@copd.ie
HSE Exercise videos
HSE physiotherapists have produced home exercise videos. These videos are suitable for people living with long-term or chronic conditions who can exercise safely at home.
The videos include:
- 10-minute warm-up, chair and gentle exercises
- longer full aerobic and resistance exercise sessions