Asthma
Asthma is a common lung condition that causes breathing difficulties. With the right treatment and a clear action plan, most people can keep it well controlled.
Health conditions
Respiratory and allergy conditions
Guides to conditions that affect your lungs, breathing and sleep, and common allergies.
COPD
COPD is a long-term lung condition that makes it harder to breathe. It cannot be cured, but treatment can ease symptoms, prevent flare-ups and help you stay active.
Hay fever
Hay fever is an allergy to pollen. It is very common and usually easy to manage with medicines from a pharmacy.
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)
Obstructive sleep apnoea is when your breathing stops and starts while you sleep. It causes loud snoring and tiredness, and it can be treated.
About these conditions
Respiratory conditions affect your lungs and airways. Lung conditions affect around 1 in 5 people in the UK at some point. Allergies, such as hay fever, happen when your immune system reacts to something that is usually harmless.
Help that applies to many conditions
- Benefits are based on how a condition affects you, not on its name. If you need help with everyday tasks or getting around, try our PIP points self-check, or the Attendance Allowance check if you are over State Pension age.
- If you cannot work because of your health, read about New Style ESA and the Universal Credit health element.
- You may be protected at work. Under the Equality Act 2010, a condition that has a substantial, long-term effect on your daily life can count as a disability, which means your employer must consider reasonable adjustments.
- Help with health costs. Some conditions give you free prescriptions in England, and prescriptions are free for everyone in Wales. Try our NHS health costs check.
- Your GP can review your treatment, refer you to specialists and tell you about local support.