Your lungs work hard every day of your life. As you get older it’s worth having them checked out. An NHS Lung Health Check can help to find problems early – often before you notice anything is wrong.
The NHS lung health check service is currently available in Southampton and Portsmouth to those aged 55 to 74 who are current or former smokers.
Lung Health Checks are a really important check-up of the overall health of your lungs and are designed to spot any signs of lung problems early – often before you notice anything is wrong. Most of the time no issue is found, but if cancer or another issue with your breathing or lungs is found early, treatment could be simpler and more successful.
If you are eligible for a lung health check you will receive a letter inviting you to book your appointment or you can find out more here.
And if you aren’t eligible, it is still really important to look after the health of your lungs by being active, stopping smoking, eating healthily and telling your GP about any of the following symptoms that are unusual to you such as:
- a persistent cough or change in your normal cough – please note, if you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus visit the NHS website for advice
- coughing up blood
- being short of breath
- unexplained tiredness or weight loss
- an ache or pain when breathing or coughing.