Welcome to Wehale.life - website about asthma and COPD!
Our goal is to improve the lives of people with asthma and COPD and increase the awareness about these conditions. That is why we provide information about asthma symptoms, asthma diagnosis, how to avoid asthma attacks and find answers on how to live good life with asthma. Same applies to COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): what are the most common COPD symptoms, how COPD is diagnosed and how to use inhaler correctly. Join us in building well-being!
Patients - see here what is available for you
Healthcare Professionals - find content for you
Not just a ‘smoker’s cough’: 3 symptoms that could be COPD
Even for people who smoke, respiratory symptoms are not normal or inevitable – and they could be a sign of a condition called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
For Healthcare Professionals
See what we offer for professionals in different countries
Breathing for happiness
25 September marks World Lung Day – an important day for lung health advocacy and action. In this special feature story, we take a deep dive into the science of breathing with psychologist & researcher Emma Seppälä, Ph.D.
Asthma treatment top tips – what everyone with asthma should know
Have you ever wondered about the different treatment options available for asthma? We spoke to asthma expert, Consultant Respiratory Pharmacist, Dr Anna Murphy, to take a deep dive into optimum asthma treatment.
5 common asthma myths debunked
Asthma is a common respiratory condition affecting millions of people worldwide. It is a chronic inflammation of the airways, causing them to be sensitive and narrower. When it is not well managed, it can lead to breathing difficulties.
Breathing freely – how to live a good day with asthma
What we can learn from Finland and the Nordics about empowering people living with asthma
Best for the planet and the patient – What to know about the environmental impacts of asthma and COPD care
How sustainable is your inhaler? Respiratory specialist, Professor Christer Janson’s ground-breaking study on the environmental impacts of asthma and COPD treatments, has revealed some surprising results.
Is your COPD treatment plan up to date?
Simple adjustments can improve life with COPD. An annual check-up with a doctor is a must.
How to control asthma in children after the COVID-19 pandemic: Tips for parents and teachers
Prof. Dr. Christian Vogelberg offers advice on proper care for children living with asthma after the COVID-19 pandemic and a few things to watch out for – like expired medication.
Got asthma as an adult? What to know about symptoms and how to control them
Asthma diagnosed later in life can differ from childhood asthma in type, treatment and even the way it develops. But new research from Professor Hannu Kankaanranta is bringing a better understanding of adult-onset asthma and how to control it.
Is asthma keeping you awake at night?
Asthma attacks commonly come on at night, but this could be a sign that the condition is not being managed properly. Find out why night-time symptoms occur and what to do about them.
Not just a ‘smoker’s cough’: 3 symptoms that could be COPD
Even for people who smoke, respiratory symptoms are not normal or inevitable – and they could be a sign of a condition called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Asthmatic Sirpa Ärmänen likes to keep fit by playing golf
Golf has been part of Sirpa Ärmänen's life for over 20 years. Her social hobby provides brisk outdoor exercise – and helps with asthma.
Chronic rhinosinusitis and rhinitis and asthma – the connection explained
Chronic rhinosinusitis and rhinitis can worsen asthma symptoms and vice versa. An accurate diagnosis will lead to effective treatment.
What everyone should know about asthma at work
Exposures in the workplace can cause allergies and trigger asthma. Even a single high-dose exposure to chemicals can cause a syndrome called irritant-induced asthma.
Eco-salon brings relief for asthmatic hairdresser
Preventable chemical exposure poses an asthma risk in many occupations. One is hairdressing, where many salon workers become sensitized to substitutable synthetics. Asthmatic Outi Sinimäki-Laaksonen was able to stay in the job she loves by opening her own organic salon.
Living with COPD: Exercise is the best medicine
Being diagnosed with COPD marked a pivotal transformation in Jaana Koponen’s life. She shares the story of how exercise has slowed down the progression of her symptoms.
Recipes for balance and well-being
Sara La Fountain, an internationally renowned chef, shares her philosophy for using food as a source of inspiration, enjoyment, and overall well-being.
Having a video call with your doctor about asthma? – what to know
If you have asthma, does it make sense to see your doctor via a remote appointment? The global COVID-19 pandemic has boosted the number of virtual appointments used in healthcare – but can you get a sufficient level of care online? We talked with Dr. Annette Kainu, who is one of the pioneers in the field in Finland.
Good asthma management vital during the pandemic
With pandemic fatigue setting in, it’s easy to let asthma medications slide. But maintaining a good asthma management strategy and keeping your symptoms in check are the best ways for taking care of your lungs, even during the pandemic.
Blogger Karoliina Pentikäinen shares life as an asthmatic in the times of pandemic
Being an asthmatic can be stressful but influencer Karoliina Pentikäinen has decided not to worry. Caring for her asthma is as important as ever.
Regular exercise is good for your health and asthma control
Establishing a regular exercise routine has many health benefits – especially for those living with asthma. Jari Parkkari, Professor of Sports and Exercise Medicine, shares his tips for exercising more and boosting your lung health.
Opera singer’s inspiring tips for stronger breathing
On 17 November 2021, World COPD Day, with its theme “Healthy lungs – never more important” will aim to help boost global awareness of the condition, to share the latest knowledge about this debilitating disease, and to discuss the various ways that can help to reduce the negative impact of COPD worldwide.
COPD and flare-ups – how to get back on track
There are many treatment options and lifestyle choices that can help keep COPD symptoms in check. However, unexpected flare-ups can happen. Read on for some important tips on what to look out for and how to respond if changes in symptoms cause concern.
Tips for teachers: How to support children with asthma at school
“It’s important for teachers to know when one of their students has asthma so they can support them properly,” says Kaisa Toikko, expert of asthma, allergies and skin diseases at Finland’s Allergy, Skin and Asthma Federation.
Top tips from a doctor: How to get ready for your asthma or COPD appointment
It can be hard to keep track of all the different elements of a face-to-face doctor’s appointment. Lung specialist Dr Silke Mronga, based in Germany, shares tips to help you get the most out of your time with your clinician.
Medical terms explainer – 14 common asthma terms and what they mean
Do you find some medical terms hard to understand? Our simple explainer covers some general asthma facts plus lists some common asthma keywords and tells why they’re important.
Care for a cleaner world – Why aiming for carbon neutral care matters, and what it means for asthma and COPD
The detrimental impact of health care on environment and climate can be mitigated through minimising greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and offsetting – creating carbon neutral care options also for asthma and COPD.
How to quit smoking and improve COPD symptoms
If you smoke and receive a diagnosis of COPD, one of the first things your doctor may advise is to put down your cigarettes. Quitting is possible and it is the single best thing you can do for your lungs.
World asthma day 2021: What does international guidance say about COVID-19 and asthma?
You may have wondered where the decisions on asthma treatment practises come from. Read more about GINA (the Global Initiative for Asthma) and what are their current recommendations for patients with asthma.
Power up your lungs – how to take care of your asthma with exercise in 2021
One of the best ways to care for your respiratory system is good exercise. And if your asthma is well controlled, there’s no reason it should stop you from getting the blood pumping. Regular workouts strengthen and build your lung capacity, so there’s no time like the present to try out a new hobby.
Every breath he takes and every move he makes– Mariano’s story about COPD
Living with COPD for over 20 years, Mariano Pastor has accomplished things that once seemed impossible. One step at a time, he has learnt to manage his disease and carry on with his life.
Differences in knowledge about COPD in Finland, Spain and Germany – How well do you know?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive disease for which there is no cure. However, the disease may be managed with the right treatment. In November 2020, the pharmaceutical company Orion Pharma commissioned a survey to find out what level of knowledge exists among ordinary people in Finland, Germany and Spain (N=1,000 for each country) concerning the symptoms and treatment of COPD.
How to spot signs that a child's asthma is not under control
Parents may feel overwhelmed to learn their child has a chronic illness such as asthma. According to Dr Will Carroll, a consultant respiratory paediatrician in the UK, parents have a vital role in helping children manage their asthma correctly.
COPD in a nutshell – 10 questions and answers about COPD
Tightness in the chest, wheezing and a persistent cough can be signs of COPD, which is a chronic lung disease. What causes COPD, what happens to your lungs and how is it treated? Here are answers to some common questions.
Asthma in a nutshell – 10 questions and answers about asthma
What causes asthma, how does asthma affect your lungs, and how is it treated? Here are answers to some common questions.
This is how it feels to have an asthma attack
Suddenly being out of breath can feel terrifying even if you know what to do. Three asthmatics tell about their experiences of having an asthma attack and how they cope with it.
My asthma diagnosis at 40 was life-changing – in a good way
Just before turning 40 Tanja Heleä got up from her office chair and jumped into an exercise program of first gym, walking and cycling, and then running. Then came the asthma attacks.
Does my child have asthma?
What are the most common asthma symptoms to look for? How would asthma impact your child's quality of life?
Do I have asthma?
Having trouble breathing? Having a persistent cough? Here’s how you can tell if you have asthma.
Can hormones affect my asthma?
Self-care is important for all women with asthma, especially at times of hormonal change.
Don’t let asthma or COPD ruin your love life
Here are some tips for not letting asthma get in the way of your love life.
Why do people get COPD?
While genetics and pollution may play a role, the leading cause for COPD in Europe is tobacco smoke.
Asthma and COPD travelling tips
Make your next holiday symptom-free and focus all your attention and energy on the call to adventure.
5 tips to boost your immune system for winter
Here are a few useful tips to help you power through the cold and flu season.
Common questions about inhaled corticosteroids
Are you concerned about taking corticosteroids to control your asthma? We looked at some common questions when it comes to preventer inhalers.
How to support someone with COPD
Dr. Daniela Figueiredo gives advice on how to support your loved one with COPD and yourself.
How to deal with an asthma attack
We take a look at what’s happening in your body during asthma attack, what triggers it and the immediate actions you should take.
How exercise can help with COPD
Studies show that exercise can help people with COPD. The key is to go slow and steady.
Making the most of your inhaler
Read these tips on the correct use of your device and the best way to clean, store and look after it.
Spring’s in the air: 5 ways to take care of your lungs
Spring can be a difficult time for people living with asthma and COPD. Read these 5 tips on improving your well-being during spring.
Overcoming your fear of an asthma attack
If you feel a flare-up in your asthma symptoms, it's important to stay calm and positive.
How to sleep better with asthma?
Read these four practical steps which help you deal with night-time symptoms.
Does your weight affect your asthma?
While it has been unclear which comes first – if obesity leads to asthma or if asthma leads to weight gain – recent studies have shown that both are possible.
Track your breathing with a peak flow diary
A peak expiratory flow tells gives an overview of the wellbeing of your lungs. Read more and download a PEF diary template.
A healthy diet may ease asthma symptoms
It's possible to prevent your asthma symptoms with healthy diet rich in fish and fresh vegetables.
Most asthma patients use their inhalers incorrectly
A poor technique might be bad for your asthma. Read more on how to improve your inhalation technique.
7 steps to getting the most out of your inhaler
There are many ways for you to control your asthma or COPD better, and one of the most important ways is using your inhaler correctly.
5 common childhood asthma myths
If you have an asthmatic child read on for the most common myths on childhood asthma.
New to asthma? 6 simple steps to breathing easier
With good treatment, you can reduce the risk of asthma attacks.
Breathing exercise for shortness of breath
When you're out of breath or need relief for stress or anxiety, try this breathing exercise.
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