Conversation with Sue Lang

Could you tell us a bit about yourself and what led you to get involved with the Asthma Patient Advisory Group? 

I am 62 years old and live in the United Kingdom. I was diagnosed with asthma as a child and faced many challenges while growing up. One of the most difficult experiences was being admitted to hospital with pneumonia, which was later followed by a collapsed lung during my teenage years. 

These experiences have motivated me to live life to the fullest and focus on the activities I enjoy most. I love gardening and photography, as both keep me active and allow me to spend time outdoors. Scotland and Yorkshire are among my favourite places to capture the beauty of nature through my lens. 

I got involved with the Asthma Patient Advisory Group (PAG) because I strongly believe that patients provide the most valuable insights into what it is really like to live with a lung condition. It is vital that healthcare professionals listen to our voices when shaping future research. I have previously worked with several patient organisations, including Asthma and Lung UK, and I am excited to bring my experience and understanding of asthma to my role as a new member of the ELF Asthma PAG. 

How has living with asthma shaped your daily routine and what adjustments have you made over the years to manage your symptoms? 

Living with asthma can make things harder but as I have had the condition from a young age, I know how to manage my symptoms and when to see a doctor. Exercise is a good way for me to maintain my health and I have been an enthusiastic runner for most of my adult life. 

Over the years, my mobility has slowed and I was recently diagnosed with arthritis in my knee. As a result, I now walk more often instead of running but I continue to lift weights and use a rowing machine to maintain my strength. 

Some seasons can have a big impact on my daily routine. In winter, I am conscious of people with infections and have to keep my distance. A simple cold for some people can mean a chest infection for people living with asthma and this leads to a higher risk of asthma attacks. This makes me feel anxious but I try to manage this with meditation and breathing exercises. 

As a new member of the ELF Asthma Patient Advisory Group (PAG), what are you most excited about? 

Patients can be as experienced as researchers in understanding how treatments and medications work. As a new member of the Asthma PAG, I am passionate about ensuring patient’s voices are heard in healthcare and I look forward to sharing my insights and helping to improve outcomes for people living with asthma. 

I am interested in exploring more about how asthma relates to mental health conditions, such as anxiety and the effects of steroids. I would welcome the opportunity to be involved in future projects focused on these areas and to collaborate with healthcare professionals to enhance care and understanding. 

I also look forward to working with fellow PAG members and learning more about how they manage their condition. Patients approach asthma management in different ways, and I am keen to hear what strategies have been effective for others. 

What advice would you give to other patients who might be interested in getting involved in asthma advocacy or joining a PAG? 

I strongly encourage patients to join a PAG and advocate for their condition.  I have always said that professionals should first listen to patients as we have the best knowledge of what we want from treatments and whether research is relevant. PAGs are an amazing opportunity to collaborate with experts and make sure your voice is heard.  

When I first got involved in advocacy, I didn’t know what to expect. I was surprised by how much my experience was valued by the researchers and it is so rewarding to see that my contributions are making a difference. This is what drives me, even 4 years later. 

World Asthma Day on 6 May focused on making inhaled treatments accessible for all. In your opinion, what are the next steps for research in asthma care?

The next steps in asthma research should focus on treating the whole person, recognising how the condition can lead to other challenges, such as mental health issues. Many people living with asthma are also encouraged by the development of new treatments, such as biologics, which offer promising options for those with more severe forms of the condition. 

Although there have been improvements in care, I hope that patients can continue to make a positive impact. Not all new treatments work for patients and so it is important that we are involved.  

With spring in full swing and summer on the horizon, air pollution and allergens can worsen asthma symptoms. Do you have any advice or strategies for patients who want to spend more time outdoors during this time of year? 

Warmer weather can often cause problems for asthma patients, but it is still important for us to enjoy the outdoors. Some of the ways you can manage your symptoms include: 

• Exercising early in the morning or later at night 

• Avoiding the outdoors when it is windy  

• Checking pollen levels before going outside 

• Staying hydrated 

Is there anything else you would like to share?

The most important thing for doctors to consider when dealing with asthma patients is how to communicate well. Patients are living with these symptoms all the time, and it can be exhausting to have to repeat this every time you go to an appointment. This does not just impact patients, but their families too. 

Whilst we have more knowledge about lung conditions and know that things like smoking are bad for our health, we still have to fight for cleaner air. No matter how well we develop medications, issues like air pollution set us back, and policymakers should do more to tackle these and protect public health.