Breathe Better with Spire Cheshire Hospital

Local residents gathered at The Park Royal in Stretton last night for Breathe Better – Understanding Your Lungs and Breathing, a free patient event hosted by our friends at Spire Cheshire Hospital.

With winter approaching and colder weather bringing added challenges for people living with respiratory conditions, the evening offered timely, practical advice on protecting lung health, recognising warning signs and knowing what support is available.

Expert guidance for everyday breathing

The presentation was led by Dr Abdul Ashish, Consultant Respiratory Physician, and Mrs Ilona Littler, Specialist Respiratory Physiotherapist, who shared their extensive experience in helping patients understand and manage breathing problems.

Dr Ashish has broad experience across respiratory medicine and specialises in the management of chronic cough, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis.

Mrs Littler supports patients with symptoms including breathlessness, persistent cough and breathing pattern disorders, as well as long-term conditions such as asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis and pulmonary fibrosis.

Her work includes personalised assessment and rehabilitation programmes, breathing retraining, airway-clearance techniques and structured exercise plans designed to improve confidence and quality of life.

Preparing for the winter months

As temperatures fall, people with respiratory conditions can face a range of challenges. Cold air, seasonal infections and the increased risk of colds, flu and bronchitis can all make breathing more difficult.

The experts explained why it is important to know your individual risks and to be prepared before winter takes hold. They also discussed the treatment options available for those who do need further support.

Attendees learned practical breathing techniques and simple everyday strategies to help manage symptoms, alongside information about the tests and assessments that can help identify the cause of unexplained breathing problems.

Understanding the warning signs

The session covered common symptoms including:

• Breathlessness
• Persistent cough
• Wheezing
• Unexplained breathing problems

The speakers emphasised the importance of seeking appropriate assessment when symptoms are new, persistent or affecting daily life. Understanding what symptoms may mean — and getting the right diagnosis — can be an important first step towards effective management.

A supportive and informative evening

The event gave attendees the opportunity to hear directly from both a consultant respiratory physician and a specialist respiratory physiotherapist, with time for questions in a supportive environment.

Before the event, Ian caught up with Dr Ashish and Mrs Littler for a fascinating insight into their expertise and the work they do at Spire Cheshire Hospital.

Listen Here

More information about respiratory services at Spire Cheshire Hospital.