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With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, romance is on many people’s minds. Sex is often an important part of an amorous evening. However people with lung disease may worry about sex because they are afraid that they will become too short of breath or may need to cough up phlegm.

Sexual activity needs energy and makes demands on your heart and lungs. You breathe more and your heart rate and blood pressure go up for a short time. This is the same for everyone, but it can prevent those living with lung conditions from enjoying the experience.

Living with a lung condition should not prevent you from enjoying a fulfilling sex life. The British Lung Foundation has produced a free leaflet with the following tips to help those living with a lung condition blow kisses all night:

•          Have sex when you feel rested and your breathing is at its best.  This may require planning ahead so that it occurs when medication is at its most effective. However people are encouraged not to change their habits if this is too stressful.

•          Try coughing up phlegm before sex or avoid having sex in the morning when it’s likely you will be producing more phlegm.

•          Avoid sex after a heavy meal or alcohol; your breathing may be more difficult if you have a full stomach and feel bloated.

•          If you become very short of breath during intercourse, try pausing to take a few slow, deep breaths from your diaphragm rather than stopping altogether.

•          Don’t forget that all intimacy should be for fun and your enjoyment. Laugh and talk about any difficulties that either of you are experiencing.

Dr Noemi Eiser, Medical Director of the British Lung Foundation said: “Living with a lung condition doesn’t mean you have to compromise on intimacy. It is important that you talk to your partner about any worries and are open-minded and understanding. Creating a comfortable and trusting environment will prevent stress and shortness of breath.”

For further advice call the Helpline on 08458 50 50 20.

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For press information please contact Katherine Huntly on 0207 688 5588 or Tova Turkel on 0207 688 5564.

Notes to editors:

1.         The British Lung Foundation is the only UK charity working for everyone affected by lung disease. The charity focuses its resources on providing support for people affected by lung disease today; and works in a variety of ways (including funding world-class research) to bring about positive change, to improve treatment, care and support for people affected by lung disease in the future.

2.         It provides information via the website www.lunguk.org and telephone helpline 08458 50 50 20

3.         One person in every seven in the UK is affected by lung disease – this equates to approximately 8 million people

4.         Respiratory disease is the second biggest killer in the UK (117,456 deaths in 2004) after all non-respiratory cancers combined which only account for slightly more deaths (122,500 deaths in UK in 2004)

5.         Respiratory disease now kills one in five people in the UK

6.         The UK’s death rate from respiratory disease is almost double the European average and the 6th highest in Europe

7.         Respiratory disease is the most commonly reported long term illness in children and the third most commonly reported in adults. One in 7 boys and 1 in 8 girls aged 2 – 15 report having long term respiratory illness in England