'Advocate for yourself': Runner calls for asthma awareness as students head to university

A marathon runner who has been hospitalised ten times with asthma during her studies is urging new students with the condition to take extra care as the academic year begins.

Lily Maxwell, 23, who was diagnosed with asthma aged four, graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2023.

But the fitness enthusiast says asthma remained a constant challenge throughout her student life.

She is warning young people starting university to be proactive about their health – from getting vaccinated and keeping on top of inhalers, to registering promptly with a local GP.

Lily, 23, urges students to remember their inahlers and take care during Freshers

“Viral infections can have a major effect on my asthma. I am also triggered by dust, grass, pollen, cold air, hot weather, bonfires, traffic pollution – the list goes on”, she said.

“I can’t change the fact I have asthma nor ignore that it isn’t life-threatening, but I know if I manage it as proactively as I can, by always taking my inhalers as prescribed, recognising when I’m starting to feel unwell, and really advocating for myself, there’s no reason why I can’t enjoy my student years, regardless of the fact I have a lung condition.

“My advice would be for students going to university is make sure you are aware that the English and Scottish healthcare systems are different entities. So, when you visit a hospital or join a doctor’s surgery in Scotland, they won’t have access to your notes or be able to update them if you have moved here from elsewhere in the UK.

“I would also advise that you get all your vaccinations and when you get to university, speak to the disability services as they can help if you need an extension with essays or have to spend time in hospital because of your asthma.”

Her warning comes as Asthma + Lung Scotland highlights a sharp seasonal rise in asthma attacks among young people. The charity says hospitalisations in 15–24 year olds soared between summer and autumn from an average of 314 to 578.

Joseph Carter, head of Asthma + Lung UK Scotland, said students face a “perfect storm” of triggers over the Freshers period, including cigarette smoke, vaping, alcohol, stress, mould, damp, and viral infections.

“Leaving home and going away to University is an exciting time, but it is essential that young people with asthma know how to access the right care and are meticulous about taking their inhalers and other medication as prescribed.

“It’s important for students to be open about having asthma, and to have print-offs or screen shots of their asthma action plans. It’s vital too that they know what to do if they have an asthma attack, and that they’ve seen in advance how to get to the nearest hospital.”

Spike in back-to-school asthma attacks prompts warning from charity iStock

A recent survey by the charity found four in five people in Scotland said colds and flu worsened their asthma symptoms, while two-thirds reported that cold air aggravated their condition.

Research found just 24% of people with asthma are receiving the three basics of care: an annual review, an inhaler technique check, and a written action plan.

Sai Shraddha S. Viswanathan, NUS Scotland President, said: “Periods of transition like starting a new academic year or moving and getting settled into a new flat or home can be a stressful time and it’s easy to let things fall through the cracks. It’s incredibly important that students, especially those with chronic health conditions like asthma, register with a GP as soon as they are able.

“We hear from far too many students who face poor housing conditions like mould or humidity. Students should know that this can have a serious effect on their health. They should alert their landlord to any signs of these problems and seek advice if they are not addressed in a timely manner. It is a landlord’s responsibility to ensure that the properly is safe, free from mould or damp, and properly ventilated.”