Asthma is a common condition that affects around 5.4 million people in the UK (roughly 1 in 12 adults, and 1 in 11 children). Asthma is a chronic, or long-term condition, and affects women more than men.
The primary symptoms of asthma are coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness, or shortness of breath. Symptoms range from mild to severe, and most of the time can be well controlled. In some cases, problems are persistent and more difficult to manage.
Those with asthma occasionally suffer from ‘asthma attacks, which is when their symptoms suddenly or gradually worsen. If these attacks are severe, the person may require hospital treatment. In rare cases, these attacks are life-threatening.
Symptoms range from mild to severe in quality. These mainly include:
The symptoms tend to be worse in the evening and first thing in the morning, more so when the condition is not well controlled with treatment. Triggers like allergens or exercise can bring on or worsen symptoms, also.
An asthma attack is what happens when symptoms significantly worsen. This can happen slowly, over the course of days, or more quickly, with attacks coming on suddenly and unexpectedly.
An attack may cause your inhaler medication not to work as well as it usually does. If you monitor your asthma with a peak flow meter, an attack will be preceded by a drop in peak expiratory flow.
If you suspect that you or your child is having an asthma attack, contact a doctor or clinic as soon as possible. If the attack is particularly severe, you may experience:
For most people with asthma, the treatments that are currently available are effective and will allow you to keep the condition from restricting your life.
The primary asthma treatment is an inhaler, swiftly delivering medication to your lungs as you breathe. Various types exist—some with pressurised canisters, spraying medicine in vapour form, while others use dry powder capsules. The doctor will train you to use an inhaler.
Pressurised canister inhalers are more effective when used with a spacer—a hollow container that helps deliver the medicine. This device allows young children to breathe more easily and ensures the medication is inhaled fully for optimal lung absorption.
Other asthma treatments include various kinds of inhalers, oral medicines, surgery, and breathing exercises.
Asthma is the result of inflammation of the bronchi of the lungs (small tubes which carry air in and out). Asthma makes these bronchi more inflamed and sensitive than normal.
The airways of the lungs can be triggered by irritants (also known as triggers), causing the muscles around the airways to tighten and produce sticky phlegm or mucus.
These asthma triggers or irritants include:
Other substances in your work or home environment (allergens or chemicals) may also trigger asthma. If you notice a pattern in the severity of your symptoms (worse at work or better when on holiday), speak to one of our doctors.
If you already know you have asthma and would like advice on managing the condition, or if you are suffering from symptoms, do not hesitate to book an appointment with one of our experienced doctors who can help you. Call us or use our online booking system.
We work with experienced consultants & healthcare professionals who have received positive feedback from our patients, and with whom we have established long-term relationships.
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