Asthma

Asthma is a common condition that affects the tubes carrying air in and out of the lungs, causing them to be sensitive to irritants in the environment. When a person with asthma comes into contact with something that irritates their airways, their body reacts by making the airways narrower. This irritation and narrowing can make breathing difficult and cause symptoms such as chest tightness, wheezing, or coughing.

Asthma can affect people of all ages and often starts in childhood but can occur for the first time in adulthood. There's currently no cure for asthma, but there are treatments that can help keep the symptoms under control so that an asthma diagnosis does not have a significant impact on your life.

For more information on what asthma is, visit the Asthma UK web page Understanding Asthma

Asthma occurs when the body reacts to irritants that affect the lungs. Asthma causes:

You are more likely to develop asthma if there is a family history of asthma, or if your family has ever had allergies such as hayfever. Your chances of developing asthma also increase if you are a smoker, your parents smoke or if anyone in your family has been diagnosed with eczema. However, some people are diagnosed with asthma when there is no history of these conditions.

Most people living with asthma find ways to cope with their condition and manage their asthma symptoms so they can continue doing most of the things they usually do. Some people can even live symptom free when they are given the right asthma treatments. Whatever type of asthma you have, there is help available. Work with your GP or asthma nurse for specialist asthma support. They will be able to provide you with a treatment plan which usually involves using an inhaler.

Understanding your asthma triggers can really help, so carry a ‘triggers’ diary or notebook and write down where you are and what you're doing when your symptoms start or get progressively worse.

There are some tips for managing daily living, especially if you have moderate to severe asthma, on the My Lungs, My Life website

Asthma is a long term condition and there is currently no cure, but treatments can help you to live well with asthma.

Most asthma medications are taken using an inhaler, which delivers a spray or powder to your breathing tubes as you breathe in. There are two types of inhaler:

You should also measure and record your ‘peak flow’ in order to help manage your condition. This is a special test where you take a deep breath in and blow fast into a meter. It helps you and your GP or asthma nurse to monitor if your treatments are working and how your lungs are functioning. A high peak flow is good and means your airways are not tight or inflamed.

By getting the right treatment for asthma, recording your peak flow and asthma symptoms, and reducing exposure to your asthma triggers, you will most likely find you can manage your condition effectively.

There is lots of information about the types of asthma treatments available on the NHS website.

There are a number of products available that may help soothe your asthma, help reduce your symptoms or decrease the impact of your triggers:

If you are concerned that daily tasks are becoming difficult, you may require an assessment from an Occupational Therapist (OT) – contact your GP or local social services to arrange this. Healthcare Pro also has a team of OT’s that can help advise you which daily living aids for asthma are available and suitable for you. Contact them by email: productadvice@healthcarepro.co.uk or telephone on 0345 121 8111.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and minimal processed food is really important for everyone, especially those living with a long term condition such as asthma. There is no special diet for asthma you need to follow, but some people find that certain types of foods can be one of their asthma triggers. For example, some people find that sulphites (preservatives) found in pickled foods, condiments, processed meats and alcoholic drinks, such as wine and cider, can be one of their asthma triggers and therefore need to avoid foods containing the ingredient.

Some people swear by taking certain supplements for asthma including vitamins, minerals and herbs such as omega-3s or magnesium. There is little research to prove these are effective and we recommend you discuss the use of asthma supplements with your GP to ensure they will not interfere with your medical treatments.

Regular exercise is important for everybody and people with asthma often feel that exercise improves their wellbeing, improves lung function, boosts immunity and helps reduce weight. There are many famous sports people with asthma, including, footballer David Beckham and Olympic cyclist Laura Trott. However, some people may find that certain exercises can make asthma symptoms worse. It is important to try to maintain a good level of fitness and find an exercise that you enjoy and can manage. If in doubt, you could speak to a professional fitness instructor, a physiotherapist or your GP.

If you smoke and have asthma, quitting smoking can significantly reduce the severity and frequency of your asthma symptoms.

The NHS provides 10 self help tips to stop smoking which may help you to quit.

Most people receiving an asthma diagnosis are able to continue to work, however some people feel their condition can make their working life difficult at times. This is often due to taking sick days, experiencing symptoms whilst at work, asthma triggers present in the workplace and forgetting to take medication (inhalers) due to a busy workload. Stress can also bring on asthma symptoms. If you are having difficulty managing your asthma whilst at work, speak to your employer to find solutions.

There are some jobs you may not be permitted to do due to your asthma diagnosis, for example, jobs in the Fire Brigade or armed forces. Similarly, if your asthma is triggered by factors in your workplace, you may be unable to continue to work there.

Asthma UK offers advice on asthma and employment.

There are many online forums and support groups where you can ask questions, talk to people in a similar situation or just feel that you’re not alone.

Asthma UK community forum – provides an opportunity to share experiences with other people who have asthma

British Lung Foundation Breathe Easy Support Groups – members groups around the UK which give the chance to meet people who are living with a lung condition

UK Asthma & Allergies Support Group – a Facebook group for sharing experiences of asthma and related conditions

Allergy UK – a patient led charity for people living with allergies and related conditions such as asthma

Asthma UK – the leading UK charity providing information, support services and world class research

British Lung Foundation – a UK charity supporting people with lung conditions by providing information online, advice helpline, and funding vital research

Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland – a Scottish charity providing information and support for people experiencing health conditions affecting the chest or heart, or who have had a stroke

My Lungs, My Life – provides lots of advice and information about all aspects of living with asthma and other lung conditions

NHS – provides information about medical aspects of asthma, including symptoms, treatments and diagnosis