What is asthma?
Asthma is a long-term condition that causes inflammation of the airway. It is a very common condition and, in the UK, alone 5.4 million people have asthma.
What causes asthma?
Little is known about what actually causes asthma, however, things like genetics, pollution and modern hygiene standards are some of the suggested causes.
Certain types of people tend to be at a higher risk for asthma:
- Having hay fever or eczema
- Familial history of asthma
Symptoms of having asthma:
- Wheezing
- Breathlessness
- Tight chest
- Coughing
It is important that you see if a GP if you or your child have these symptoms. Especially if the symptoms are:
- Not under control
- Worse at night/early morning
- In response to what is considered an asthma trigger
- Frequent and recurrent
What can trigger your asthma?
There are many possible triggers for asthma and this can vary for everyone. Knowing what triggers your symptoms means that you can help avoid them as much as possible.
Common asthma triggers are: pollen, dust, stress, cold/viruses, pets, the cold, exercise and, particularly for women, hormonal changes.
The best way to deal with asthma triggers is to take your asthma-preventer medication as it is prescribed. See a GP if your asthma doesn’t seem to be under control or if you have an asthma attack.
Asthma attacks
An asthma attack is an acute worsening of asthma symptoms caused by the muscles in your airway tightening (bronchospasm), this can cause the lining to become inflamed and an increase in mucus. Together this will cause the symptoms of an asthma attack.
These are:
- Trouble breathing or catching breath
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- The relief inhaler not working
- In children, they may complain of a tummy or chest ache
- Blue lips/fingernails
A common misconception is that symptoms occur very suddenly, and whilst this can be the case, asthma attacks tend to come on in the space of hours or even days.
What to do if you or someone else is having an asthma attack?
It is good to notice the warning signs of an asthma attack:
- Changes in known asthma symptoms
- Frequent cough
- Reduced peak flow
- Feeling weaker than normal after exercise – includes wheezing and coughing more
- Signs of any allergies or a cold
First, follow the asthma action plan, this is a plan put in place by a GP or asthma nurse and the asthma sufferer. It contains the medicines that are taken every day, what to do if the asthma symptoms are getting worse and the emergency action to take if you or someone else is having an asthma attack. (If the plan does not work, do not hesitate to call 999 for help.
If there is no plan you should:
- Try to get them to stay calm
- Take one puff of the reliever inhaler (usually blue) every 30-60 seconds for up to 10 puffs
- If this does not make the person feel better or make them feel worse call for an ambulance.
- If the paramedics are not there in 10 minutes and the symptoms are not improving repeat the 10 puffs
- Call 999 again if they are, again, of no help.
If the symptoms improve and you/they do not need an ambulance continue to make an urgent same-day or next-day appointment with the GP or asthma nurse.
NOTE: This advice is not for people who are on SMART/MART, for advice on what to do if you have an asthma attack, please ask your GP/asthma nurse.
What to do after an asthma attack?
It is important that you see the GP or asthma nurse within 48 hours of leaving the hospital, (same day if possible if hospital is not required), this is to reduce the risk of any future attacks as your asthma plan and medication may need to be adjusted or as a check to make sure you are using your asthma inhaler properly.
Sources:
Asthma + Lung UK: Asthma action plan
Asthma + Lung UK: What is asthma
NHS: Asthma
NHS: Asthma attacks
WebMD: Asthma attack
