Asthma:

What is it and how it may be managed:

What is Asthma ?

Asthma is a condition that affects your airways - the small tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. People with asthma have airways that are almost always red and sensitive (inflamed).
The airways react to a 'trigger' by becoming narrower. This causes symptoms of cough, wheeze or breathlessness.
It is difficult to predict who will develop asthma - sometimes it runs in families and may be inherited.
Asthma can develop at any age.
About 1 in 7 children and 1 in 25 adults in the UK have asthma.

Asthma Triggers:

Colds/virus
Exercise
Pollens
Moulds
Pets
Dust
Tobacco smoke
Certain types of medication
Weather Changes
Certain foods

Treatment

Most asthma medication is delivered using an inhaler device. This ensures that very small amounts of medication are delivered directly into the lungs.
Your doctor or nurse will advise you on the most appropriate device and show you how to use it correctly

There are 3 types of medication to treat asthma:

Relievers
Preventers
Protectors

Relievers:

Reliever inhalers are usually blue
They act by opening up the airways, causing the muscles to relax and therefore breathing is made easier.
The reliever should only be used when the symptoms of asthma appear.
If recommended, a reliever may be used prior to exercise
Relievers do not reduce the inflammation in the airways.
Your doctor or nurse will suggest how frequently a reliever inhaler should be used.

Preventers:

Preventers inhalers are usually brown or orange
They reduce the swelling and inflammation in the airways.
They can take between 10-14 days to build up in the body.
Preventer inhalers need to be taken regularly daily even when you are well.
Most preventers are steroids but they are inhaled only in low doses.
These are corticosteroids not anabolic steroids.

Protectors:

Protectors are long-acting medicines which reduce asthma symptoms
They work by keeping the airways open and relaxed, making it easier for air to get in and out of the lungs.
Protectors are available as inhalers or tablets.
A protector would usually be taken with a preventer.
Protectors must be taken regularly every day.

Managing Asthma:

Asthma symptoms can happen at any time.
Measuring the performance of your lungs using a peak flow metre gives a good indication of how well controlled asthma is.
A peak flow metre may be given for personal monitoring.
Your doctor or nurse will discuss a management plan with you.
Your doctor or nurse may increase or decrease your treatment if the asthma is well controlled.

Your lifestyle:

Asthma should not get in the way of leading a full and active life.
Always carry your reliever medication with you.
Be aware of your trigger factors.
Take your preventer medication regularly so your asthma does not deteriorate.

What to do during an asthma attack:

Take your reliever medication immediately.
Try and stay calm.
The attack should pass off and you can continue with normal activities.
If the reliever has no effect after 5-10 minutes:
Call your doctor or an ambulance
Continue to take reliever medication every few minutes until help arrives.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice or substituted for professional advice. Always consult your doctor with your questions and concerns.