Asthma
What is Asthma
Asthma is caused by inflammation of the airways. These are the small tubes, called bronchi, which carry air in and out of the lungs. If you have asthma, the bronchi will be inflamed and more sensitive than normal. When you come into contact with something that irritates your lungs, known as a trigger, your airways become narrow, the muscles around them tighten and there is an increase in the production of sticky mucus (phlegm). This makes it difficult to breathe and causes wheezing and coughing. It may also make your chest feel tight.
A severe onset of symptoms is known as an asthma attack or an ‘acute asthma exacerbation’. Asthma attacks may require hospital treatment and can sometimes be life-threatening, although this is rare.
For some people with chronic (long-lasting) asthma, long-term inflammation of the airways may lead to more permanent narrowing.
Common triggers
A trigger is anything that irritates the airways and brings on the symptoms of asthma. These differ from person to person and people with asthma may have several triggers.
Common triggers include house dust mites, animal fur, pollen, tobacco smoke, exercise, cold air and chest infections.
What to do in an asthma attack
Sometimes, no matter how careful you are about taking your asthma medicines and avoiding your triggers, you may find that you have an asthma attack.
Recommended steps
The following guidelines are suitable for both children and adults and are the recommended steps to follow in an asthma attack:
Take one to two puffs of your reliever inhaler (usually blue), immediately.
Sit down and try to take slow, steady breaths.
If you do not start to feel better, take two puffs of your reliever inhaler (one puff at a time) every two minutes.
You can take up to ten puffs.
If you do not feel better after taking your inhaler as above, or if you are worried at any time, call 999.
If an ambulance does not arrive within 10 minutes and you are still feeling unwell, repeat step 3.
If your symptoms improve and you do not need to call 999, you still need to see a doctor or asthma nurse within 24 hours.
You’re having an asthma attack if any of the following happens:
Your reliever inhaler does not help.
Your symptoms are getting worse (cough, breathlessness, wheeze or tight chest).
You are too breathless to speak, eat or sleep.
Do not be afraid of causing a fuss, even at night. If you go to A&E (accident and emergency) or are admitted to hospital, take details of your medicines with you if possible.
After an emergency asthma attack:
Make an appointment with your doctor or asthma nurse for an asthma review, within 48 hours of your attack.
You will also need another review within one or two weeks to review your current asthma treatment and ensure your asthma is well controlled.
Other types of asthma
There are other types of asthma that can be made worse by certain activities:
Work-aggravated asthma is pre-existing asthma that is made worse by dust and fumes at work.
Occupational asthma is caused by exposure to specific substances at work. For example, some nurses develop occupational asthma after exposure to latex, and some workers in the food-processing industry develop occupational asthma as a response of exposure to flour.
Outlook
While there is no cure for asthma, symptoms can come and go throughout your life. A number of treatments can help control the condition very effectively. Treatment is based on two important goals:
Relief of symptoms preventing future symptoms and attacks from developing.