asthma

12:2:47

2018-06-02

1900

Over a million people suffer from asthma in the UK. But why does it happen? And how do we know if we've got it?

Asthma is a condition that affects our lungs and our breathing. Some days are completely fine but it gets worse in certain situations. Over a million young people have asthma in the UK, and the number's rising.

There are 5.4 million people with asthma in the UK, which means asthma affects one in every 11 people and one in five households.

Of those who are currently receiving treatment for asthma, 1.1 million are children (1 in 11) and 4.3 million are adults (1 in 12).

Why does it happen?

First the anatomy: when we breathe in, the air goes down into our lungs and passes through tubes called airways. These branch again and again, getting narrower as they go. If we have asthma, the walls of the airways get swollen, become sensitive and react to stuff like smoke, dust, exercise, stress or pets. This reaction makes the airways even narrower and also increases the production of sticky mucus - both of which can make it difficult to breathe. When these symptoms intensify it may cause an asthma attack, which requires medical treatment.

How do I know if I have asthma?

Ask yourself...

Have I been coughing (especially at night) for a while now?
Am I wheezy or breathless?
Do I ever find it difficult to breathe? Does my chest feel tight? Do I need to breathe faster?
Is there a trigger for my symptoms? For example, do I cough or wheeze every time I visit Auntie Sheila and her three cats? Or when my mates light up? Or in PE?
Do other people in my family have asthma, hay fever or eczema?

If you said 'yes' to the first three, head to your doctor to get checked out. If you said 'yes' to the last two, it means asthma may be more likely.

What causes asthma?

No one knows for sure. But what we do know is that you haven't caused it, or caught it from someone else. It does however, tend to run in families.

If you have asthma you can help yourself by avoiding all known triggers as much as possible. Exercise is also good for asthma.

Having asthma shouldn't stop you doing anything. Oh wait - except smoking. That's even more poisonous to you now.

Will my asthma go away?

Some of us grow out of it but some of us have symptoms for life, as there is no cure. However, there are fantastic treatments and it can be effectively managed.

But I hate my inhaler!

The inhalers contain powder that makes our airways wider, so our lungs work better and we feel better. That way we control our asthma, not the other way round. Some inhalers are taken when you have symptoms and some inhalers are used regularly to help prevent an attack

Make sure you understand what your inhalers are for, when and how to take them and what to do if they stop working. That way, you keep your asthma from interfering with your life.

There are lots of different types of inhaler, so speak to your doctor about getting one that suits you. It is important you understand how to use your inhalers, which one to take when and to have a supply with you at all times

I am scared. Will I die?

Please don't be scared. Asthma can be serious. But it is treatable. Asthma can be fatal but if you arm yourself with knowledge about your condition, your triggers and look after yourself and your asthma, plus act early on symptoms it is treatable

If you're worried or if your asthma is getting worse, seek help and advice from your doctor immediately.