Asthma

Overview

Asthma is a common long-term condition that affects the airways in your lungs. The airways become inflamed and narrow more easily than usual, which can cause wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Asthma cannot currently be cured, but many people control it well with the right treatment.

How common is it?

Asthma is common and can start in childhood or adulthood. Some people have only occasional symptoms, while others need daily treatment.

Causes and risk factors

Asthma symptoms happen when the airways become swollen and react to triggers. Triggers vary from person to person and can include allergies, infections, exercise, smoke, cold air, and air pollution.

Common risk factors

• Allergies such as eczema, hay fever, or food allergy
• A family history of asthma or allergies
• Exposure to cigarette smoke or air pollution
• Past breathing illnesses in childhood
• Being overweight
• Exposure to dusts or chemicals at work

Symptoms

• Wheezing
• Coughing, often worse at night or early in the morning
• Shortness of breath
• A tight feeling in the chest
• Symptoms that flare after exercise, cold air, smoke, or allergens
• Trouble sleeping because of breathing symptoms

When to see a doctor

See a GP if you think you or your child may have asthma, or if asthma treatment is not helping and symptoms are waking you at night or stopping usual activities. Call 999 if someone is having an asthma attack, feels worse at any time, does not get better after the maximum dose of their reliever inhaler, or does not have an inhaler with them.

Diagnosis

A GP or nurse will ask about symptoms and listen to your chest. You may need breathing tests, and sometimes a blood test. Some people also use a peak flow meter at home for a few weeks because asthma symptoms can change over time.

Treatments

Self-care and lifestyle

• Always carry the inhaler you have been told to use for sudden symptoms
• Use your inhalers exactly as advised and have your technique checked regularly
• Keep an asthma action plan and take it to reviews
• Avoid smoking and try to reduce exposure to triggers such as smoke, pollution, or allergens
• Keep vaccines such as the flu vaccine up to date if your care team recommends them

Prevention

Asthma cannot always be prevented, but avoiding smoke exposure and known triggers can reduce symptoms and lower the risk of attacks. Ongoing review helps keep treatment matched to your asthma.