Breathe a sigh of relief
ASTHMA CAN BE VERY SERIOUS, BUT IT IS POSSIBLE TO MANAGE THE SYMPTOMS, AS LIZ CONNOR FINDS OUT
IMAGINE being so breathless that you can’t speak or ask for help, as your chest gets tighter and you struggle to get air into your lungs. This frightening scenario is what an asthma attack can feel like – and it’s not that uncommon.
Asthma affects one in every 11 people in the UK (4.3 million adults and 1.1 million children), and it’s estimated that every 10 seconds, someone is having an asthma attack – which can be extremely serious or even life-threatening.
Many people who experience asthma attacks get the help they need from a GP, and learn to manage the condition on a day-today basis. But, worryingly, Asthma UK reports that three people die from asthma every day, and it’s estimated that two-thirds of asthma-related deaths would be preventable with better routine care and more information about the triggers and treatments.
With that in mind, Francesca Brenca, a pharmacist from LloydsPharmacy, talks us through the key points everyone should be aware of.
WHAT IS ASTHMA?
“ASTHMA is a respiratory condition where a person’s airways – the small tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs – become inflamed, making it difficult to breathe,” says Francesca.
“When a person with asthma comes into contact with something that irritates their airways, known as a ‘trigger’, it causes the muscles around the airway walls to tighten. In response, the airways become narrower, the lining of the airways swell and sticky mucus builds up in the area”.
Although there is no cure for asthma, Francesca notes that it is the most common lung condition in the UK.
“The symptoms can vary from person to person and it is often diagnosed in children, however asthma can also develop for the first time later in life – this is known as adult-onset or late-onset asthma.”
WHAT CAUSES ASTHMA?
THE causes are not always clear, but there can be risk factors. “Research indicates you are more likely to develop asthma for reasons such as if your birth weight was low or you were born prematurely, or have a family history of asthma or allergies,” says Francesca. “You may also be more at risk if you already experience allergies, such as eczema or hay fever, you spend time around smokers, or you’re exposed to certain substances through work.”
Francesca adds that other potential, but lesser-known, causes of asthma can include hormonal imbalances in women, with some developing the condition before or after the menopause.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ASTHMA IN ADULTS?
“THE symptoms of asthma in both adults and children are similar and can range from mild to more serious,” says Francesca.
“The main symptoms include wheezing, chest tightness, feeling breathless and coughing.”
As people’s experiences with asthma can differ, not everyone will get all of the symptoms at once. Some may also just get them from time to time and will continue to live their lives normally.
However, Francesca explains that 5% of people with asthma have severe symptoms and require specialist support and care.
WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE? “THE most common way to treat asthma is to use an inhaler,” says Francesca. These are portable
devices that administer medication by breathing it in.
“There are a few types of inhalers that your GP might recommend. Reliever inhalers are usually blue and will relieve symptoms when they flare up,” Francesca explains.
“Most people with asthma will be given this inhaler, but they may also need a preventative inhaler, which is used to stop symptoms developing. If both the reliever and preventative inhalers do not control asthma symptoms, you will likely be given a combination inhaler. These are used daily to help provide relief from symptoms occurring.”
If you are worried you may have the symptoms of asthma, the best thing you can do is speak to your GP.
Francesca adds that you may also benefit from visiting your pharmacist to discuss how to manage your asthma and which treatments would be best for you.
LloydsPharmacy, for instance, offers an in-store respiratory support service, where you can get free and confidential advice on how to control your symptoms.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU HAVE AN ASTHMA ATTACK BUT DON’T HAVE AN INHALER?
IF you experience a sudden asthma attack and you don’t have your inhaler handy, then you must seek emergency medical help. “It is vital you call 999 immediately,” says Francesca.
“While waiting for a paramedic, sit upright (don’t lie down), and take slow and steady breaths.
“Try to remain calm,” she adds. “If you panic, your symptoms will feel worse.
“If you are near something you know triggers your asthma, such as cigarette smoke, you should move away immediately and, if you can, find an area with clean air.”