Asthma

I’ve been asked by a reader to explain asthma, so here goes:

What is it?

Asthma is a lung condition that causes occasional breathing difficulties. It affects people of all ages and often starts in childhood. Currently there’s no cure, but there are simple treatments that can help keep the symptoms under control.

What are the symptoms?

Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing), breathlessness, a tight chest which may feel like a band is tightening around it, and coughing. The symptoms can sometimes get temporarily worse. This is known as an asthma attack.

What causes it?

It’s caused by inflammation of the breathing tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. It may occur randomly or after exposure to a trigger such as allergies, smoke, pollution and cold air, exercise, and infections like colds or flu. Identifying and avoiding your asthma triggers can help you keep your symptoms under control.

When to see your GP

See your GP if you think you or your child may have asthma. An early sign can be coughing, especially at night. Several conditions can cause similar symptoms, so it’s important to get a proper diagnosis and correct treatment.

What’s the treatment?

Asthma is usually treated by using an inhaler. There are two types:

■ reliever inhalers – used when needed to quickly relieve asthma symptoms for a short time, and

■ preventer inhalers – used every day to prevent asthma symptoms occurring.

Management plan

All patients with asthma, particularly children, should have an asthma management plan drawn up with the help of their doctor. It should contain a list of signs that indicate an attack is getting worse, how to deal with it and give advice on when to go to hospital if symptoms persist.