Basically asthma affects the airways when you breathe. Asthma is caused by inflammation and narrowing of the airways in the lungs, which makes breathing difficult. It can be caused by too much mucus in the lungs, or swelling or spasms of the airways.
Asthma is often seen as a childhood illness, but it can affect you at any age. Some people can develop asthma at a later age. In adults symptoms are more likely to be triggered by flu or colds, exercise, depression or anxiety or irritants such as cigarette smoke.
The symptoms of asthma include:
Asthma can be triggered by many things such as an infection, too much physical exertion, and being out in the cold air.
Asthma can't be cured but it can be managed so that it doesn't interfere with your everyday life. Medication can come in the form of inhalers, tablets, nebuliser and spacers, although currently inhalers are more common.
Everyone with asthma should have an inhaler. Inhalers deliver very small amounts of medication directly into the lungs. There are a variety of inhalers available. Inhalers can be used to manage relieve symptoms of asthma during an attack. If your symptoms are particularly bad then you may be prescribed a preventer inhaler that builds up protection over time.
If you think you may have asthma then you should do to your GP. Your GP can diagnose asthma using a device called a peak flow meter, which measures the amount and the speed of air coming from your lungs.
Asthma UK - For more information and support go to the Asthma UK website or call their Asthma UK Adviceline on 0800 121 6214 (Mon to Fri, 9am - 5pm). You can also email an enquiry via the Asthma UK website.
Published on 07/07/2010
Last modified on 29/03/2012
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