Asthma and Respiratory | Allergy UK | National Charity
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Asthma is a common and long-term lung condition that requires ongoing management. Asthma causes sensitivity to the airways, which can become inflamed and narrow on exposure to certain triggers, leading to difficulty in breathing.
Symptoms of asthma commonly start in childhood, but it is possible to develop asthma at any age. This condition cannot be cured, but with a good asthma action plan it can be well controlled.
Our factsheet on asthma in adults offers a deep dive into the various aspects of this respiratory condition, providing you with detailed insights into causes, symptoms, and management strategies. Empower yourself with valuable insights and take charge of your respiratory health.
Our informative factsheet is a valuable tool designed to support parents, caregivers, and individuals with comprehensive information about childhood asthma and wheeze.
Recognising the symptoms of asthma at an early stage allows for prompt intervention. Timely action can prevent exacerbations and enhance the effectiveness of management strategies.
Asthma is caused by swelling (inflammation) of the breathing tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. This makes the tubes highly sensitive, so they temporarily narrow. It may happen randomly or after exposure to a trigger. Recognising the triggers that contribute to its onset is vital in being able to effectively manage and improve quality of life.
Avoiding known triggers helps in preventing asthma symptoms and exacerbations. This proactive approach significantly reduces the frequency and severity of asthma attacks, promoting better respiratory health. Common asthma triggers include:
Identifying and avoiding your asthma triggers can help you keep your symptoms under control.
If you believe that you or your child may be dealing with symptoms of asthma, it’s advisable to schedule an appointment with your GP. There are several conditions can cause similar symptoms to asthma, so it’s important to get a proper diagnosis and the correct treatment.
The GP will usually be able to diagnose asthma by asking about symptoms and carrying out some simple tests, but they may refer you to a specialist if they are not sure.
When seeing advice from your GP, be prepared for them to ask the following questions.
Spirometry is a valuable tool in assessing lung function. Spirometry is a diagnostic test that measures the volume of air an individual can inhale or exhale, and the speed at which they can do so.
Peak flow meters are portable instruments that measures airflow in litres per minute. Patients take a deep breath and then blow into the peak flow meter as forcefully and quickly as possible. This process is repeated three times, and the highest recorded value is the “peak flow.”
A peak flow test is a valuable self-management tool for people living with asthma, enabling them to track their lung function at home. Regular use of a peak flow meter can empower individuals to take an active role in their asthma management and seek prompt medical attention if needed.
Living with asthma requires proactive and regular management to ensure it is under control. Understanding the importance of proper asthma management and being prepared for potential asthma attacks is crucial for your well-being.
Asthma attacks can be frightening, but being prepared can make a life-saving difference. Knowing what to do in the event of an asthma attack is crucial. An emergency action plan, including the proper use of rescue medications and when to seek medical attention, can mean the difference between a manageable episode and a severe health crisis.
If you think you’re having an asthma attack, you should:
Never be frightened of calling for help in an emergency and try to take the details of your medicines (or your personal asthma action plan) with you to hospital if possible.
If your symptoms improve and you do not need to call 999, get an urgent same-day appointment to see a GP or asthma nurse.
After an asthma attack, you should see a GP or asthma nurse within 48 hours of leaving hospital, or ideally on the same day if you did not need hospital treatment.
About 1 in 6 people treated in hospital for an asthma attack need hospital care again within 2 weeks, so it’s important to discuss how you can reduce your risk of future attacks.
Talk to a doctor or nurse about any changes that may need to be made to manage your condition safely. For example, the dose of your treatment may need to be adjusted or you may need to be shown how to use your inhaler correctly.
Understanding the link between asthma and hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is important, as both conditions often coexist and can exacerbate each other’s symptoms. Managing both asthma and hay fever is essential for overall health and improved quality of life.
For individuals with asthma, exposure to allergens such as pollens and other airborne allergens can trigger or worsen asthma symptoms. Understanding this connection helps individuals take proactive measures to manage hay fever and, in turn, reduce the risk of exacerbating asthma symptoms.
Often referred to as the ‘united airway disease’, individuals with allergic rhinitis are at a higher risk of developing asthma, and those with asthma commonly experience allergic rhinitis symptoms.
Seeking guidance from healthcare professionals for an integrated treatment plan targeting both conditions is key to effective management.
Many of the allergens that cause an allergic reaction can be found in our own homes (and even our place of work). House dust mites, for example, are tiny creatures, just a quarter of a millimetre long. House dust mite allergy is very common and associated with asthma, eczema, and perennial allergic rhinitis. Mites are found in carpets, soft furnishings, and clothing but a significant amount of exposure to house dust mite allergens happens in bed. You can take measures to avoid house dust mite, which will help, but will not entirely remove dust mite allergens.
Mould is another culprit. It is the spores from mould that can trigger allergic symptoms such as runny/itchy nose, itchy eyes, eczema and, most importantly, asthma. There are ways to avoid moulds – ventilation is key to help stop moulds flourishing in a damp environment. Maintaining optimal humidity levels is crucial in preventing mould growth and dust mites. High humidity can create an environment conducive to these allergens, while low humidity can dry out respiratory passages, potentially triggering asthma symptoms.
Poor air quality can contribute to the exacerbation of asthma symptoms, making it essential to create an environment that supports your respiratory well-being.
Air pollution is the top environmental risk to human health in the UK, and the fourth greatest threat to public health after cancer, heart disease and obesity.
It makes people more susceptible to respiratory infections and other illnesses and it can have a significant impact on those living with allergies. There is a proven link between the quality of the air we breathe and the health of people living with allergic disease. Sensitivity to the adverse effects of air pollutants will vary in individuals and air pollution levels will also vary seasonally, from day to day, as well as by the time of day.
Poor outdoor air quality often contains higher levels of pollutants such as particulate matter, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide. Exposure to these pollutants can exacerbate asthma symptoms, leading to increased coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness among individuals with asthma. Prolonged exposure to outdoor air pollution has been linked to decreased lung function. For individuals with asthma, compromised lung function can worsen their ability to breathe comfortably and contribute to a decline in overall respiratory health.
In sumary, poor outdoor air quality poses a significant threat to individuals living with asthma, exacerbating symptoms, triggering attacks, and potentially impacting their overall respiratory health. It underscores the importance of environmental awareness, proactive measures to reduce exposure, and effective asthma management strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of polluted air.
Thunderstorm asthma is a phenomenon that occurs when a particular set of weather conditions triggers a widespread asthma outbreak in a population. It is typically associated with a combination of high pollen levels, warm temperatures, and certain types of thunderstorms.
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