Asthma

Asthma is a common lung condition that causes occasional breathing difficulties.

It affects people of all ages and often starts in childhood, although it can also develop for the first time in adults.

There’s currently no cure, but there are simple treatments that can help keep the symptoms under control so it does not have a big impact on your life.

Symptoms of asthma

The main symptoms of asthma are:

• a whistling sound when breathing (wheezing)
• breathlessness
• a tight chest, which may feel like a band is tightening around it
• coughing

The symptoms can sometimes get temporarily worse. This is known as an asthma attack.

Treatments for asthma

Asthma is usually treated by using an inhaler, a small device that lets you breathe in medicines.

The main types are:

• reliever inhalers – used when needed to quickly relieve asthma symptoms for a short time
• preventer inhalers – used every day to prevent asthma symptoms happening.

Some people also need to take tablets.

Causes and triggers of asthma

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.

Common asthma triggers include:

• allergies (to house dust mites, animals or pollen, for example)
• smoke, pollution and cold air
• exercise
• infections like colds or flu

Identifying and avoiding your asthma triggers can help you keep your symptoms under control.

What is an asthma review?

An asthma review is a routine check-up with your GP, nurse or other healthcare professional to see how your asthma is.

Most people go for an asthma review at least once a year. If you have difficult or severe asthma you may need to go for an asthma review more than once a year.

At an asthma review your GP or nurse can check your lungs with a peak flow or spirometry test.

You can talk about:

• your symptoms, and if they’re stopping you from doing everyday things or keeping you awake at night. Your GP or nurse may ask you how your asthma has been using a set of questions.
• ways to manage your asthma better so you can lower your risk of an asthma attack
• your medicines and inhalers, and how often you use them
• your inhaler technique and how to use a spacer if you use a metered dose inhaler (MDI)
• stopping smoking, exercise, or keeping to a healthy weight which can all help your asthma
• your asthma action plan and if it needs to be updated.

Why do I need an asthma review?

An asthma review helps you manage your asthma in the best way possible. It could help lower your risk of an asthma attack.

It’s worth having an asthma review even if you feel well. You can check you’re on the lowest dose of asthma medicine to keep you free of symptoms.

If you have not had symptoms for some time, you can ask your GP or nurse about lowering the dose of your preventer medicine.

Tips to get the most from your asthma review

1. Write down any questions you want to ask before your appointment, so you don’t forget. And don’t be afraid to ask your GP or nurse to repeat anything you don’t understand. It’s important that you understand what medicines you take and why.
2. Keep a symptom diary and take this along to your appointment so you can show the GP or nurse how your asthma has been over time.
3. Take along your inhalers and your spacer if you use one, so you can check your inhaler technique.
4. Ask your GP or nurse to send you your updated asthma action plan by email if you want a digital copy to keep on your phone or tablet.
5. Ask if there’s a text or email reminder service so you don’t miss out on your next annual review.