Asthma Support

When a person with asthma comes into contact with something that irritates their airways (an asthma trigger), the muscles around the walls of the airways tighten so that the airways become narrower and the lining of the airways becomes inflamed and starts to swell. Sometimes sticky mucus or phlegm builds up which can further narrow the airways.

All these reactions cause the airways to become narrower and irritated - making it difficult to breath and leading to symptoms of asthma.

5.4m people in the UK are currently receiving treatment for asthma.
1.1m children in the UK are currently receiving treatment for asthma.
There is a person with asthma in one in five households in the UK.

Source: Asthma UK www.asthma.org.uk

What causes asthma?

Asthma can start at any age and there can be many possible causes:

  • asthma can be inherited
  • many aspects of modern lifestyles – such as changes in housing and diet and a more hygienic environment – may have contributed to the rise in asthma
  • smoking during pregnancy increases the chance of a child developing asthma
  • second-hand smoke increases the chance of developing asthma
  • irritants in the workplace may lead to a person developing asthma
  • environmental pollution can make asthma symptoms worse, but it has not been proven to cause asthma.

What are the things that can set off (or trigger) asthma symptoms?

A trigger is anything that irritates the airways and causes the symptoms of asthma to appear. Everyone's asthma is different and you will probably have several triggers. Common triggers include colds or flu, tobacco smoke, exercise and allergies to things like pollen, furry or feathery animals or house-dust mites.

How might asthma affect my lifestyle?

Some people may have to change parts of their lifestyle because of worsening asthma symptoms. It can be difficult to identify exactly what triggers your asthma. Sometimes the link is obvious, for example when your symptoms start within minutes of coming into contact with a cat or pollen. Some people have a delayed reaction. By avoiding the triggers that make your asthma symptoms worse, and by taking your asthma medicines correctly, you can reduce unnecessary symptoms and continue to enjoy your usual lifestyle.

Helping you to control your asthma

To help you to control your asthma symptoms, your pharmacist, doctor or nurse should discuss with you the best way you can control your symptoms and as part of this should give you a written record of your asthma medicines and what to do if your symptoms get worse. At your review, ask them for an asthma medicine card and a personal asthma action plan.

Source: Asthma UK www.asthma.org.uk