What is asthma?

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.

On this page:

Asthma in adults

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.

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Childhood asthma and wheeze

Our informative factsheet is a valuable tool designed to support parents, caregivers, and individuals with comprehensive information about childhood asthma and wheeze.

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Symptoms of asthma

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.

  • Shortness of breath is one of the most common signs of asthma. Individuals with asthma may have trouble breathing, especially during physical activities or exposure to triggers.
  • Chest tightness can range from mild discomfort to a more severe constriction.
  • A chronic cough, particularly at night or early in the morning, can be indication of asthma. This cough may be dry or produce minimal mucus.
  • Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that occurs during breathing. It is caused by narrowed airways and is a common symptom of asthma. Wheezing may be audible and is often more noticeable when exhaling.
  • Asthma can lead to fatigue and a general feeling of low energy. The effort required to breathe, especially during an asthma attack, can leave a person feeling tired.
  • Difficulty sleeping is common in asthma, and individuals may have trouble sleeping due to coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
  • Rapid breathing, also known as an increased respiratory rate, may occur during asthma exacerbations. This is the body’s response to the decreased efficiency of oxygen exchange.

Asthma triggers and causes

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:

  • Allergies to house dust mites, animal fur or pollen can trigger asthma symptoms.
  • Smoke, pollution and cold air.
  • Physical activity (exercise-induced asthma).
  • Stress and strong emotions.
  • Respiratory infections like colds or flu.

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

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House dust mite allergy

House dust mite allergy

House Dust Mites are one of the most common triggers for people living with allergic rhinitis and asthma. They can be found in every home, and a sensitivity to house dust mites can also aggravate atopic eczema and cross-react with how the body responds to certain foods.

Pet allergy

Pet allergy

It is commonly thought that animal hair is responsible for the allergic symptoms. However, pet allergy is caused by the protein in a pet’s saliva, urine or dander (shed skin particles). This protein is present in all animals – e.g.rabbits, rodents, birds – not just cats and dogs.

Mould allergy

Mould allergy

Mould produces airborne spores which are microscopic in size. When breathed in, they can irritate the airways and cause a respiratory reaction. Mould spores can particularly affect those with respiratory allergy and exacerbate conditions such as asthma or allergic rhinitis.

Sulphites and airway symptoms

Sulphites and airway symptoms

It is rare for someone to be allergic to sulphites. However, sulphites can cause allergy-like symptoms in people with underlying asthma and allergic rhinitis. The most common reaction is wheezing, tight chest and cough.

Diagnosing asthma

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.

  1. What symptoms are being experienced?
  2. When do symptoms occur and how often?
  3. Does anything appear to trigger symptoms?
  4. If you or your child have conditions such as eczema or allergies, or if there is a family history of them.

Testing for asthma

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.

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Allergic Asthma Toolkit

Are you struggling to work out what could be contributing to your asthma symptoms? Your asthma could be made worse by unidentified allergies. Use our asthma tool kit to help find out.

Asthma Toolkit

Managing asthma

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.

What to do during an asthma attack

If you think you’re having an asthma attack, you should:

  1. Sit up straight and try to keep as calm as possible.
  2. Take one puff of your reliever inhaler (usually blue) every 30 to 60 seconds up to 10 puffs.
  3. If you feel worse at any point, or you do not feel better after 10 puffs, call 999 for an ambulance.
  4. If the ambulance has not arrived after 15 minutes and your symptoms are not improving, repeat step 2.
  5. If your symptoms are no better after repeating step 2, and the ambulance has still not arrived, contact 999 again immediately.

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.

What to do after an asthma attack

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.

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Top tips for managing asthma

Top tips for managing asthma

Our "Top Tips for managing asthma" poster is a tool is designed to equip individuals and caregivers with practical advice and guidance to confidently handle the complexities of asthma.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy, often referred to as desensitisation, is a unique treatment for allergic diseases. If you have tried mainstream preventive treatment approaches and still have very severe symptoms, then you may be a candidate for pollen immunotherapy.

Understanding the link between asthma and hay fever

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.

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Hay fever and allergic rhinitis

Hay fever and allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is often categorised into two main categories: seasonal and perennial. Understanding the differences between these types can help identify triggers and manage symptoms effectively. Download our information factsheet on hay fever and allergic rhinitis.

Asthma and hay fever: United airway disease

Asthma and hay fever: United airway disease

In this leaflet, we unravel the complexities of how hay fever can influence asthma, exploring the shared triggers, common symptoms, and strategies to navigate these interconnected conditions. Created alongside leading experts in the field of allergy and respiratory health.

How face masks can limit exposure to pollen

How face masks can limit exposure to pollen

Wearing face masks can play a significant role in reducing exposure to pollen, providing a practical solution for individuals prone to hay fever or allergic rhinitis triggered by pollen. When combined with other preventive measures during peak pollen hours, wearing face masks becomes an integral part of managing hay fever.

Four Seasons: Managing your asthma and hay fever throughout the seasons

Four Seasons: Managing your asthma and hay fever throughout the seasons

This leaflet has been produced to help you better understand the relationship between allergens and allergic rhinitis and the impact that they can have on your asthma. Packed full of useful information about asthma and allergic rhinitis with useful tips on minimising your exposure to allergens.

Indoor air quality and why it matters

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.

Outdoor air quality and why it matters

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.

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Thunderstorm asthma

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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Indoor air quality

Indoor air quality

It’s vital that we consider the impact of indoor air quality on our lives and make changes to improve indoor air quality. Developed in collaboration with clinical experts, this resource is a helpful tool to help understand, manage, and optimise the air you breathe within your own home.

Outdoor air quality

Outdoor air quality

Poor outdoor air quality poses a significant and often immediate impact on individuals living with asthma. Poor air quality not only exacerbates existing respiratory conditions but also elevates the risk of severe asthma attacks, potentially requiring urgent medical attention.

Allergy UK approved air purifiers

Allergy UK approved air purifiers

Invest in air purifiers equipped with effective filtration systems. These devices can capture airborne particles, including pollen, pollutants, and irritants, ensuring that the air you breathe is as clean as possible. Our curated selection of asthma-friendly products is here to guide you.

Indoor air quality: The air we breathe

Indoor air quality: The air we breathe

We are thrilled to introduce our latest leaflet, dedicated to the vital topic of indoor air quality and the revolutionary products that can make a difference in your daily life.

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