![]() ![]() It's not clear exactly what causes asthma, although it is likely to be a combination of factors. Phone 999 to seek immediate help if you or someone else has symptoms of a severe asthma attack. your lips or fingers turning blue (cyanosis).being too breathless to eat, speak or sleep.wheezing, coughing and chest tightness becoming severe and constant.your reliever inhaler (which is usually blue) is not helping symptoms as much as usual, or at all.Signs of a particularly severe asthma attack can include: Read about diagnosing asthma for more information. You might be monitoring your asthma using a device called a peak flow meter, and there may be a drop in your peak expiratory flow. It is important to recognise attacks early and take appropriate action.ĭuring an asthma attack, the symptoms described above may get worse and – if you're already on treatment – your inhaler medication may not work as well as it normally does. When asthma symptoms get significantly worse, it is known as an asthma attack or 'acute asthma exacerbation'.Īsthma attacks often develop slowly, sometimes taking a couple of days or more to become serious, although some people with asthma are prone to sudden, unexpected severe attacks. You should also talk to your doctor or asthma nurse if you have been diagnosed with asthma and you are finding it difficult to control the symptoms. Speak to your GP if you think you or your child may have asthma. Read our page on the causes of asthma for more information about potential triggers. They may also develop or become worse in response to a certain trigger, such as exercise or exposure to an allergen. These symptoms are often worse at night and early in the morning, particularly if the condition is not well controlled. a tight chest – which may feel like a band is tightening around it.wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe). ![]() Most people will only experience occasional symptoms, although a few people will have problems most of the time. The symptoms of asthma can range from mild to severe. Moderate or severe childhood asthma is more likely to persist or return later on. Read more about treating asthma and living with asthma Outlookįor many people, asthma is a long-term condition – particularly if it first develops in adulthood.Īsthma symptoms are usually controllable and reversible with treatment, although some people with long-lasting asthma may develop permanent narrowing of their airways and more persistent problems.įor children diagnosed with asthma, the condition may disappear or improve during the teenage years, although it can return later in life. You should have a personal asthma action plan agreed with your doctor or nurse that includes information about the medicines you need to take, how to recognise when your symptoms are getting worse, and what steps to take when they do so. However, identifying and avoiding possible triggers is also important. Treatment is based on two important goals, which are:įor most people, this will involve the occasional – or, more commonly, daily – use of medications, usually taken using an inhaler. While there is no cure for asthma, there are a number of treatments that can help control the condition. Asthma in adults is more common in women than men. That's the equivalent of 1 in every 12 adults and 1 in every 11 children. In the UK, around 5.4 million people are currently receiving treatment for asthma. Read more about the causes of asthma Who is affected? The reason why some people develop asthma is not fully understood, although it is known that you are more likely to develop it if you have a family history of the condition.Īsthma can develop at any age, including in young children and elderly people. Speak to your GP if you think your symptoms are worse at work and get better on holiday. When you come into contact with something that irritates your lungs – known as a trigger – your airways become narrow, the muscles around them tighten, and there is an increase in the production of sticky mucus (phlegm).Īsthma may also be triggered by substances (allergens or chemicals) inhaled while at work. If you have asthma, the bronchi will be inflamed and more sensitive than normal. Read more about the symptoms of asthma and diagnosing asthma What causes asthma?Īsthma is caused by inflammation of the small tubes, called bronchi, which carry air in and out of the lungs. Severe attacks may require hospital treatment and can be life threatening, although this is unusual. This is known as an 'asthma attack', although doctors sometimes use the term 'exacerbation'. Occasionally, asthma symptoms can get gradually or suddenly worse. Asthma can be controlled well in most people most of the time, although some people may have more persistent problems. The severity of these symptoms varies from person to person. Asthma is a common long-term condition that can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness. ![]()
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