Asthma

What it is

The airways narrowing and becoming inflamed, in episodes. It is controllable, and well controlled it should not be limiting what somebody does.

When to seek urgent care

Speaking in single words rather than sentences, lips or fingers turning blue or grey, the reliever not working or wearing off within an hour, or the person is exhausted from breathing.

How it shows

Wheezing, coughing especially at night, tightness in the chest and breathlessness, often set off by dust, smoke, cold air, exercise or an infection.

What to do

If you have a reliever inhaler, use it as you were shown. Anyone needing their reliever often is not controlled and needs reviewing, because frequent reliever use without a preventer is the pattern that precedes a serious attack.

Why symptoms come and go

Asthma makes the airways sensitive and inflamed. Smoke, dust, infections, cold air, exercise or allergens can trigger cough, wheeze and chest tightness. Symptoms may vary through the day, so a normal examination between episodes does not rule it out.

A clinician may use breathing tests or a peak-flow diary. Breathlessness has other causes too. If exercise brings symptoms, discuss how to control them rather than abandoning all activity.

An inhaler plan you can follow

Some inhalers quickly relieve symptoms; others reduce airway inflammation, and some do both. Ask which role each of yours has. Many people need treatment containing an inhaled steroid; repeatedly relying on a reliever without review can leave asthma poorly controlled.

Have a nurse or pharmacist watch your technique and show you how to use a spacer if suitable. Carry the prescribed reliever and follow your personal action plan. Waking at night, limiting ordinary activities or needing relief more often are reasons for review. After an attack, arrange prompt follow-up even if you feel better.

Sources

1. Asthma · Public sector health information · OGL v3.0

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.