Asthma

Introduction
Asthma is a common long-term condition that can cause coughing, wheezing, chest
tightness and breathlessness.
The severity of these symptoms varies from person to person. Asthma can be
controlled well in most people most of the time, although some people may have
more persistent problems.
Occasionally, asthma symptoms can get gradually or suddenly worse. This is known
as an "asthma attack", although doctors sometimes use the term "exacerbation".
Severe attacks may require hospital treatment and can be life threatening, although
this is unusual.
Speak to your GP if you think you or your child may have asthma. 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 your symptoms.
Read more about the symptoms of asthma and diagnosing asthma.
What causes asthma?
Asthma is caused by inflammation of the small tubes, called bronchi, which carry air
in and out of the lungs. If you have asthma, the bronchi will be inflamed and more
sensitive than normal.
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).
Common asthma triggers include:
house dust mites
animal fur
pollen
cigarette smoke
exercise
viral infections
Asthma may also be triggered by substances (allergens or chemicals) inhaled while
at work. Speak to your GP if you think your symptoms are worse at work and get
better on holiday.

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.
Asthma can develop at any age, including in young children and elderly people.
Read more about the causes of asthma.
Who is affected?
In the UK, around 5.4 million people are currently receiving treatment for asthma.
That's the equivalent of 1 in every 12 adults and 1 in every 11 children. Asthma in
adults is more common in women than men.
How asthma is treated
While there is no cure for asthma, there are a number of treatments that can help
control the condition.
Treatment is based on two important goals, which are:
relieving symptoms
preventing future symptoms and attacks
For most people, this will involve the occasional or, more commonly, daily use of
medications, usually taken using an inhaler. However, identifying and avoiding
possible triggers is also important.
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.
Read more about treating asthma and living with asthma.
Outlook
For many people, asthma is a long-term condition particularly if it first develops in
adulthood.
Asthma 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.
For children diagnosed with asthma, the condition may disappear or improve during
the teenage years, although it can return later in life. Moderate or severe childhood
asthma is more likely to persist or return later on.