Quick answer
What is asthma?
Asthma is a common long-term condition affecting the airways that carry air in and out of the lungs. It can cause wheezing, breathlessness, a tight chest and coughing. There is no cure, but for most people symptoms are well controlled with inhalers and an asthma action plan.
What is asthma?
Asthma is a long-term condition that affects the airways — the small tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. In people with asthma, the airways are sensitive and can become inflamed and narrow when exposed to certain triggers, making it harder to breathe.
Symptoms
The main symptoms are:
- wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)
- breathlessness
- a tight chest
- coughing, often worse at night or early morning
Symptoms can come and go, and may be mild for long periods then flare up. Not everyone has all of them.
Triggers
Asthma symptoms are often set off by triggers, which differ between people. Common ones include respiratory infections, allergies, smoke, cold air, exercise and air pollution. Recognising and reducing your own triggers is an important part of staying well.
Treatment
Most people with asthma use inhalers, which deliver medicine straight to the airways. A preventer inhaler is usually taken daily to reduce inflammation, while a reliever inhaler is used to ease symptoms quickly when they occur. Some people need additional medicines.
Your GP or asthma nurse will work with you on a personal asthma action plan — a simple written guide to your medicines, how to spot worsening symptoms, and what to do in an attack. Regular reviews help keep your asthma well controlled.
Recognising an asthma attack
An asthma attack is when symptoms get suddenly and seriously worse. It is a medical emergency if a reliever inhaler is not helping, breathing is very difficult, or the person cannot speak in full sentences. Knowing the warning signs — and acting quickly — can be life-saving.
Common questions
- What triggers asthma symptoms?
- Common triggers include colds and chest infections, allergies (such as pollen, dust mites or animal fur), smoke, cold air, exercise and air pollution. Triggers vary from person to person, and avoiding your own where possible helps keep symptoms under control.
- What is the difference between a reliever and a preventer inhaler?
- A reliever inhaler (often blue) is used when symptoms occur and quickly eases them. A preventer inhaler is used every day, even when you feel well, to reduce inflammation in the airways and prevent symptoms. Your GP or nurse will explain how to use yours.
- Can asthma be cured?
- There is no cure, but it can usually be controlled very well so it has little impact on daily life. Some children find their asthma improves or goes away as they get older.
- What should I do during an asthma attack?
- Sit up, stay as calm as you can, and take your reliever inhaler as advised in your action plan. If it is not helping, your symptoms are getting worse, or you are struggling to breathe, call 999 for an ambulance.