Brief Guide to Asthma

More than five million people in the UK and 100 million people worldwide suffer from asthma, which can affect anyone of any age. Cases are increasing in the developed world, where asthma is the most common chronic illness, aggravated by common aspects of modern living such as air pollution, central heating, double glazing and processed food.

However, it is not known what actually causes asthma. There are several theories offered by doctors. One is that a virus can damage a person’s airways, making them oversensitive to other viral infections. Another suggestion is that asthma is a chronic allergic reaction to allergens such as house dust, animal hair, mould spores and pollen. Asthma is most prevalent in families prone to allergies, leading to the theory that the illness is inherited.

Other factors may increase the risk of asthma. They include infections during early life, being born during a time of high pollen, or being exposed to cigarette smoke while in the womb or in early life.

During an asthma attack, a sufferer’s airways become inflamed, swollen and constricted with excess mucus, leading to symptoms typified by a tightness in the chest, wheezing, coughing and difficulty in breathing. In severe cases, an asthma sufferer might turn blue, experience chest pain or lose consciousness.

Airborne irritants – from traffic fumes and paint fumes to perfumed cosmetics and strongly scented flowers – can trigger an attack. So can the use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, which is why you must always remind your doctor and pharmacist that you are asthmatic. Exercise, cold air, smoking and a heightened emotional state, including both stress and happiness, can also lead to an asthma attack.

In the event of an attack, you should remove yourself from any situation that may have been the trigger and take two puffs on your reliever (see below). Sit down, don’t lie down (because sitting makes it easier to breathe), and wait a few minutes for the attack to pass. If you still feel unwell after a quarter of an hour, seek the help of a doctor or call an ambulance.

The two basic drug treatments for asthma are ‘preventers’ and ‘relievers’, both of which are delivered via various inhalation devices.

Preventers reduce the sensitivity of the airways and ease swelling and inflammation. They are usually steroid-based and are prescribed in the lowest possible doses to prevent side effects.

Relievers relax the airways and open them up. They are for use during an asthma attack only, which is why a sufferer will also take a preventer.

Medicine is also available in pill form – for instance, theophylline-based ‘reliever’ drugs, steroid tablets (taken on a short course by sufferers of extremely bad asthma) and antagonists (for people whose attacks are triggered by aspirin).