People with asthma have attacks of wheezing, coughing or difficulty breathing.
WHAT HAPPENS IN AN ATTACK?
During an attack the airways inside the lungs tighten up, become narrower and produce more sticky mucus. This makes it harder to breath and may cause coughing and wheezing.
WHAT CAUSES IT?
People with asthma have extra sensitive airways. Attacks may be caused by many different things e.g. infections such as colds and flu; exercise; emotional upset and excitement; allergies to things like pollen or house dust mites; irritants such as cigarette smoke.
HOW COMMON IS IT?
1 in 5 children have asthma at some time. It can run in families and often goes with eczema and hay-fever. Adults can also develop asthma at any age but this is less common.
CAN IT BE TREATED?
There isn't a cure for asthma but it can usually be very well controlled with simple inhalers and medicines so that most attacks can be prevented.
WILL IT GET BETTER?
Over 50% of children with asthma will grow out of it completely. 30% lose their asthma in childhood but it returns in later life. About 20% continue to have asthma all their lives but it usually gets less severe.
It is very difficult to predict which children will grow out of it.
WILL IT INTERFERE WITH NORMAL LIFE?
Most people with asthma only have a few mild attacks and are completely well in between. Virtually all asthmatics can lead normal lives, do any job they want and take part in any sport.
Many will have to take treatment either regularly or from time to time. A very small number of asthmatics have long-term problems with their breathing.
HOW IS IT ASSESSED AND MONITORED?
You or your child may be asked to keep a diary of symptoms and when treatment was needed.
A Peak Flow Meter is often used. This is a tube which measures how hard you can blow and gives a good indication of how bad the asthma is. A record of this will help to show the effect of treatment.
IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS PLEASE ASK ONE OF THE DOCTORS OR THE PRACTICE ASTHMA NURSE.
Asthma and Allergy Information and Research (AAIR)
Information for patients and parents of children with asthma and allergies; hay fever, house dust mite allergy, hives (urticaria, 'heat rash'), food allergies including nut allergy, latex allergy, anaphylaxis. Not-for-profit organisation in UK.
Offers support for everyone affected by lung disease. Provides information on lung disease and promotes lung health. Funds research into all lung diseases. Publications available (but have to order them) on: allergy, asthma, bronchiectasis, emphysema, chronic obstructive airways disease, TB, pneumonia, fibrosing alveolitis, sarcoidosis and other lung problems.
The official Cystic Fibrosis Trust's Education and Information Site.
A site set up by the European Federation of Asthma and Allergy Associations to provide clear information on all aspects of asthma and allergy.
The independent UK charity working to conquer asthma. Lots of information about asthma.
If you would like to recommend a suitable Internet link please e-mail the details to us.