160,000 people are diagnosed every year with asthma in the UK. Learning how to deal with asthma for the first time can be challenging. If you are going through asthma for the first time or simply looking for some tips, you’re in the right place! In this blog we will dive into exactly what asthma is, its key symptoms and different ways to treat and manage it.
What is asthma? Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways in the lungs, making them inflamed, swollen, and sensitive to triggers like allergens, cold air, or exercise. Asthma can vary in severity from mild to life-threatening, but with proper management, including medication and avoiding triggers, most people can control their symptoms and lead an active life.
Asthma can affect anyone, regardless of age or background, but it is more common in certain groups such as children, athletes, people with allergies, individuals in high pollution areas and older adults.
Symptoms:
The main symptoms of asthma can vary from person to person, but the most common ones include:
Shortness of breath – Feeling like you can’t get enough air, especially during physical activity or at night.
Wheezing – A high-pitched whistling sound when breathing, usually more noticeable when exhaling.
Coughing – Persistent coughing, which can get worse at night, in cold air, or after exercise.
Chest tightness or pain – A feeling of pressure or discomfort in the chest, sometimes making it hard to take deep breaths.
If you feel you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's vital to book an appointment with your GP. Untreated asthma can become life-threatening. Getting the correct diagnosis can prevent dangerous attacks, improve your daily life and help avoid long-term lung damage.
Unfortunately asthma can not be cured, but there are a number of ways to treat it. These consist of:
Inhalers (Main Treatment)
- Reliever Inhalers (Quick-Relief) – Like blue inhalers, these work fast to open airways during an asthma attack.
- Preventer Inhalers (Long-Term Control) – Contain steroids to reduce inflammation and prevent attacks. Used daily.
- Combination Inhalers – Include both a preventer and a long-acting bronchodilator for better control.
Lifestyle & Trigger Avoidance
- Identify and avoid triggers like smoke, pollen, dust, or strong scents.
- Exercise with caution- stay active but use your inhaler before workouts if needed.
- Manage allergies if they worsen your asthma.
- Quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke, which makes asthma worse.
Regular Check-Ups & Asthma Action Plan
- Work with your doctor to monitor symptoms and adjust treatment.
- Have a written action plan so you know what to do during flare-ups or attacks.
Asthma Attacks:
As a result of asthma, asthma attacks can happen. These can be very serious and sadly 4 people die a day from it in the UK. An asthma attack is a sudden worsening of asthma symptoms caused by inflammation and narrowing of the airways. During an attack, the muscles around the airways tighten, the lining of the airways swells, and excess mucus is produced, making it difficult to breathe. With quick treatment from an inhaler, the attack can be resolved. However it is still important to understand what can cause an asthma attack in order to help prevent it from happening in the future.
Why Does It Happen? Asthma attacks can be triggered by various factors, including:
- Allergens (pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold)
- Irritants (smoke, pollution, strong odors)
- Respiratory infections (cold, flu)
- Exercise (especially in cold air)
- Stress and strong emotions
- Weather changes (cold air, humidity)
Asthma attacks can be extremely scary so it's key to know the signs of when it is happening in order to act fast. You may be having an asthma attack if you experience these symptoms:
- Severe Shortness of Breath
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Chest Tightness
- Fast or Strained Breathing
- Blue Lips or Fingertips
- Feeling Panicked or Lightheaded
If you feel you are having an asthma attack you must sit up and remain calm, take one puff of your blue reliever inhaler, wait 30–60 seconds, then take another puff, repeat up to 10 puffs if needed. If you do not feel any better after this or it has made you feel worse, contact emergency services.
Support
If you have recently been diagnosed with asthma or are a long term sufferer, we hope this blog has brought you some comfort and new found knowledge. Coming to terms with the diagnosis of asthma can be tricky, if you are looking for further support please visit the links below.
Coda Pharmacy is here to support you every step of the way. From helping you face asthma, to offering expert advice and delivering your NHS prescriptions free of charge. If you have any questions about what you have read in this article or any of the services that Coda Pharmacy can provide you with, please do not hesitate to reach out and contact us here.