What is Asthma?
Asthma is a common, long term medical condition that affects the airways (the breathing tubes that carry air into the lungs), causing them to become narrowed and inflamed. Around 1 in 20 people are affected by Asthma, including adults and children.
People with Asthma sometimes find it harder to breathe in and out, because their airways become narrower or constricted. They also may produce more mucus. This can lead to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing ( a whistling sound when breathing out), shortness of breath and a sense of chest tightness. These symptoms may be worse at night, leading to difficulty sleeping.
Asthma may be triggered by different things in different people, such as viral infections, exercise, dust, pollen, cold air, animal dander, fumes or chemicals.
It is not clear why some people develop Asthma and others don’t, but some factors that increase the risk of getting Asthma include:
- family history of Asthma
- being born premature or low birth weight
- if your mother smoked during pregnancy
- exposure to air pollution or smoke in childhood
There is no cure for Asthma, but it can usually be well controlled with the right treatment and action plan. Most people with Asthma can stay active and lead a normal, healthy life.
For good control of Asthma, you need:
- inhalers – taken in the right way, at the right time
- regular check-ups with your doctor, particularly if you have worsening symptoms
- information about managing asthma correctly
- an asthma action plan, so you know exactly what to do when symptoms flare up.
Severe Asthma
Severe Asthma attacks can be dangerous- even life-threatening, and if you have symptoms of severe Asthma you should seek immediate medical attention, as well as taking your reliever inhaler. Having an Asthma action plan means you’ll know what to do if severe Asthma occurs.
Signs of an Asthma emergency include:
- Rapid worsening of shortness of breath and wheezing
- No improvement in symptoms, even after using your “reliever” inhaler (for most people this is a “blue puffer”, also known as Ventolin or Salbutamol.
- Shortness of breath on minimal physical exertion
The doctors at Qoctor can provide assessment for Asthma, in people whose Asthma is stable and controlled, and who wish to request ongoing treatment. Following a video consultation, if a prescription is issued, it can be sent to your local pharmacy, or you can have the medication delivered. Start HERE to request an assessment.
Further asthma resources:
