Asthma - a condition that affects the airways

When a person with asthma comes into contact with something that irritates their airways (an asthma trigger), the muscles around the walls of the airways tighten so that the airways become narrower and the lining of the airways becomes inflamed and starts to swell. Sometimes sticky mucus or phlegm builds up which can further narrow the airways.

All these reactions cause the airways to become narrower and irritated - making it difficult to breath and leading to symptoms of asthma.

· 5.4m people in the UK are currently receiving treatment for asthma.

· 1.1m children in the UK are currently receiving treatment for asthma.

· There is a person with asthma in one in five households in the UK.

What causes asthma?

It is difficult to say for sure what causes asthma. What we do know is that:

· you are more likely to develop asthma if you have a family history of asthma, eczema or allergies

· it is likely that this family history combined with certain environmental factors influences whether or not someone develops asthma

· many aspects of modern lifestyles – such as changes in housing and diet and a more hygienic environment – may have contributed to the rise in asthma over the last few decades

· research has shown that smoking during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of a child developing asthma

· children whose parents smoke are more likely to develop asthma

· environmental pollution can make asthma symptoms worse and may play a part in causing some asthma

· adult onset asthma may develop after a viral infection

· irritants found in the workplace may lead to a person developing asthma (occupational asthma).

Asthma symptoms

The usual symptoms of asthma are:

· coughing

· wheezing

· shortness of breath

· tightness in the chest.

Not everyone will get all of these symptoms. Some people experience them from time to time; a few people may experience these symptoms all the time.

How can I treat my asthma?

Although there is no cure for asthma, there are some excellent medicines available to help you to control your asthma so that is does not interfere with your daily life.

It is important that you take your asthma medicine properly and that your doctor or asthma nurse has explained how to use inhalers properly so that every dose you take gives you the most benefit.

Controlling your asthma

If your asthma is under control you are more likely to have a better quality of life and be more able to do the things you want to.