Asthma

Asthma is a common condition which can begin on in childhood and as an adult.  Once diagnosed, with the correct care most forms of asthma can easily be controlled although there is no cure

AdobeStock_64482718

What is asthma?

Asthma is a lung condition that can cause breathing difficulties in a range of circumstances. This health problem is caused by the inflammation of the breathing tubes that bring air in and out of our lungs, resulting in a narrowing. Asthma is often triggered by exposure to a range of environmental factors, though it may occur with no specific triggers.

Whilst asthma is often first apparent in childhood, it can also develop in later life.   While there is no cure for asthma, most cases of this condition are mild and can be treated with medication and preventative measures.

Book a consultation

Symptoms of asthma

Some of the characteristic symptoms of asthma include:

  • A wheezing or whistling sound when breathing normally
  • Feeling breathless 
  • A tight-feeling chest, as though a band is around your lungs
  • Coughing, particularly at night
Make an appointment

In the case of an asthma attack, these symptoms worsen in a short space of time and require medical intervention in severe cases. However, in most cases, prescribed medication such as inhalers can be used to handle symptoms, even in the case of an attack.

Causes of asthma

Asthma does not have one single cause, but many factors may affect whether an individual is more likely to get this condition or not. Evidence suggests that you are more likely to have asthma if someone in your immediate family also has it, as there is a genetic component involved in this particular condition.

Allergies can also result in asthma, as can premature birth, bronchiolitis, or croup in babies. Smoking, workplace exposure and pollution can worsen your asthma. Obesity also is associated with asthma.

The cause of specific asthma attacks or issues is typically a trigger in or around the environment that a person is in. For example, individuals with allergies may have asthma triggered by pet dander, pollen, or dust. Exercise, infections, and cold air can all trigger asthma symptoms and potentially cause an asthma attack with prolonged exposure.

AdobeStock_132288416

Treatments and investigations

Asthma can be identified through the use of full lung function testing and reversibility or Peak Flow monitoring. This typically involves using spirometry to measure how well your lungs work, where you'll need to breathe into a machine or device for a medical professional to measure the results accurately.

Once diagnosed, asthma treatment involves the avoidance of triggers. For allergy-triggered asthma, antihistamines and nasal sprays may be prescribed. Typically, reliever inhalers and preventer inhalers are used for treatment, which allows for the delivery of specific medication designed to reduce the symptoms of asthma immediately and throughout your day.

Make an enquiry

    Make an enquiry online using this form and one of our team will be in touch. By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by our team.