Learn about Asthma
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a long-term condition affecting the airways in our lungs.
With Asthma, immune cells in our airways become sensitive and react to triggers such as smoke or vape, dust, exercise, pollen, cold air, viruses and some medications (to name a few). These triggers cause the airways to tighten on the outside, swell on the inside and produce extra mucous, making the airways narrower and the passage of air in and out of our lungs harder. An important part of managing your Asthma is knowing what triggers it and avoiding these triggers where possible.
Our airways are vital because they move air in and out of our lungs (we inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide). Without them, we would not survive.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of Asthma vary from person to person and day to day.
One day, you can feel great and the next you may feel short of breath while playing sport. Symptoms can be mild to severe. In some people, Asthma symptoms are so severe that they have an asthma attack and need to go to hospital.
Difficulty breathing / shortness of breath
Wheeze
What causes Asthma?
Asthma can be caused by both genetics and the environment. It is closely related to hayfever and eczema and together, this group is called atopy. People with a family history of atopy have an increased risk of developing Asthma.
Is there a cure?

About two thirds of children will ‘grow out’ of Asthma by the time they start school.
In early childhood, the most common trigger of Asthma symptoms is viruses such as the common cold. There is no cure for Asthma, but the good news is, people can live well and have a long and happy life. You can control your Asthma; it doesn’t have to control you!
Here are some tips for controlling Asthma:
- Research Asthma and understand as much as you can about it
- Know what your triggers are and do your best to avoid them if possible (E.g. know when pollen counts are high and avoid being outside during these times)
- Knowing how and when to take your medication and how it works in the lungs (did you know that 80% of people with Asthma do not know how to use their inhalers correctly?)
- Understanding the importance of using your preventer inhaler every day as prescribed, even when you feel well
- Recognising the signs of worsening Asthma
- Knowing how to manage an Asthma attack and when to call for help
- Having an up-to-date Asthma action plan (this can be filled out by your doctor)
- Seeing your GP or practice nurse at least once a year for an Asthma review or more regularly if your Asthma is uncontrolled
- Getting in touch with your local Asthma society for support/education
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