Overview
Asthma is a long-term condition in which the airways of the lungs become inflamed and narrow from time to time, causing wheezing, coughing and breathlessness. Attacks are often set off by dust, smoke, pollution, cold air, exercise or infections. Asthma cannot be cured, but with the correct inhalers used regularly, most people can stay symptom-free and fully active.
Symptoms
- Wheezing — a whistling sound while breathing out
- Shortness of breath, especially at night or early morning
- Chest tightness
- Cough that worsens at night, with exercise or in cold air
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you have repeated episodes of wheeze, cough or breathlessness, or if you need your reliever inhaler more than twice a week — your controller treatment may need adjusting.
Emergency — call 108 or go to the nearest hospital
- Severe breathlessness where speaking full sentences is difficult, lips or face turning bluish, or no relief from the inhaler — go to a hospital immediately
Causes
A mix of family tendency and environment: allergens like dust mites and pollen, air pollution, tobacco smoke, respiratory infections and occupational dusts or fumes.