ASTHMA Over five million people suffer from asthma in the UK and contrary to popular belief, this is a condition that affects adults as much as children. One in thirteen people have asthma but it doesn’t have to take control of your life. With the summer months drawing close and with it the onset of hay-fever, BBC Radio Cambridgeshire Action Desk has put together this fact sheet to help answer some of your questions and suggest ways that asthma can be managed, so that you can enjoy the summer sunshine! What is asthma?
Asthma affects the airways that carry air to and from your lungs. A trigger or allergic reaction causes the muscles around them to contract, becoming inflamed and swollen and leading the chest to tighten, difficulty in breathing and coughing. Much research continues into the causes of asthma but it is known that environmental pollution, lifestyle, diet and hereditary factors influence the likelihood of developing asthma. Whilst many people are diagnosed with asthma during childhood, others develop what is termed "late-onset" asthma. What triggers off asthma?
Asthma can be triggered off by allergies to pollen and house mites and irritants such as smoking or chemical fumes. It can also set off by viral infections such as flu or exercise. This does not mean that sufferers should not take part in exercise provided preventative treatment is taken and a reliever inhaler is carried during exercise. Is your asthma under control?
The National Asthma Campaign recommends that sufferers learn to manage their asthma. Indications that your asthma might be out of control include: - being short of breath and wheezing during the night or early in the morning
- finding that reliever treatment is not working effectively or needing to use it more frequently
- inability to manage exercise or usual activity
- breathlessness making eating and talking difficult
If you experience any of these symptoms then you should visit your local GP or practice nurse. Many surgeries hold regular asthma clinics that you can attend. It is important that you work with your doctor to manage your asthma. This can be done through an asthma plan which helps you identify your asthma triggers, levels of medication as well as advising you on what to do in an emergency. As well as monitoring your own symptoms, it is helpful to check pollen levels in your local area. These are available through the BBC weather website – www.bbc.co.uk/weather/pollen. Before changing your medication or using complementary/alternative therapies, always consult with your GP. The National Asthma Campaign also offers a free helpline which is open from Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm on 0845 701 02 03. The helpline is staffed by specialists and available for advice on all the issues raised by asthma. They also offer many resources and information through their website – www.asthma.org.uk. World Asthma Day – May 6th 2003 The National Asthma Campaign is planning lots of events to help raise awareness of National Asthma Day and to help raise funds for the research and information services provided by the organisations. Fundraising events will see participants abseiling down buildings, taking in part in "What a wheeze" days, bubble breaks and lots, lots more. Curious to find out more? Information packs are available through the website or by phone, offering plenty of ideas and advice about fundraising as well as about a 100km sponsored walk planned for October 2003 along the Great Wall of China. | 
