Asthma
Most children and adults with asthma find they have times when their breathing becomes more difficult.
Some people with more severe asthma may have breathing problems most of the time.
The most common symptoms of asthma are:
These symptoms can have a number of causes, but they're more likely to be asthma if they:
Asthma symptoms can sometimes get worse for a short time known as an asthma attack. This can happen suddenly, or gradually over a few days.
Signs of a severe asthma attack include:
If you've been diagnosed with asthma, your reliever inhaler (usually blue) maynot help and your peak flow reading may be much lower than normal.
Read about what to do during an asthma attack .
Asthma is a common lung condition that causes occasional breathing difficulties. It affects people of all ages and often starts in childhood, although it can also appear for the first time in adults.
Most children and adults with asthma find they have times when their breathing becomes more difficult. Asthma symptoms can sometimes get worse for a short time known as an asthma attack.
Factors such as a genes, air pollution, chlorine in swimming pools and modern hygiene standards have been suggested as possible causes, but there's not currently enough evidence to be certain whether any of these do cause asthma.
There's no single test for asthma, but it can usually be diagnosed from your symptoms and some simple breathing tests. Your GP will often be able to diagnose asthma.
Everyone with asthma should be able to lead a full and unrestricted life. The treatments available for asthma are effective for most people.
It's important to take any prescribed medication regularly, as this can help keep your symptoms under control and prevent severe asthma attacks.
Olwen Fish, from Waterhead, Oldham, has had asthma since 1950. She feels lucky to have survived to see the huge increase in effective medication and now lives life to the full.
Mother of three Rosemary Matthews first experienced asthma in her teenage years. "My asthma is under control now. I self-manage it, but I have had to make lifestyle changes in recent years." she says.
Shamim Arshad, who found that walking regularly helped her control her asthma. "My confidence has increased and I've reduced the number of inhalers I need from four to one." she says