asthma
Asthma: how to handle it at school?
Let the school know that your child has asthma and what medication she may need to take while she is at school. Provide the school with an Asthma Action Plan which gives them instructions on what to do when your child presents with asthma. The smaller the ch...read more
Asthma: what is it and what are the symptoms
Asthma is a condition that affects the airways – the small tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. Cross section of airways with and without inflammation and smooth muscle contraction. When a person with asthma comes into contact with something t...read more
Asthmatics can lead normal lives
Asthma affects about 10% of people – and prevalence rates are increasing by the day.The condition usually causes symptoms over a prolonged period, but once you are diagnosed with asthma and get treatment it should no longer alter your quality of life. Troublesome asthm...read more
Beware of the dust mites
House-dust mites Many people with asthma are sensitive to the droppings of house-dust mites. These are tiny creatures that live in the dust that builds up around the house, in carpets, bedding, soft furnishings and soft toys. If you know house-dust mites tr...read more
Breathing through a straw...
Can you imagine what it must feel like trying to breathe through a straw? Many asthmatics are familiar with that sensation, as it is what they experience during an asthma attack. Asthma is a particular concern among children. The American Academy of Pediatrics lists it as th...read more
Can asthma be prevented?
We don't yet know how to prevent asthma, but there are some things that can lower your chances of having an asthma attack.To prevent asthma symptoms: Learn about your asthma and how to control it. Use medicines as directed by your doctor ...read more
Can exercise help control asthma?
Active asthmatics, particularly those who are competitive sportspeople, report that they feel more in control of their asthma when they’re fit. Certainly, acute attacks are uncommon in highly trained asthmatic athletes.However, the scientific evidence is less specific....read more
Control your asthma at work
Some jobs involve exposure to substances known to trigger or even induce asthma. Occupational Asthma can be a serious problem. More than 200 substances have been reported as triggers for occupational asthma. In the western world, it is thoug...read more
Controlling your asthma
If your asthma is under control you are more likely to have a better quality of life and be more able to do the things you want to. Is your asthma under control? Three questions can help you to identify whether your symptoms are under control:-In the last month: H...read more
Description of an asthma attack
"I couldn't breathe. I was really frightened!"An asthma attack is a frightening experience for everyone concerned, whether it is the first or hundredth time it has occurred. It is a gasping, painful struggle to get air into and out of your lungs.Asthma symptoms var...read more
Diagnosing asthma
Diagnosing asthma is the first step towards effective treatment. Studies show that up to half of all asthmatics do not receive proper treatment because they don’t recognise the signs, and so they suffer needlessly.However, there are also cases where people have been<...read more
Diagnosing asthma
Many people with asthma don’t know that they have the disease. In young patients with recurrent coughing and wheezing the diagnosis of asthma is not always straightforward, and it is important to think of other causes for the symptoms. In the older child and in adults,...read more
Diagnosing asthma in children: the symptoms
Diagnosing asthma in infants and toddlers can be difficult as many children wheeze and suffer recurrent colds, especially if they go to a crèche or day mother where they’re exposed to other children’s colds and coughs.In most cases wheezingread more
Different types of asthma
Asthma is divided into four main types depending on the frequency and severity of the symptoms (chest tightness, wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing) before any medication or treatment is started. Asthma attacks are typically episodic. The intervals between the attacks m...read more
Explaining asthma to younger children
For young children, asthma is a frightening experience and for parents it can be difficult to explain what’s going on. It is hoped that through this website that you may be in a better position to explain to your child, what is happening to him or her.It is best to tal...read more
From a simple cold to hormones
Colds & viral infections Colds and viral infections are very common triggers of asthma. They are also almost impossible to avoid. At your asthma review you should talk to your doctor or asthma nurse about having the flu vaccination. These are normally a...read more
General asthma tips for parents
Do I need to take extra care of my child? Can my child play sport? Will she be safe sleeping at a friend’s house? It is natural for parents to worry about their child’s asthma and it is stressful watching your child have difficulty breathing. The whole family may have many distu...read more
Has your child got asthma ?
Diagnosing asthma Diagnosing asthma in very young children can be difficult because: At least one child in seven will have 'wheezing' at some point during their first five years. Many of these children will not go on to have asthmaread more
How do you treat asthma in children?
Children usually use the same medication as adults.The amount and type of medication will depend on the severity of the asthma. The approach to treatment in children (as in adults) is to "Hit Early, Hit Hard - Then Step Down".In mild cases (read more
Inhalers to treat asthma
Although there is no cure for asthma, there are some excellent medicines available to help you to control your asthma so that is does not interfere with your daily life. It is important that you take your asthma medicine properly and that yo...read more
Introduction to asthma treatments
Asthma is an individual condition, it varies from person to person. Health professionals are advisers to your health, but ultimately you decide which treatment is best for you.The aim of conventional asthma medications is to act on the symptoms, so that ast...read more
Living with asthma
If you have asthma, it is important to learn how to take care of yourself. Work with your doctor on a daily asthma self-management plan that you are both happy with. Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking, in case one of them affects your asth...read more
Living with asthma
As an asthmatic, life can sometimes feel a struggle. Once asthma develops, it can change your approach to different situations and can also affect you differently at various stages of your life. Sometimes, you will need to make compromises for asthma and perhaps change some ...read more
Occupational asthma: what is it and what causes it ?
What is occupational asthma? Some substances that you might come across at work can actually cause asthma. The condition can take weeks, months or even years to develop, depending on the person and the substance. If you think your asthma has been caused by something at work...read more
Side effects of asthma medicines
Side effects of reliever medicines Relievers are a safe and effective medicine and have very few side effects. You cannot overdose on reliever medicine. Some relievers can temporarily increase your heartbeat or give you mild muscle shakes. These effects are more common when...read more
