Asthma: increasing at a worrying rate

Asthma is one of the most common medical conditions in the world. In this country alone, one adult in 25 and one child in seven gets the irritating cough and breathlessness typical of asthma. Research shows that it is increasing at a worrying rate.

Asthma sufferers have very sensitive airways carrying air to and from their lungs. These pipes react to various triggers which make the muscles in the airways constrict, and the lining of the airways become inflamed. The airways are then too narrow to carry enough air. Sufferers may start coughing and wheezing, their chest may feel tight and they cannot get their breath. This is a frightening experience and can make people panic, which then makes the situation worse.

Nobody is completely sure what causes this reaction. It is possibly related to modern living conditions: carpets, central heating and double glazing which all create ideal living conditions for the dust mite. Poor air quality might also be partly responsible. Asthma runs in families undoubtedly, and mothers who smoke during pregnancy put their children at greater risk of respiratory diseases. Otherwise, asthma is simply an unexplained allergy.

Any breathing problem should be taken seriously, particularly in children, and a doctor should be consulted. Immediate treatment may be offered through a reliever inhaler. Then a personalised programme will be developed to help manage the asthma. Make sure any baby sitter or carer knows if a child is asthmatic and where a spare inhaler is kept, and what to do if the child has an attack - eg sit or lie them down, reassure, where to get help