Asthma - Picture Summary
Patient UK, 2006 See article at www.patient.co.uk
Asthma - Picture Summary Search our site Or browse Related to this topic: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Print options: (tip - pdf print is neatest) Other options: ( ) Asthma - Picture Summary Some key points about asthma Asthma is common. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Asthma is caused by inflammation in the airways. The cause of the inflammation is not known. The inflammation causes the muscle in the airways to contract, and also extra mucus to form. These make the airways narrower than normal. Symptoms caused by the narrowed airways include: wheeze, cough, and shortness of breath. Certain 'triggers' make symptoms worse in some people. For example, exercise, colds, pollen, allergy to pets, air pollution. Most people with asthma are treated with inhalers. Reliever inhalers relax the muscle in the airways. This gives quick relief of symptoms as the airways open wider. These are also known as 'bronchodilator' inhalers as they dilate (widen) the airways (the bronchi). You use these inhalers 'as required' if symptoms develop.. Preventer inhalers reduce inflammation. The drug in most preventer inhalers is a steroid. You use these inhalers regularly each day to prevent symptoms from occurring. Long acting bronchodilator inhalers work in a similar way to 'relievers', but work for up to 12 hours after taking each dose. One may be needed if symptoms are not fully prevented by the preventer inhaler alone. (Some brands of inhaler contain a steroid plus a long acting bronchodilator for convenience.) Most people with asthma should take a regular preventer inhaler. The aim is to prevent symptoms so that you can get on with a normal life. You may need a short course of steroid tablets now and then to treat a bad attack of asthma. Steroids reduce inflammation. You should not smoke. Make sure you know: how to take your inhalers. which is your reliever inhaler, and which is your preventer inhaler. what to do if symptoms get worse. More information This leaflet gives a brief summary of asthma. Another leaflet in this series called 'Asthma' gives more detailed information. There are also leaflets called 'Inhalers for Asthma' and 'Peak Flow Meters'. Further help and information Asthma UK Summit House, 70 Wilson Street, London EC2A 2DB Asthma Helpline: 0845 7 01 02 03 Web: The National Asthma Campaign is the independent UK charity dedicated to conquering asthma. It funds research, offers help and advice, and campaigns for a better deal for people with asthma. ) EMIS and PIP 2005 Updated: September 2006 PRODIGY Validated Comprehensive patient resources are available at Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control of the content of the above links. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK. Related pages in Patient UK Your Experience ( ) (10 there) Information leaflets related to this topic ( ) Patient Support related to this topic ( ) Medical reference articles in PatientPlus related to this topic ( ) Diagrams related to this topic ( ) UK guidelines related to this topic ( ) Online videos related to this topic ( ) Recent news items related to this topic ( ) Links to other selected websites related to this topic ( ) Poems and stories related to this topic ( ) Pharmacy products related to this topic ( ) Medical equipment products related to this topic ( ) Books related to this topic ( ) Other - Useful resources ( ) Want to search some more? Use the Google Search box below to search our site (default) or to search on the internet. Web www.patient.co.uk Would you like to try our advanced on-line knowledge support system designed to provide professionals with relevant up to date information about recognition and management of disease or take the ? Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control of the content of the above links. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK. PS - Health and Poverty Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as . See also for details and links to campaigns against poverty. | | | | | | | | | Copyright © 2008 EMIS & PIP
