My Asthma Site

This unofficial asthma site is mostly for people with severe or brittle asthma. It is also aimed at young adults... This doesn't mean that people not fitting into this category can't read it, all are welcome...

I am aiming this at those whose asthma is difficult to control using even high levels of standard treatment. It will contain some, (I hope) useful information, as well letting you know that you are not alone.

What is Asthma?

Asthma as been defined in the British Medical Journal as:

"Asthma is a common condition where there is a long-term inflammation or swelling of the airways of the lung. The cause is not completely understood. As a result of the inflammation, the airways are twitchy or irritable and they narrow easily in response to a wide range of provoking triggers. This gives rise to coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. These symptoms are often worse at night, or early in the morning."

Typical symptoms include:

• Cough
• Chest tightness
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath

Triggers

There are many different triggers. The common ones are; house dust mite, smoke, pollen, food, and animals. Mine are; house dust mite, smoke, pollen, colds, atmospheric conditions, pollution, strong perfumes, pot pouri and tarmac.

Do not be put off by people that think that unusual triggers are co-incidences and not real triggers.

Peak Flows and Self Help

Peak flows measure the rate at which air leaves the lungs, in litres per minute. These are important as they can show trends of how bad your asthma is. There are no typical values of peak flow readings. To work out your average peak flow reading take a fortnight of readings when your symptoms are typical for you, and take the average of the readings.

Many doctors and asthma nurses encourage asthma patients to take some responsibility for their own treatment. However if like me your attacks are sudden and there is no decreasing trend in your peak flows prior to your attacks, then they will not help you to adjust your medication. If you get a cold or infection then peak flows can be important in showing what is happening to your chest so you or your doctor can take appropriate action.

Talk to your doctor or asthma nurse about self-help and action plans. These can be very helpful though they are not always suited to everyone. Some patients for example are allowed to alter their preventative treatment when they get a cold.