Take it in your stride

So, you've been diagnosed as having asthma. The first thing to remember is that you're far from being alone - there are almost a quarter of a million people in Ireland with the condition!

But you don't hear very much about them for the simple reason that the vast majority lead perfectly normal lives.

The important thing about asthma is that for most people, the correct use of modern medicines allows them to take it in their stride, and get on with living!

What does asthma do to me?

It's a condition caused by a narrowing of the airways in the lungs, which makes you feel wheezy or breathless, and can also result in a persistent cough or a feeling of tightness in the chest.

Will it disrupt my life?

Although asthma cannot be cured, it can be contained. With the regular use of safe and effective medicines most people with asthma, especially children, can lead a perfectly normal life.

What causes it?

We cannot pinpoint exactly what causes asthma, but we do know it runs in families. It may be associated with childhood eczema or hay fever and it can also be brought on by certain other factors.

What triggers asthma?

The factors that can trigger an asthma attack are usually described as either allergic, or non-allergic. Allergic factors are things like dust, pollen, mould, animal hair and certain foods and drinks. Non-allergic factors also take in a wide area -exertion, smoky atmospheres, cold and damp, chest cold and infections. However, in the majority of cases, asthma is caused by a whole variety of factors, including both allergic and non-allergic, some of which are easily identified and avoidable and some of which are not. The Asthma Line nurses will advise on avoidance measures.

Tell me about the medicines

They fall into two groups - Preventers and Relievers. The Preventers mush be taken regularly, because their aim is to prevent wheezing or breathlessness. They are not meant to give rapid relief during an asthma attack. In contrast, Relievers do give rapid relief of wheeze. Very often, a combination of Preventers and Relievers is recommended. preventers must be taken all the time. Even if the person is not wheezy or in distress.

What forms do the medicines come in?

They come in a variety of forms - aerosol inhalers, dry powder inhaler, tablet, syrup, nebuliser liquid or injection. Inhalers are preferred over tablet or syrup because they deliver the medicine directly to the air passages where it is needed. Also a much smaller dose is required than if it was taken by tablet, and Reliever inhalers work much faster than tablets.

Are inhalers difficult to use?

No - all that is needed is a little practice. Once you have learned how to use an aerosol inhaler correctly, it comes naturally to you. Various spacer or extension devices are available which makes it even easier. On the other hand, many people find that dry powder inhalers work best for them. The usual advice for children is to use either a dry powder inhaler or an aerosol with a spacer. It's a good idea to check regularly with your doctor, nurse for pharmacist that your are using your inhaler properly.



Written by Medpages Editorial Team
Last Editorial Review: 15/1/2010