Condition : Asthma

Asthma is a condition where swelling of the airways is triggered by exercise, allergens, air pollution, or cold air.

It is usually a lifelong condition that starts when you’re young, but it can sometimes go away as you get older. Some people may get asthma symptoms for the first time when they are older.

The main symptoms of asthma are problems with breathing, such as:

• wheezing
• coughing
• shortness of breath
• your chest feeling tight

An asthma attack is when you have severe symptoms and it's difficult to breathe, which can be life-threatening.

To prevent symptoms and reduce the risk of asthma attacks, you should always have your inhaler with you, use it as recommended, and avoid things that trigger your symptoms.

Regular exercise, keeping to a healthy weight, not smoking, and getting vaccinated against conditions that cause respiratory symptoms will also help you manage your asthma.

It’s not always clear why someone has asthma, but you can be at higher risk if:

• you have allergies
• other people in your family have asthma
• you were born prematurely or had a low birth weight
• you were exposed to things like high levels of air pollution or cigarette smoke as a child
• you had illnesses as a child that affected your breathing, such as bronchiolitis or croup
• you're overweight
• you’re exposed to certain substances, such as chemicals at work

Asthma + Lung UK

Support for people with asthma and other respiratory conditions 

• Visit Asthma + Lung UK

Beat Asthma

Support for children and young people with asthma

• Visit Beat Asthma