Asthma

Asthma is a common lung condition that can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness. Symptoms can come and go, and may be triggered by things such as exercise, cold weather, infections, pollen, smoke or allergies. Asthma is usually managed with inhalers, regular reviews and a personalised asthma action plan.

Things that help keep asthma under control include:

• using your inhalers as prescribed
• checking your inhaler technique regularly
• having an up-to-date asthma action plan
• attending your asthma reviews
• avoiding known triggers where possible
• ordering inhalers before they run out

Asthma symptoms can include:

• coughing, especially at night or early morning
• wheezing
• shortness of breath
• tightness in the chest
• needing to use your reliever inhaler more often

If your symptoms are getting worse, please contact the practice.

Patients with asthma are invited for regular reviews which may include:

• checking symptoms and asthma control
• reviewing inhaler technique
• updating your asthma action plan
• checking medication and reliever inhaler use
• discussing triggers, smoking status and vaccinations

These checks help reduce the risk of asthma attacks and hospital admissions. Personalised asthma action plans are recommended so patients know what to do when symptoms worsen or during an asthma attack.

Call 999 if you are having an asthma attack and:

• your symptoms are getting worse
• your reliever inhaler is not helping
• you are too breathless to speak, eat or sleep
• your lips or fingers look blue
• you feel drowsy, confused or exhausted

For a blue reliever inhaler, NHS advice is to take 1 puff every 30 to 60 seconds, up to 10 puffs, while waiting for help if needed.

Please contact the practice if:

• your symptoms are getting worse
• you are using your reliever inhaler more often
• you have had an asthma attack
• you need advice about inhalers or side effects
• you do not have an asthma action plan
• you are due an asthma review