Asthma is an inflammatory lung disease that results in breathing problems. It is caused by a combination of inherited factors, compounded by a number of specific triggers, including exercise, weather, pollutants, smoke and some foods.

For air to get deep into the lungs, it has to travel through a series of breathing tubes. In asthma, the small branches of the airway or bronchi, become over-sensitive and react to things like allergens, dust or cold air. Muscle around the wall of the tube tightens up, making it narrow. In addition the lining of the tube can become swollen and sticky mucus is produced, clogging up these passages.

Tightening of the tube muscle walls can happen quickly and is the common cause of mild asthma. However, this problem can be relieved quickly by using an inhaler. Swelling and creation of mucus is a slower process and these require different treatment. They take longer to clear up and are a particular problem in serious episodes of asthma.

Good asthma education and awareness of triggers are important to ensure that asthma is kept in check. There is no cure for asthma but it can be controlled.

Prevention of asthma requires regular treatment. Inhaled preventers (usually in brown containers) used regularly can reduce the level of asthma.

Episodes of wheeze are treated by using a reliever medicine, called a bronchodilator (usually blue), and this is taken through an inhaler also. Tablets and liquid forms of this medication are also available but are slower to work.

As asthma cannot be cured, the aim of treatment is to manage the symptoms so that they do not interfere with quality of life or become threatening to health.

Asthma in Ireland
It is estimated that about 470,000 people in Ireland have asthma. This equates to about one adult in 10 and one in five children. Research suggests that asthma is a growing problem. Chronic asthma is the most common long-term disease in children. It is the most common cause of lost days at school and the most common reason for a visit to the doctor.

Other facts about asthma:
90,000 people do not have their symptoms controlled.
Irish adults with asthma lose on average 12 days from work each year.
Irish children with asthma lose on average 10 days from school each year.
6,000-7,000 people are hospitalised with asthma-related illnesses each year
Over 25,000 A&E visits are asthma-related
Over half of the above admissions and visits relate to children under 14
80 -100 people died each year from asthma.
(Asthma insights and realities in Ireland study, 2002)

Symptoms
Asthma can start at any time in life. Two-thirds of people get symptoms during childhood but asthma can develop
in 60 and 70 year olds.

The symptoms of someone with asthma are:
- Difficulty in breathing
- A tight feeling in the chest
- Wheezing (a whistling noise in the chest)
- Prolonged coughing.

In small children, in addition to these symptoms, parents should look out for inactivity or lethargy where the child no longer wants to participate in play or activities.

These symptoms may occur in episodes often brought on by colds, exercise, change of temperature, dust or other irritants in the air. Symptoms can also be caused by an allergy, eg. pollen or animals. Episodes at night are common. Sometimes people may have symptoms all the time. Conditions such as hay fever, eczema or a rash, which are usually the result of an allergy, can occur along with asthma. Asthma can be made worse by worry, anxiety or stress.

Diagnosis
If you or your child have experienced these symptoms, you should visit your GP for advice. The doctor will examine your chest, carry out breathing tests and listen to your description of the symptoms. Then a diagnosis can be made. If you have asthma, you will be given detailed advice about a suitable treatment.

By the time they reach their teens, many children who have had asthma in childhood find that they no longer have it. In adults it is more likely to remain. Smoking is very likely to make asthma worse over time.

How is asthma measured?
A peak flow meter is used to measure how open or narrow your breathing tubes are. This measurement helps to decide when you need treatment.

Is asthma dangerous?
Asthma cannot be cured but can be managed effectively so that it does not interfere with your lifestyle. The old saying that ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’ can be applied to asthma very well.

For most people asthma, like other illnesses is unpleasant and has to be managed properly. Failure to follow advice on your asthma medication may lead to serious complications or even worse. It is not a condition to be taken lightly.

Controlling asthma
To keep asthma under control, always do the following:
- Try to avoid what gives you asthma.
- Do not smoke.
- Keep fit.
- Use a Peak Flow Meter.
- Use your inhalers/medicines as agreed with your doctor. It is particularly important to take the preventer as instructed, as this keeps you well. Preventers help to protect the airways and reduce the changes of getting symptoms. Relievers help ease breathing difficulties when they occur.

For more information, contact the Asthma Society of Ireland on freephone, 1850 44 54 64.

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