Asthma is a common condition that affects the lungs and can cause breathing difficulties. It often starts in childhood however it can affect people of all ages. There is currently no cure however there are effective, simple treatments that help keep the symptoms of asthma under control meaning minimal impact upon your daily life.
The main symptoms of asthma are:
- Wheezing
- Breathlessness
- A tight chest, it may feel like a band tightening around your chest
- Coughing
The symptoms of asthma can sometimes get temporarily worse, this is known as an asthma attack. Asthma attacks kill 3 people in the UK each day. But many of these deaths could be avoided so it is important to manage your asthma properly.
For more information on Asthma including when to seek medical help, the treatments for asthma, the causes and complications please view Asthma on the NHS website.
How we can help you with your Asthma
For many people Asthma is a long term condition, which if managed well can have minimal impact upon your life, so we’re here to help in the following ways
Yearly Reviews with a Nurse
Our nurses are excellent at monitoring and helping manage asthma. We ask all patients to come in yearly for a review to ensure your asthma is well controlled and if there is anything we can do to help improve the condition for you. We discuss the medication you’re on, any lifestyle changes that might benefit you and we monitor your lung function. Please make sure you’re seeing one of our nurses regularly for an asthma checkup
Vaccinations – Not just the flu jab!
Patients with long term medical conditions such as asthma are more vulnerable when it comes to flu season and are at higher risk of being significantly affected with other infections which is why we encourage patients to have vaccination
Smoking Cessation
Smoking has numerous health implications and has a significant detrimental effect in those who suffer with asthma.
The NHS offers Smoking Cessation services, alternatively you can talk to one of our healthcare team.