What is asthma?

A person with asthma has sensitive airways. When they become irritated, the airways tighten and narrow, which is what causes the long-term lung condition. It then becomes harder to breathe and you may start coughing or wheezing.

Although there is no cure for asthma, it can be managed with the right treatment. By taking some basic precautions and learning a little about the cause of the symptoms, those living with asthma can still lead normal, active lives. 

Keeping the condition under control is the key. It's important to know your 'triggers' - the foods, activities or environments that cause you to have asthma symptoms. By learning to avoid these triggers and taking the correct medications, you'll greatly reduce the chances of an asthma attack.

Why are asthma rates so high in the UK?

Recent research conducted by Asthma UK shows that 5.4 million people in the UK are currently receiving treatment for asthma: 1.1 million children (1 in 11) and 4.3 million adults (1 in 12). We have  among the highest prevalence rates of asthma symptoms in children worldwide, with three children with asthma in every classroom in the UK on average. 

Scarily, the UK also has one of the worst asthma death rates in Europe, with the rate of people dying from an asthma attack increasing by more than 20% in five years - on average, 3 people die from an asthma attack in the UK every day¹. Experts at Asthma UK say that our country’s poor death rate for asthma attacks may be because the condition is not taken seriously enough, with previous research from the charity revealing that 1 in 6 people in the UK do not know or are unsure whether the condition can be fatal.

So, why are our rates so high? Asthma is often diagnosed at a young age and, according to Ann Hagell, a co-author of the report from the Association for Young People’s Health, “Young people’s health is not high enough up the policy agenda”. Many services that benefit young people, including school nurses, have seen substantial cuts.²

Other potential reasons for asthma rates in the UK growing rapidly include links to illegal levels of pollutants in cities, a factor that was cited in the tragic death of nine-year-old Ella Kissi-Debrah from London³. The World Health Organization has branded air pollution the “new tobacco” in terms of its impact on public health. The increasing levels of urbanisation within the UK can only be exacerbating the issue. 

What is the impact of asthma on the UK?

A study from the Asthma UK Centre in Applied Research has found that asthma costs the UK health service at least £1.1 billion each year. They also found that there were around 6.4 million GP and nurse consultations for asthma each year. More than 270 people are admitted to hospital each day because of asthma attacks.

Of the £1.1 billion cost of treating asthma in the UK, at least £666 million is spent on prescription costs each year. Other costs include £160m on GP consultations, £143m on disability claims and £137m on hospital care. The researchers say their figures are likely to be substantial underestimates because they did not take into account people for whom asthma was not their main illness. It’s clear that this is an illness putting great burden on our national health system. 

What are the most common asthma symptoms?

The most common symptoms of asthma are: 

• Coughing - a cough that keeps coming back is a symptom of asthma. However,not everyone with asthma coughs.
• Wheezing - a whistling sound when you breathe.
• Breathlessness - some may find it difficult to take a deep breath in, or a long breath out.
• Chest tightness - also described as a heavy weight on the chest; may also feel like a dull ache, or a sharp stabbing pain in the chest.

Experiencing one or more of these symptoms could mean you have asthma. In this case, you should book an appointment to see your GP or asthma nurse. 

It’s more likely to be asthma if your symptoms keep coming back, are worse at night, or happen when you react to a trigger – such as exercise, weather or an allergy. You could start a diary of your symptoms before speaking to your GP. Taking note of when symptoms occur may also help you to understand what your triggers are. 

Who is more likely to get asthma?

It’s a little hard to say who will get asthma and why, and people with asthma experience the condition differently. But it may happen if you have a family history of asthma, eczema or hay fever. Things like exposure to smoke, workplace chemicals, and being born prematurely could also increase your risk. 

Whatever your risk factors, if you have asthma or would like to establish a more lung-friendly environment at home, here are some things you can do:

• Keep your home as clean and dust-free as possible.
• Keep windows closed and use air conditioning during pollen season.
• Take your preventer medicine as prescribed – especially during triggering events like thunderstorms.
• Make sure you take your reliever inhaler with you everywhere you go, to deal with unexpected symptoms quickly.
• Understand the links and differences between asthma, flu and COVID-19.
• Speak with your doctor and other health professionals about having an asthma action plan in place and schedule and annual asthma review.

How can you manage asthma?

If you or a loved one are living with asthma, there are some things you can do to manage it well. On top of the tips we mentioned above, MedicAlert membership and ID jewellery provide peace of mind that your asthma will be known about during an emergency. This means that an asthma attack won’t be misdiagnosed, for an anxiety or COPD attack, for example, ensuring you receive the right treatment for your needs.

If you or a loved one are living with asthma, there are some things you can do to manage it well. On top of the tips we mentioned above, MedicAlert membership and ID jewellery provide peace of mind that your asthma will be known about during an emergency. This means that an asthma attack won’t be misdiagnosed, for an anxiety or COPD attack, for example, ensuring you receive the right treatment for your needs.  

If you can’t communicate with others, which can happen during a severe asthma attack, first responders and healthcare professionals are trained to check for a medical ID bracelet or necklace, placed on pulse points. This way, your engraving will immediately inform them about your asthma and they can easily access your full medical record to check any other details such as your asthma action plan, to provide you with fast, accurate treatment. 

Find out how MedicAlert's life-saving service can benefit you or a loved one living with asthma

Resources:

¹ https://www.asthma.org.uk/about/media/facts-and-statistics/
² https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/feb/20/revealed-asthmas-deadly-toll-on-young-people-in-the-uk
³ https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jul/04/report-links-childs-asthma-death-to-illegal-levels-of-air-pollution