Do you have Asthma?

If you have Asthma and want to know more about it then this page is for you. It will give you some information about living with Asthma and provide links to useful websites to find out more.

So what is Asthma?

Asthma affects the airways in your lungs. Airways are the tubes inside your lungs that carry air in and out of your body. If you have Asthma your airways are extra sensitive and become red and swollen. They secrete extra mucous and the muscle around the airway tightens which makes it difficult to breathe.

Asthma cannot be cured but attacks can be prevented or reduced in severity using medication which is given by an inhaler (puffer).

There are two types of inhaler – preventer and reliever.

Preventers are usually brown or orange in colour and these reduce inflammation in the airways. They do need to be taken twice a day to be effective so it is important not to stop taking this inhaler even if you feel ok.

Relievers are blue and these relieve the asthma attacks when they happen so always remember to keep this one with you. You can also take this before exercise. They work by stopping the muscles tightening and will make you feel better quickly.

Symptoms

Not everyone experiences all of these but they are the more common ones:

• Wheezing – caused by the narrow airways trying to force air out
• Coughing
• Chest - tightness and a feeling of being unable to breathe
• Shortness of breath
• Waking at night due to wheezing or coughing
• Getting tired quickly during exercise

Triggers

When people talk about Asthma they will mention triggers. These are the things that cause the airways to narrow. It would help if you know your triggers and avoid them as much as possible.

Some of the more common triggers are:

• Viruses such as colds or flu
• Exercise especially when air is cold or dry
• Cigarette smoke
• Pollen
• Dust
• Animal hair or fur
• Some foods
• Certain medications such as Aspirin or anti inflammatory painkillers

Remember, if you have asthma its important to stay healthy- so why not check out the healthy eating and exercise, drugs, alcohol and smoking and general health pages on this site?

Useful Links

www.Ezinearticles.com/?living-with-asthma-for-teenagers
www.asthma-nz.org.nz/Teens
www.cyh.com/Health
www.asthmakids.com/Teens
www.theallergysite.co.uk

Useful Portsmouth City Information

St Mary’s Hospital
Milton Road
Portsmouth
PO3 6AD
02392 286000

Queen Alexandra Hospital
Southwick Hill Road
Cosham
Portsmouth
PO6 3LY
02392 286000

Specialist Nursing Team
Jason Witts
02392 286000 ext 3445