Health Asthma


Q&A


Neil Mistry, Pharmacist at Hutchins Chemist in Loughton, answers your most frequently asked questions about managing asthma


What are the main symptoms of


asthma? The main symptoms of asthma are:


• Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing) • Breathlessness


• A tight chest that may feel like a band is tightening around it


• Coughing


Symptom severity varies from person to person. They usually come and go, but for some they're more persistent. Asthma symptoms can sometimes get temporarily worse, sometimes at different times of the year. This is known as an asthma attack.


What are the most common asthma


triggers? People with asthma have inflamed and sensitive airways that become narrow and clogged with sticky mucus in response to certain triggers. Common triggers include:


• Outdoor allergens, such as pollens from grass, trees and weeds


• Indoor allergens, such as pet dander, dust mites and mould


• Certain medicines and food additives


• Irritants in the air, such as smoke, chemical fumes and strong odors


• Colds, flu and other illnesses • Cold weather


Factors such as a genes, air pollution, chlorine in swimming pools and modern hygiene standards have also been suggested as causes, but there's


22 All About health


not currently enough evidence to be certain whether any of these do cause asthma symptoms to worsen.


Should you use your inhaler even if


you’re not having symptoms? Inhalers let you breathe in your medication. You need at least one inhaler when you have asthma, and most people are given a reliever inhaler – these are usually blue. They are for short-term symptom relief, including shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness and coughing. If you're using yours on two or more days a week, or more than two nights a month, speak to your GP. Keep a reliever inhaler with you all the time


and use it when your symptoms flare up, before you expect to come into contact with your asthma triggers, and when you run into unexpected triggers. If you need to use your reliever inhaler often,


you may also need a preventer inhaler. These are used every day to help stop any symptoms starting. Use yours as often as your doctor advises, usually once or twice a day, whether or not you're having symptoms and even if you feel well. Make sure you're using your inhaler correctly, so you get the medicine you need. The best way to


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