What is asthma?
Asthma is a very common long-term lung condition. It affects the airways that carry air in and out of your lungs, causing them to become swollen. This makes the airways narrower, so less air gets into and out of the lungs.
What are the signs and symptoms of asthma?
Asthma symptoms are variable. You may not have symptoms for weeks or months at a time.
However, it is very important that a preventer inhaler is taken every day, even when well. This helps to lower the risk of symptoms and asthma attacks.
If you have asthma, you may experience one of more of these symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
Asthma treatment
The most common treatment for asthma is inhalers.
Other treatments include tablets, injections and, in rare cases, surgery. If you’re diagnosed with asthma, your doctor will discuss potential treatments for you.
For more information on asthma, see:
- Asthma & Lung UK – Asthma
- Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland – Asthma
- My Lungs My Life – I have Asthma
- My Lungs My Life – My Child has Asthma
Further information
NHS Ayrshire & Arran app
You can also find information on our NHS Ayrshire & Arran Respiratory Facebook page, or download the NHS Ayrshire & Arran app and select Respiratory from the list.