Asthma

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

• Your asthma review
• Asthma attacks – what to do
• Personalised Asthma Action Plan

Asthma and the environment

Did you know that having well controlled asthma is better for you and for the environment?

The type of inhaler you use can make a difference to your carbon footprint. Your healthcare professional can help you choose an inhaler that meets your respiratory needs while considering its environmental impact.

A single salbutamol metered dose inhaler (MDI) has the same carbon footprint as driving 175 miles in a small car.

Dry powder inhalers are an alternative for some people, and typically have a much lower carbon footprint. The same as driving four miles in a small car.

How can we work together?

• Review – Attend your annual asthma review at your GP practice to ensure symptoms are well controlled.
• Reduce – Discuss switching to a lower carbon inhaler option, such as a dry powder inhaler, with your health care professional.
• Return – Return used inhalers to your community pharmacy for disposal – this will reduce CO2 emissions.

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.