“30 to 40 per cent of people who are living with Asthma are undiagnosed. Education and seeking advice from your GP are crucial as we mark World Asthma Day,” explains Ulster Hospital Respiratory Nurse Specialist, Kevin O’Brien.
World Asthma Day is a global initiative aimed at improving Asthma awareness, a common but potentially life-threatening condition. The theme for this year is to ‘Make inhaled treatments accessible for all’
In the UK, there is a potential for a person to have a life threatening Asthma attack every ten seconds.
A common lung condition, Asthma is caused by swelling (inflammation) of the breathing tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. This makes the tubes highly sensitive, so they temporarily narrow which causes occasional breathing difficulties. This can happen randomly, however it can occur after exposure to a trigger. Identifying and avoiding your Asthma triggers can help you keep your symptoms under control.
There are a number of Asthma triggers which include;
- Allergies (animal fur or pollen and house dust mites);
- Smoke, air pollution and cold air;
- Exercise;
- Infections like cold or flu.
It is important to remember that Asthma is a serious condition that can cause a number of problems and complications. There is a risk of severe Asthma attacks which can be life threatening, however with the right treatment plan, symptoms can be kept under control.
Kevin explained, “In Northern Ireland we have over 131,969 people diagnosed with Asthma. One out of every 16 adults and one out of 11 children have an Asthma diagnosis. We want people to be aware of their breathing, if any symptoms present and how their Asthma can be treated with the correct, bespoke Asthma action plan.”
Kevin stressed the importance of awareness around those with Asthma not only using a blue inhaler, “People with Asthma should also have a separate steroid inhaler, which was sometimes a brown device in the past. The person should have a combination inhaler that has a steroid in it as well as a component which is similar to the blue inhaler medication.”
Kevin continued, “People should know and educate themselves on what their Asthma action plan looks like. Elite athletes at the pinnacle of their athletic career have, and manage, their Asthma condition. Asthma does not limit them once they are in control of it. My advice is that if anyone is unsure about their inhaler use, they should speak to their GP or Pharmacy staff.
“Ensuring correct inhaler technique – ensures you are in control of your Asthma.”