What is Asthma?

Asthma is a lung condition that affects breathing. Unlike other lung conditions the effect on breathing is intermittent. Typically there will be episodes of asthma symptoms with normal function in-between. During episodes of asthma the airways become irritated and inflamed. Airways become narrower and may produce extra mucus (the thick, slippery secretion of mucous membranes). This makes it more difficult for air to pass through the airways increasing the effort of breathing. Narrowed inflamed airways give rise to the symptoms of asthma which are -:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath or difficult breathing
• A tight feeling in the chest

The commonest cause of asthma episodes in children is upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) – these may occur 6-8 times each year in a normal healthy child with asthma. Asthma may also be triggered by allergens in children with allergies. Common allergies associated with asthma include house dust mite, cat and pollen allergy. Non-specific triggers such as dusts, fumes, chemicals and smoke may trigger asthma whether allergy is present or not. Exercise may trigger asthma in some children particularly outside in cold air. Once asthma is triggered symptoms may last for a few minutes to hours. In more severe asthma, symptoms may last for up to a week. Treatment of asthma is designed to eliminate symptoms for most of the time. During exacerbations of asthma treatment will often need to be increased to gain control. The majority of children with asthma lead normal healthy lives, controlling their asthma with effective medication.

Incidence/Prevalence

1 in 8 children in the UK have symptoms of asthma. 1 in 10 children will visit their GP about asthma symptoms. The majority have mild symptoms; mainly wheeze during upper respiratory tract infections. Many will not require asthma treatment except when they have a cold. For those who have symptoms more frequently, regular treatment will be required – the majority of children on regular treatment for asthma will have well controlled asthma and will live a normal life. A small number of children with asthma will have more severe disease; 2-5% of children with asthma will fall into this category. They are likely to need close supervision and regular treatment with multiple drugs to control their asthma.