What is asthma

You are here Home » INNOVATE » Digital Story Telling » Podcasts » Podcast Asthma » What is asthma
A woman holds a small peak flow meter to measure asthma while looking at it, with the text 'I FELT LIKE I COULDN'T BREATHE' displayed prominently beside her.

What is asthma and how do we manage it?

Think you know asthma? Learn what really happens in your airways, how to spot symptoms early, and why the right inhaler technique and an action plan can stop flare‑ups — read more to take control.

Key Takeaways

  • The asthma webinar series helps patients understand asthma management and symptom recognition.
  • Asthma is a long-term condition leading to airway inflammation, causing wheezing and breathlessness.
  • Diagnosis involves assessing symptom patterns and may include tests like spirometry and peak flow measurements.
  • Treatment options include reliever and preventer inhalers, as well as additional therapies for severe cases.
  • Future webinars will cover inhaler techniques, triggers, and advanced asthma management strategies.

Introduction

HIYOS GP Practice launched a asthma webinar series to help patients, families and carers better understand asthma. In the opening session, Dr Vin (GP) and Saira (practice manager and lived-experience speaker) introduce the condition, share practical management advice.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a long‑term respiratory condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. That narrowing can produce a characteristic wheeze, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing. While there’s no cure, most people can keep their asthma well controlled with the right treatments and self‑management.

Symptoms and a patient story
Sahra describes childhood hospital visits, the fear of not being able to breathe, and common symptoms: breathlessness, wheeze, chest tightness and coughing—often worse at night or early morning. Her firsthand account highlights how frightening flare‑ups can be and why recognising symptoms early matters for timely care.

How asthma is diagnosed?

Diagnosis starts with a focused clinical history (symptom patterns, timing, triggers) and may include objective tests.

The webinar demonstrates a peak flow meter and explains spirometry as the next step; specialist tests are available if diagnosis remains unclear.

Treatments and inhaler types


Asthma treatment ranges from reliever inhalers taken for acute symptoms to daily preventer inhalers that reduce inflammation. Key options covered:

  • Reliever inhaler (e.g., salbutamol) for immediate symptom relief.
  • Preventer inhalers taken regularly to prevent flares.
  • MART therapy (combined maintenance and reliever approach).
  • Short courses of oral steroids (prednisolone) for severe exacerbations.
  • Leukotriene receptor antagonists (montelukast) and, for severe refractory asthma, biologic injections.
A yellow and green ambulance parked near a building, with 'Ambulance' clearly visible on the front. The vehicle is shown from the side, partially obstructed by a pole. Bring a patient with asthma to the hospital

Practical advice for an asthma attack

If someone is having a flare-up: sit them upright, encourage calm, and use the reliever inhaler—one puff every 30–60 seconds, up to 10 puffs.

If there’s no improvement after repeated reliever use, call 999 or seek emergency care immediately. Simple measures like sitting up and getting fresh air can help while waiting for treatment.

Self‑management tips

  • Learn correct inhaler technique and keep preventer inhalers up to date.
  • Use a peak flow meter at home if recommended, and record readings.
  • Identify personal triggers (e.g., smoke, allergens, exercise) and plan to avoid them.
  • Have a written asthma action plan agreed with your GP.

If you’re concerned about any of the points mentioned, please reach out to your GP.

Asthma Podcasts

Discover more from Beyond healthcare

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading