ASTHMA

Juan Vazquez

Senior Practice Nurse

Church End Medical Centre

Patient Participation Group 1.3.2016

DEFINITION OF ASTHMA

Asthma is a common respiratory condition that

affects the airways of the lungs (At least 1 in 10
children and 1 in 20 adults have asthma).
From time to time the airways narrow in people
who have asthma causing traditional symptoms
The typical symptoms are wheeze, cough, chest
tightness, and shortness of breath.
Asthma is caused by inflammation in the airways.

TRIGGERS OF ASTHMA

What makes asthma symptoms worse?

Infections,
Exercise

pollens

Certain

medicines
Smoking
Feather pillows or mattresses
Emotions
Allergies to pets or house dust mites
Exposure to Damp air

Triggers are different to different people

DIAGNOSIS OF ASTHMA

History is vital/probability of asthma

More

than one of the symptoms

Frequent and recurrent, occurs apart from colds
Are worse at night and in the early morning
Link to triggers
Personal of family history of atopic disorders (Asthma,
hay fever and eczema)
Wheezing on auscultation
Symptoms improvement with with treatment
Clinical

assessment including Spirometry or Peakflow

TREATMENT OF ASTHMA

Stepwise approach Adapting the inhalers to the

symptoms and/or symptoms to inhalers
A typical person with asthma may take a
preventer inhaler every day (to prevent
symptoms developing), and use a reliever inhaler
as and when required (if symptoms flare up).
Individual treatment plan, self-management and
what to do when

WHAT DOES IT MEAN

IN NUMBERS?

There are 5.4 million people with asthma in the

UK.
421 asthma in CEMC 26.2.2016.
88% asthma patient reviewed in the last year but
QOF target only 70%.
The NHS spends around 1 billion a year treating
and caring for people with asthma.

REMEMBER, ASTHMA
CAN BE DANGEROUS

Every 10 seconds someone is having a potentially

life-threatening asthma attack in the UK.
In 2014 (the most recent data available) 1216
people died from asthma. Tragically two thirds of
these deaths are preventable
The UK has among the highest prevalence rates
of asthma symptoms in children worldwide.

IMPORTANT POINTS
TO CONSIDER

Individual treatment plan what to do when and selfmanagement (Three time per week rule)
It is vital that you learn how to use your inhalers
correctly.
Regular Annual review at least but
See

a doctor or nurse if symptoms are not fully

controlled
See a doctor urgently if you develop severe symptoms

You should have an Flu jab every autumn

REFERENCES

http://patient.info/health/asthma-leaflet
https://www.brit-thoracic.org.uk/documentlibrary/clinical-information/asthma/btssignasthma-guideline-quick-reference-guide-2014
https://www.asthma.org.uk/about/media/factsand-statistics