This World Asthma Day (Tuesday 2 May), health chiefs in the Black Country are raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of asthma.
World Asthma Day is organised by the Global Initiative for Asthma, which aims to improve asthma awareness and care.
Asthma is a common lung condition that causes breathing difficulties. It affects people of all ages and often starts in childhood, although it can also develop for the first time in
adults.
The main symptoms are a whistling or wheezing sound when breathing, a feeling of breathlessness, a tight chest and coughing. The symptoms tend to vary and can sometimes get worse - this is commonly known as an asthma attack.
Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “World Asthma Day provides the perfect opportunity to raise awareness of asthma including the signs and symptoms to look out for, especially in young children.
“Everyone’s asthma is different, and people may have several triggers. One of the most common triggers is having a cold or the flu, while others include exposure to air pollution, tobacco smoke, house dust mites, animal fur, or grass and tree pollen.
“Whilst the severity of symptoms varies from person to person, asthma is a serious condition so it’s really important that you don’t ignore symptoms and seek medical advice straight away if you’re concerned.”
Anyone with asthma is at risk of having an asthma attack, which usually needs urgent medical treatment. This is why it is crucial to ensure that those with asthma, take their medication even when feeling well, and take action if their asthma seems to be getting worse.
Everyone with a diagnosis of asthma should also have an annual asthma review, where their inhaler technique is checked, and they are provided with an up-to-date asthma action plan.
Viv Marsh, Specialist Asthma Nurse and Black Country Clinical Lead for Children and Young People’s Asthma Transformation, said: “If your child is diagnosed with asthma, it’s vital to keep on top of their medication and ensure they’re taking their preventer inhaler as instructed by their GP or asthma nurse.
“That’s why the annual asthma review is so important. It only takes a few minutes, but it’s one of the most important tools we have for keeping children well and out of hospital.”
