Let’s Talk About Asthma

Treatment and Prevention

Asthma is a common condition that affects the airways in your lungs.
It can make breathing difficult and cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic (long-term) condition.
The airways become inflamed, narrowed, and produce extra mucus.
This makes it hard for air to move in and out of the lungs.
It can range from mild to life-threatening.

Common Symptoms
Shortness of breath
Wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe)
Chest tightness
Coughing, especially at night or early morningFatigue during physical activity

What Triggers Asthma?
Everyone has different triggers. Common ones include:
Allergens (pollen, dust mites, pet dander)
Cold air or weather changes
Exercise
Smoke or strong smells
Respiratory infections (like colds or the flu)
Stress and strong emotions
Mold, air pollution, or chemicals
Certain medications (aspirin, NSAIDs)

Asthma Treatment Options

There is no cure for asthma, but it can be managed well with the right treatment.

Inhalers
Reliever inhalers (e.g. Salbutamol/Ventolin)
Used during an asthma attack or when symptoms start.
Works quickly to open the airways.

Preventer inhalers (e.g. Beclometasone, Fluticasone)
Used daily to reduce inflammation and prevent attacks.
Takes time to build up in the body.

Combination inhalers (e.g. Seretide, Symbicort)
Includes both a preventer and long-acting reliever.

Tablets and Other Medications
Leukotriene receptor antagonists (e.g. Montelukast)
Steroid tablets (for severe cases or flare-ups)
Biologic injections (for severe asthma not controlled by inhalers)

Emergency Treatment
If inhalers don’t help during an attack, call emergency services immediately.
Oxygen therapy, nebulisers, or steroids may be given in hospital.

Prevention Tips

Managing asthma is about avoiding triggers and using preventive treatment.

Here’s how to reduce your risk:
Take your preventer inhaler every day, even when you feel well.
Always carry your reliever inhaler with you.
Get your flu shot every year – colds can make asthma worse.
Avoid smoking or secondhand smoke.
Use allergy-proof bedding and clean regularly to reduce dust mites.
Avoid exercising outdoors when pollen or pollution is high.
Practice breathing exercises to help lung strength and reduce stress.
Track your symptoms in an asthma diary or app.

When to See a Doctor
If your symptoms happen more than twice a week
If you wake up coughing or wheezing
If your reliever inhaler isn’t working as well as it used to
If asthma affects your daily life or energy
You might need an updated treatment plan.

Final Thoughts

Asthma doesn’t have to control your life.
With the right medications, awareness of triggers, and daily habits, you can breathe easier and live fully.