Published on: 28 April 2023
The NHS in Herefordshire and Worcestershire is marking World Asthma Day this year by highlighting the help available to manage this common long-term health condition.
The global awareness day on Tuesday 2 May is an opportunity to educate children and young people about the symptoms and triggers of asthma and how to keep it under control from an early age.
Asthma affects the lungs, and common symptoms are coughing (particularly at night), wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. It can usually be managed with inhalers and other medication, however it is important that children and young people with the condition – as well as their parents or carers - understand what triggers their symptoms and how to avoid those triggers.
Common triggers are things like smoke, pollution, cold air, exercise, infections such as colds or flu, and allergies to things like dust, fur and pollen.
In the UK, around 5.4 million people – one in every 12 adults and one in every 11 children are currently receiving treatment for asthma.
Dr Jayne Clarke, Consultant Paediatrician with Respiratory Interest at Wye Valley NHS Trust said: “Having a written asthma management plan and knowing how to use your inhaler properly will make you much less likely to have a serious asthma attack. If you have an asthma review at least once a year and after any asthma attack, then your asthma plan can be personalised to keep you well.
“Our paediatric asthma team in the Herefordshire and Worcestershire ICS are excited to support World Asthma Day 2023 and are working with GP practices and schools to support asthma management in children and young people.”
Top tips to support your condition:
- Attend your GP practice at least once a year for an asthma review. Go again if your asthma changes or stops you from doing any activities.
- Ask for your Personalised Asthma Action Plan to be updated at your asthma review and keep a copy handy.
- Get your inhaler technique checked at least once a year by staff at your GP practice or local pharmacy and always use your spacer if you have been given one.
- Don’t smoke or allow anyone else to smoke in your house.
More information on World Asthma day can be found here: Global Initiative for Asthma - Global Initiative for Asthma - GINA (ginasthma.org)
