There's also a genetic connection between the asthma, hay fever and eczema, which suggests that these three conditions can be passed on through the family.

When a person with asthma comes into contact with something that irritates their airways - known as an asthma trigger - an inflammatory process begins, causing bronchial muscle over-sensitivity.

The airways become narrower and the lining of the airways becomes inflamed and starts to swell during an asthma attack. Sometimes sticky mucus or phlegm builds up, which can further restrict the airways.

Charity Asthma UK says that around one person dies every seven hours in the UK from asthma ⁽¹⁾.

How likely am I to get asthma?

While the underlying cause of asthma remains unknown, genetics play a strong role in the development of asthma if there is a family history of asthma, eczema or allergies. It's also important to be aware of lifestyle factors that can cause asthma in children. If you smoke during pregnancy or around your children, you're putting them at risk of developing the condition.

Children are 35 per cent more likely to develop asthma, if their mother smoked during pregnancy. And although it's not as common, adults may find that, following a viral infection, they develop asthma ⁽¹⁾.

People who are overweight or have a poor diet are also susceptible to the illness ⁽²⁾.

What's the difference between asthma and a simple cough?

A chesty cough isn't necessarily an indication of asthma, although if it persists you should visit your GP.

The following symptoms suggest an asthma attack:

• Waking at night with coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or a tight chest
• Feeling that you cannot keep up with your normal level of activity or exercise
• You feel as though there is a band tightening around your chest
• You have general feeling of breathlessness for no obvious reason

Can asthma attacks be controlled or avoided?

If you know exactly what triggers your asthma (dust mites or a specific pollen), then it can be a simple exercise of avoiding coming into contact with that trigger by cleaning the house regularly or ensuring pets are kept outside (or not having pets at all).

Common asthma triggers include:

• lung infections
• stress
• air pollutants
• certain foods (nuts or shellfish)
• exercise
• animals and pets
• dust mites
• moulds and fungi
• pollen and smoking

What are the treatments for asthma?

While a cure for asthma remains elusive, there are effective ways to treat and control the severity and regularity of attacks. Make sure a doctor or nurse has shown you how to use your medicine properly, and if you use an inhaler, carry it with you at all times. You must know how to take your medicine properly.

If you are not sure how to take your medicine, or if you feel your medicine isn't working, you must go and see your doctor.

Common asthma treatments include:

Relievers

Also knows as puffers, these hand-held medicines are the most commonly used form of treating an asthma attack. By pressing the top of the inhaler, a small dose of medicine is delivered to the airways. This helps the muscles relax and loosen, allowing the user to breathe more easily

Preventers

Used by asthma sufferers who have three or more attacks a week, or are prone to asthma symptoms at night. These reduce inflammation and prevent wheezing, as they contain corticosteroids, which can reduce symptoms. If you're prescribed a preventative drug, you will usually be advised to use it twice a day. Another preventer medication is a Beta-2 agonist inhaler, which is used by people who do not respond well to other preventers. These inhalers take longer to work, but unlike inhalers whose effects only last a few hours, a Beta-2 agonist, such as salbutamol, will help symptoms for up to six hours.

Steroid tablets

If you have had a severe asthma attack (which usually involves hospitalisation), then you may be prescribed steroids. These reduce the inflammation of your lungs and help you recover from the severity of your attack

Nebulisers

It is rare for people to be given a nebuliser for the home, as they are really larger forms of an inhaler. However, your doctor or hospital may recommend you use one at the surgery or in hospital

What is Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) monitoring?

Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) monitoring measures the patient's maximum ability to exhale, or peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR or PEF).

Peak PEFR readings will be higher when patients feel well and lower when the airways are constricted. From changes in recorded values, both patients and doctors can see how well the lungs are working, what the severity of asthma symptoms are, and what treatment options are appropriate.

The best of three readings is used as the recorded value of the PEFR. It may be plotted out on graph paper charts together with a record of symptoms or using peak flow charting software on a computer. This allows patients to self-monitor and pass information back to their doctor or nurse.

Measurement of PEFR requires training to correctly use a meter and the normal expected value depends on a patient's sex, age and height. PEFR measurements can alert patients and doctors if a patient is experiencing difficulty with their breathing before they are even aware of the change. By making regular measurements at times when the patient is feeling well, both doctor and patient will have identified their personal best PEFR value. Then, if PEFR falls significantly from a personal best PEFR, the patient and their doctor will then know that something must be done in order to bring their breathing function back towards its target value.

What do I do if I or someone else has an asthma attack?

If you or someone you know has an asthma attack suddenly, there are certain steps that you can take to relieve its severity or to stop it in its tracks.

Asthma UK recommends:

• Take two puffs of your inhaler
• Loosen tight clothing
• Sit up, as lying down can impede your ability to breathe correctly
• If you can't breathe any easier soon after taking a puff on your inhaler, continue to take one puff every five minutes or until your symptoms improve
• If you continue to have trouble breathing, or your lips are turning blue, then call your doctor or 999 immediately
• Even if you don't suffer from asthma, it's likely that you know someone who does. Familiarise yourself with the above steps and help relieve their symptoms by talking quietly and calmly to them

Can I reduce the number of asthma attacks I have?

Lifestyle changes, such as exercise, diet and breathing techniques can lessen the severity and regularity of asthma attacks. A low-salt diet will reduce your sensitivity to histamine (pollen), which may be the cause of an asthma attack ⁽³⁾. Exercise and relaxation techniques, such as yoga and meditation may also be helpful, although there is no scientific evidence to support this.

Food allergies or food intolerances also play an important role, so avoid known allergens if a reaction occurs. Many people report an allergy to cow's milk, wheat and artificial additives. Try eliminating these foods from your diet for at least four weeks to see if there is any improvement. Always consult your GP before making any changes to your diet ⁽⁴⁾.

Can exercise help with my asthma?

People with asthma should remember to exercise. According to Asthma UK, having the condition is no reason to become a couch potato. So long as your GP has approved exercising, regular participation in sports, such as swimming and walking, help your lung function and overall health and wellbeing ⁽⁵⁾.

Infolinks:

• Asthma UK
• Allergy UK
• Allergy and Allergies Agency
• National Pollen and Aerobiology Research