AKA
Reversible airways disease, wheezy bronchitis
Asthma is a condition that affects our lungs and our breathing. It gets worse in certain situations. So we have good and bad days. And it usually goes on for some time. Over a million young people have asthma in the UK. And the number's rising.
Why does it happen?
First the anatomy: When we breathe in, the air goes down into our lungs. It passes through tubes called airways. These branch again and again, getting narrower as they go. If we have asthma, the walls of the airways get swollen. They become sensitive and react to stuff like smoke, dust, exercise, stress or pets. This reaction makes the airways even narrower. And this can make it difficult to breathe.
How do I know if I have it?
Ask yourself:
- Have I been coughing (especially at night) for a while now?
- Am I wheezy? Wheezes are whistling noises, when we breathe out.
- Do I ever find it difficult to breathe? Does my chest feel tight? Do I need to breathe faster?
- Is there a trigger for my symptoms? For example, do I cough or wheeze every time I visit Auntie Sheila and her three tabby cats? Or when my mates light up? Or in PE?
- Do other people in my family have asthma, hay fever or eczema?
Said 'yes' to any of Nos 1-3?
Get your doctor to check it out.
Said 'yes' to either No 4 or 5?
This makes asthma more likely.
What causes asthma?
No one knows for sure. But you haven't caused it. Or caught it from someone else.
So I've got asthma. What now? Avoid all known asthma triggers. Keep your room dust free. Open the windows, rip up the carpets and banish the cat.
Get moving. Exercise is good for asthma. Go use your lungs.
Having asthma shouldn't stop you doing anything. Oh wait - except smoking. That's even more poisonous to you now. From July 2007 smoking in public places becomes illegal. Expect everyone with asthma to get out there and party.
Will my asthma go away?
Some of us grow out of it. Some of us have symptoms for life. There is no cure. But there are fantastic treatments.
But I hate my inhaler. I feel like a freak.
The inhalers contain powder that makes our airways wider. So our lungs work better. And we feel better. That way we control our asthma, not the other way round.
Make sure you understand what your inhalers are for, when and how to take them and what to do if they stop working. That way you keep your asthma from interfering with your life.
There are lots of different types of inhaler. Speak to your doctor about being on one that suits you. One that's easy to take. If possible, out of school hours.
My inhaler is a steroid, will I get muscley?
Nope. Nor will you put on weight. The steroid in your inhaler is just helping your lungs. It shouldn't affect the rest of your body.
I am scared. Will I die?
Please don't be scared. Asthma can be serious. But it is treatable.
If you're worried, or if your asthma is getting worse - don't sit on it. Get help and advice ASAP.
Further help and advice
Written by Dr Melissa Sayer
Last updated 3rd July 2007
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Gemma, 14
I had asthma when i was little and then I gre out of out and now it's came back and I've had it for about 2 years now and take my inhaler daily or when needed. I hate havin it because after running or cycling or any sport like that I become breathless after a short while and need my inhaler. Does anyone know of any treaments or have any advice on how to help this as I have frequent attacks and live abroad in the middle east and the dust and sand doesnt help it. I also swim competitivly and when I'm nervous I have attacks and I just want treament to make it better.
Sarah, 15
I have had asthma since I was about 5 and I have not let it affect anything I do (my dancing) and once on a school trip back from chesington when the buses air conditioning broke down i had an astha attack because of the heat and had to go on sterdoid, I find all my freinds relly supportive and a few of them have asthma.
Catriona, 18
I've had asthma since I was 5, and I've never had a very serious attack, so dont worry if u get diagnosed with it, the docs know what they're talking about!
Aimee, 15
I've had asthma since i was 4 years old,,when the weather gets damp i get ill and have to be put on steriods to help,, i work at a riding stables all weekend and my asthma hasnt stopped me what so ever,, and if even better, i can run for long distances and not be out of breath and use my inhaler!!my asthma nurse said that i am growing out of my asthma thank god! don't let it stop you doing what you want to do !!
kim, 15
i heard it will always return from my docter.. that it will never go away just calm down and come back every once and awhile
Lauren, 15
I used to have asthma when i was younger, but I grew put of it when i was 13. Now, my asthma only triggers after a long period of sport. E.g cross country running!
James, 14
I had asthma since i was born but the doctors didnt see it and they thought i had something serious lol. As i got older my asthma has became better so i might grow out of it =D
Rachel, 16
I've had asthma since I was 5. Some days it's quite bad and I cna react to alot of things, other days its not to bad. Ive learned to live with it now tho and If i have an asthma attack at school all my friends know how to help me. :)
Angel, 18
i've had asthma since i was born i 18 now i and have not grown out of it yet, but i dont really care about because it doesn't stop me doing my job in the army which is good. I've only got to be carefully about what i do and if i do it to make sure that i have got my asthma pump on me.
Shawn, 19
i have had asthma since i was 5 years old. i had been using my inhaler on a daily basis for about 7 years. than when i was 14 i went to a military academy.. we would run about 4 miles every day. my entire time there i did not have to use my inhaler once. Exercise really helps.. and getting away from pollution lol...
Georgie, 17
I've had asthma since i was 9mnths old and was also told I would grow out of it but haven't yet. I think things which exercise your lungs such as singing or playing a wood-wind or brass instrument regularly helps as my asthma much improved while I was having Voice and Clarinet lessons but now I have stopped my asthma has got a little worse.
April, 16
i had asthma scine i was 8 till now and it sucks! but my doctor said i'm growing out of it slow hey thats better than having it my whole life
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