Millions of people worldwide have asthma; in the UK, more than five million people, children, and adults suffer from it.

Asthma is a debilitating illness, and people with asthma may feel drained of energy. In addition, they often have inflamed sensitive airways. Symptoms include tightness in the chest, breathlessness, wheezing, and coughing. The symptoms may come and go, and some people are lucky because they do not have any symptoms for weeks, even months.

Doctors say that asthma needs daily treatment. It is essential to do the treatment routine even if the person feels well, as this will help reduce the risk of symptoms and attacks.


Why do some people have asthma?

Asthma usually starts in childhood, but some adults can also develop asthma. According to doctors, the exact causes are still not known. However, asthma usually runs in families and could be inherited. Scientists are still searching for specific answers. However, they have identified some factors that play vital roles in the development of asthma.

One of those factors is genetics, as asthma typically runs in families, so if one or both parents have asthma, there is a higher chance of their children getting it, too. In addition, allergies, respiratory infections during early childhood, and the environment can significantly affect the development of asthma in children and adults. For example, prolonged exposure to allergens, viruses, irritants, dust, and chemicals can lower the person's immune system.


Triggers of asthma symptoms

Several things can trigger asthma or make it worse, but the effects of these triggers differ according to the individual. Therefore, it is vital for people with asthma to find out what triggers their symptoms. For example, it could be due to stress, house dust mites, pollution, pollen, pests, viruses, etc. Further, some people may have temporary asthma due to hormonal changes, such as puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.

The most effective way to cope with your asthma is to take your preventer medicine regularly, as prescribed by your GP. You should take it even if you do not have any symptoms. Always have a spare preventer medicine, such as an inhaler, so you do not miss a dose.

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