Justines Asthma pages
My own asthma experience
THE MAIN SYMPYOMS OF ASTHMA.
The symptoms of asthma can be very similar to other respiratory conditions. Asthma symptoms commonly include. Breathing problems: Difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest and a shortness of breath are the main symptoms of asthma. The actual severity of these symptoms can vary from person to person. It is very hard to predict how different situations will effect you, some days you will be well leading a normal life, other days you could be requiring urgent medical treatment. Coughing: A night cough is very common in asthma sufferers. If you smoke and have asthma you are more likely to suffer from Bronchitis too. Some times it's hard to distinguish between the two lung diseases. Wheezing: If you suffer from asthma you may be aware of the whistling sound you make. This sound is caused by air being forced through swollen airways in your lungs. These symptoms are very common in asthma.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR OWN ASTHMA
Asthma attacks may appear at any time or place of the day. It is very important you understand what to do if you feel your symptoms are getting worse. You should have a peak flow meter which can help to manage your asthma. You should record all your results on a chart giving you a good idea of what your results should be every day when well and when to seek help or adjust medication. I have kept peakflow results for years and years. They are very good indicators of attacks coming on and things. Please use yours every day. 
SYMPTOMS OF A SEVERE ATTACK.
If you start to feel symptoms of exhaustion so severe that talking is difficult or you start gasping for breath then you require immediate medical attention. You may have also noticed your asthma being less controlled by medication, you have been waking up at night coughing and wheezing or you are unable to keep up your usual level of activity or even to breathless to eat. If you feel your asthma is less controlled. See your Doctor for advice. Asthma attacks can start suddenly or take a day or two to develop. The length of an attack will depend on the severity, a mild attack can last a few hours or a severe one can last a number of days. Most attacks can be controlled with medication. I experience severe attacks every day now and it's terrifying.
WHAT TO DO DURING AN ATTACK.
- Take your releiver medication.
- Stay as calm as possiable.
- Sit down (Don't lie down).
- Call your Doctor or 999.
- Continue with your releiver medicine every few minites until help arrives.
HOW TO HELP SOMEONE DURING AN ATTACK.
