Justines Asthma pages

Below are lots of wee facts that you may or may not know about asthma. I was quite surprised my self to read all these different things. I already knew some of this information, but the rest I have got of websites and books. As far as I am aware it is all true facts, (all the rubbish about asthma is on my myths page) so happy reading and I will try and keep all this information updated and regular.

• Over 5.2 million people have asthma in the UK.
• People experience wheeze, chest tightness & breathlessness.
• Most asthmatics will have had a day of work in the last 2 wks.
• The risk of dying of asthma increases with age.
• Asthma tends to be long lasting.
• Asthma occurs frequently or occasionly.
• More boys than girls have it.
• In adults, more women than men have it.
• 1,600 people died last year with asthma.

• Asthma is a chronic lung disease.
• Asthma is a disease that can be controlled not cured.
• Asthma is an inflammatory condition of the bronchial airways.
• Asthma is a disease that some people are born with.
• Asthma is a disease others can develope later in life.

• 84% of people say asthma has a great impact on their lives.
• 75% of asthmatics report urgent doctor visits.
• 61% say they lead altered lives.
• 61% find it hard to sleep through the night due to asthma.
• 70% say their whole family life is effected.
• 50% say their level of activity is altered.
• 73% do not know the difference between a controller and releiver inhaler.

• Smoking.
• Asprin and other medication.
• Dust and dust mites.
• Strong emotional responces.
• Pets.
• Stress.
• Breathing cold air/weather changes.
• Colds, repiratory infections.
• Mould and mildew.
• Playing sports or running.
• Perfumes/ deodorants.
• Air pollution.
• Strong smelling chemicals.
• Secondhand smoke.

• Coughing.
• Tightness in the chest.
• Feeling tired.
• Restlessness.
• Wheezing.

• 300 million people world wide have asthma.
• By 2025 there could be an additional 100 million.
• Roughly 5 out of 100,000 asthmatics die with asthma.
• Over 4,000 people die with asthma yearly worldwide.
• In 2004 187 children died from asthma.
• Asthma accounts for 1 in every 250 deaths worldwide.

• Asthma is more common, because people spend more time indoors, so they are exposed to more allergens like cigarette smoke, pets, dust and mould.
• People are exposed to fewer viruses and bacteria because of improved living conditions.
• People now adays do less exercise.
• People today are more overweight.