Treatments
Asthma is usually treated by using an inhaler, a small device that lets you breathe in medicines.
The main types are:
reliever inhalers – used when needed to quickly relieve asthma symptoms for a short time
preventer inhalers – used every day to prevent asthma symptoms occurring
Some people also need to take tablets.
Read more about how asthma is treated and living with asthma.
Causes and triggers
Asthma is caused by swelling (inflammation) of the breathing tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. This makes the tubes highly sensitive, so they temporarily narrow.
It may occur randomly or after exposure to a trigger. Common asthma triggers include:
allergies – to house dust mites, animal fur or pollen, for example
smoke, pollution and cold air
exercise
infections like colds or flu
Identifying and avoiding your asthma triggers can help you keep your symptoms under control.
Read more about the causes of asthma.
How long does it last?
Asthma is a long-term condition for many people, particularly if it first develops when you're an adult.
In children, it sometimes disappears or improves during the teenage years, but it can come back later in life.
The symptoms can usually be controlled with treatment. Most people will have normal, active lives, although some with more severe asthma may have ongoing problems.
Complications
Although asthma can normally be kept under control, it's still a serious condition that can cause a number of problems.
This is why it's so important to follow your treatment plan and not ignore your symptoms if they're getting worse.
Badly controlled asthma can cause problems such as:
feeling tired all the time
underperformance at or absence from work or school
stress, anxiety or depression
disruption of your work and leisure because of unplanned visits to your GP or hospital
lung infections (pneumonia)
delays in growth or puberty in children
There's also a risk of severe asthma attacks, which can be life-threatening.