Advice from Asthma UK

On average, 4 people each day, or 1 person every 7 hours dies from asthma.

It’s a big problem and an expensive problem in the UK, costing the NHS £996 million per year.

Asthma UK is a key resource for people with the condition and provides patients with a range of information and advice.

It is also a much needed and valued source of support for asthma sufferers and their families.

The helpline is run by a team of specialist nurses and can often be a lifeline to people desperate for help.

Edwina Wooler is from Asthma UK, "The types of calls we get vary enormously - people with asthma who’ve just had a diagnosis and feel uncertain and scared and we have calls from people who want to know more about treatments."

Asthma treatments fall broadly into two categories.

1. Reliever treatments relieve the symptoms of asthma. These can be taken on an "as needed basis" and may simply be taken when people have a cold or before exercise.

2. Preventer treatments are taken on a regular basis but "won’t have any impact on coughing and wheezing." These inhaled corticosteroids are taken regularly in the morning and evening even when you have no symptoms. "This helps keep the inflammation and swelling in the airways at bay."

Asthma UK continues to fund research into asthma treatments and managements. Edwina Wooler says the organisation, "works as advocates for people with asthma."

The Asthma UK nurse advice line is open from 9 – 5, Monday – Friday. Call 08457 010203, or visit www.asthma.org.uk