Asthma

This is in addition to any specific advice given to you by the ambulance crew you saw today

You should remain alert for any signs of worsening symptoms.

These include

• a drop in your peak expiratory flow rate 
• an increase in your pulse rate 
• an increase in wheezing
• feeling agitated or restless
• your reliever (blue inhaler) is not working, or you are using it more than every four hours.

If you notice your symptoms getting worse or developing a chest infection from a cough or cold, do not ignore them. Instead, contact your GP, 111 or asthma clinic. 

You should always ensure you have enough of your medication and know where your reliever inhaler is. 

Typical symptoms of a severe asthma attack include

• your symptoms will get worse quickly
• breathing and talking will be difficult
• your pulse may race
• your lips and/or your fingernails may turn blue 
• your skin may tighten around your chest and neck
• your nostrils may flare as you try and breathe.

You should immediately seek medical help if you have symptoms of a severe asthma attack. 

Take your preventer inhaler every day as prescribed so that you’re less likely to react to new triggers. And remember to always carry your reliver inhaler with you.

If you or someone else is having a severe asthma attack, and you or they are unable to breathe, you should dial 999 immediately to request an ambulance. 

General advice

Smoking

If you are a smoker and you have asthma, you should stop smoking. This will significantly reduce the severity and the frequency of your symptoms. Smoking can also reduce the effectiveness of asthma medication. 

The NHS Smoking Helpline can offer you advice or encouragement. You can call on 0300 123 1044, or visit Quit smoking - NHS. Your GP or pharmacist will also be able to provide you with help and advice. 

If you do not smoke and you have asthma, you should still avoid exposure to tobacco smoke. 

Vaccinations

Due to the increased risk of complications, people with severe asthma are recommended to receive vaccinations for Influenza (flu) and Pneumococcal (a bacterium that can cause Pneumonia, Meningitis and infection of the blood). 

Avoiding triggers 

It is important that you identify triggers where possible, by making a note of any worsening symptoms or by using your peak flow meter during exposure to certain situations. Some triggers, such as air pollution, viral illness or certain weather conditions, can be hard to avoid. However, it may be possible to avoid other triggers, such as dust mites, fungal spores or pet fur. 

Weight, diet and exercise 

Maintaining a healthy weight will help you to control your asthma more effectively. The key to maintaining a healthy weight is having a healthy diet and taking regular exercise. 

A low fat, high fibre diet is recommended, including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables (five portions a day) and whole grains. Thirty minutes of moderate exercise a day, at least five times a week, is also recommended. The exercise should be vigorous enough that it leaves your heart beating faster and you should feel slightly out of breath. Examples of moderate exercise are going for a brisk walk, or walking up a hill. 

If your asthma is well managed, moderate exercise should not normally cause any problems. However, see your GP if you experience symptoms  of asthma during or after exercise. 

Patient advice leaflet: Reviewed June 2023