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Asthma is a condition that affects the lungs. The airways that make up
the lungs become narrow and inflamed with mucus secretions making breathing more
difficult. These airways can react by narrowing when you have a cold or other
viral infection, or when you come into contact with an asthma trigger such as
aspirin. In some patients exercise can bring on an asthma attack.
Asthma affects more than three million people in the UK, including one in
seven school children and one in 25 adults. With the correct treatment, support
and advice, most people with asthma can lead normal, active lives.
Asthma is diagnosed with a a history of episodic wheeze, cough ( in
particular a nighttime cough)or shortness of breath. It occurs more often in
families also affected with asthma, eczema or hay fever.
Treatment of asthma varies with severity. Most asthmatics are controlled with
preventative inhalers such as Becotide which is a steroid inhaler, only having
to use reliever type inhalers such as Ventolin when they have symptoms.
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