Asthma, Wheezing, Asthma Attacks

Often asthma is triggered by something that irritates your airways. Triggers can include:

Tobacco smoke
House dust
Strong chemicals
Animal fur
Cold air
Exercise
Chest infections
Stress
An allergic reaction

Sometimes severe asthma symptoms (called asthma attacks) require hospital treatment.

It is important to manage your asthma symptoms and to avoid what triggers them. Your consultant may prescribe medication or an inhaler to help you self treat your asthma. You may also be given an action plan to include information about your medication and what triggers you should avoid.

Related tests and scans

Allergy testing

An allergy is a response or hypersensitivity to a substance that would normally be harmless but it produces a reaction in your body.

Blood test

Waiting for blood tests and results can be an anxious time. If you’ve been referred by a GP for a test and don’t want to worry or wait, Nuffield Health can help. Our national network of fully accredited laboratories delivers fast, reliable results at a competitive price – wherever you are in the UK.

Bronchoscopy

A bronchoscopy is a procedure to look for any problems inside of your airways (bronchi) and lungs using a thin, flexible instrument with a light on the end called a bronchoscope.

Skin Prick Testing

Skin prick allergy testing scratches the skin and a small amount of the allergens are placed on you.

Related treatments and procedures

Homeopathy

Homeopathy, also known as 'complementary medicine/therapy', uses the preparations of substances, often in very small amounts, to trigger the body’s own powers of healing.

Asthma