Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
Asthma
A common respiratory condition that affects both adults and children, causing breathing difficulties sometimes exasperated by external sources. The airways narrow and swell and produce extra mucus.
What is asthma?
People with asthma (asthmatics) have sensitive, inflamed airways which become irritated by certain triggers. When this happens, the muscles around the airways constrict and the lining of the airways swell, making it hard to breathe. Asthma affects people of all ages and is often a hereditary condition.
Need to know
Symptoms of asthma range from mild to severe and include:
- wheezing or whistling sound
- coughing
- shortness of breath
- tight chest
- trouble sleeping
When these symptoms are acute, you may be having an asthma attack, so it is essential to call 999.
Asthma can be caused by allergies, such as pollen, pet hair and dust mites. Often, asthma triggers vary from person-to-person and it may take a combination of triggers to cause asthma or set off an attack.
Illness affecting the lungs such as a cold or flu can also trigger asthma.
Exercise or exertion may also cause a flare-up. Asthmatics may need to take their reliever inhalers more frequently during this time
Your consultant will discuss your symptoms with you and help to make a diagnosis. They may order pulmonary (lung) function tests to see how much air is moving in and out of your lungs as you breathe. These tests may include:
- Spirometry: this helps calculate whether your bronchial tubes have narrowed by measuring how much air you can breathe out after a deep breath.
- Peak flow: measures how fast you can breathe out after a deep breath. A low reading may suggest that your symptoms are getting worse and that your lungs aren't functioning properly.
Your consultant may also suggest imaging to ensure your lungs aren't blocked.
Controlling your asthma with medication is the best way to prevent attacks. Your consultant will help you find which triggers affect your breathing and how best to avoid them. This is called an asthma action plan. You may need to take preventative inhalers every day to manage your symptoms. Flare-ups can be controlled through quick-relief inhalers. Allergy shots or antihistamine medication can help reduce your sensitivity to triggers and reduce the likelihood of an attack. Bronchial thermoplasty may be an option for people with severe asthma.
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.