Asthma is a common condition that causes coughing, wheezing, tightness of the chest and breathlessness. Most people with asthma who take the appropriate treatment can live normal lives, but left untreated, asthma can cause permanent damage to the airways
Living with Asthma : Asthma UK https://www.asthma.org.uk/
Asthma
An excellent resource with useful video, audio, images and references relating to asthma.
NHS – Asthma
Further information about symptoms, treatment, causes and prevention of Asthma.
Symptoms of asthma
The usual symptoms of asthma are
- coughing
- wheezing
- shortness of breath
- tightness in the chest.
Not everyone will get all of these symptoms. Some people experience them from time to time; a few people may experience these symptoms all the time.
Treatment of asthma
There isn’t a cure for asthma. However, treatments are available to help manage your symptoms. Your treatment plan will be individual to you, combining medicines and asthma management in a way that works best for you
Living with asthma
Medicines are only part of your treatment for asthma. You will also need to deal with the things that make it worse. Keep a diary to record anything that triggers your asthma – this can help you to discover a pattern. Using a peak flow meter to monitor your lung function can also help. If you have repeatedly low readings in a certain situation (for example, at the end of a working day, after exercise or after contact with an animal) this may indicate the trigger.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
LIVING WITH COPD – https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Leaflet | COPD | Patient
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a collection of lung diseases including chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic obstructive airways disease. The main symptom of COPD is an inability to breathe in and out properly. This is also referred to as airflow obstruction.
What is COPD?
Useful Links
NHS
Guide to the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and risks of COPD from the NHS
COPD Factsheet
This factsheet is for people who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or who would like information about it.
British Lung Foundation
Information and guidance on living with COPD
