WHAT MIGHT TRIGGER ACUTE ASTHMA ATTACKS?
• Exertion. • Cold. • Smoke. • Air pollution including exposure to certain chemicals. An example is Isocynates, which are used in some painting and plastics industries. • Airway infection. • Allergies, for example pollens, house dust mites, domestic animals (especially cats), aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen. What does asthma feel like? • It is difficult to breathe and there is shortness of breath. • Wheezing when breathing out. • Coughing, especially at night and with a little mucus. What are the warning signals of worsening attacks? • Inhaled medicines appear less effective than usual. • Symptoms of cough or wheeze on exertion. • Night-time wakening with wheeze or cough. • Fall in the peak flow meter reading (a peak flow meter is a simple device that measures the maximum speed at which a person can breathe out). When it appears that your asthma is becoming less well controlled, you should consult your doctor for advice on what to do. What a
