I really underestimated how bad my asthma was until I was hospitalised

Beth is a primary school teacher, who lived in Hong Kong but has recently moved back to UK. Here she shares how she was hospitalised after an asthma attack and how it impacted her life.

Beth, Asthma + Lung UK supporter
Published 29th January 2026

I had a cold and wasn’t feeling very well so I took two days off work. I was still struggling with my breathing and continued to take my inhalers.

I didn't prioritise my health

Instead of prioritising my health I decided to go back to work. I was transparent with the children that I teach that my asthma was affecting me. Later on, my head teacher and deputy head teacher came into the staff room, saw me and immediately sent me home.

It was a wake up call for me

I made an appointment with my GP, who after listening to my chest, told me that I needed to be seen at hospital right away. When I was admitted, the doctor said that I was having an acute asthma attack. I was in hospital for six days and then returned home.

It really was a wake up call for me as I really struggled with the fatigue. Especially when trying to get back to work and being active again. I was really grateful that my work colleagues were being so supportive as I had a phased return which really helped.

It make me realise how serious asthma can be

It really was the realisation that I needed to take my asthma seriously. Always go for your asthma review and follow up with your GP if you are hospitalised. I always used to say “it’s just asthma” but the reality is that it needs to be taken seriously.

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