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.

Get support

Call or email our helpline for support with any aspect of living with asthma – whether you need practical advice, emotional support, or answers to health-related questions. You can also find support through our groups.

You may also like

Smiling blonde woman outdoors in a colorful blouse
Your stories

Stress caused my father to have a fatal asthma attack at 54. I was scared the same thing would happen to me.

Anita has first-hand experience of the impact stress can have on asthma, as her dad collapsed and died from a stress-induced asthma attack when she was a teenager. Anita, 49, who has asthma herself, changed her life to stop history repeating itself.
A woman with long dark hair is wearing blue jeans, black converse and a beige cardigan is sat in a hospital chair next to a hospital bed with an oxygen mask.
Your stories

It’s invalidating when people tell me I don’t look ill

Sonia is a paediatric nurse but recently moved to a non-clinical nursing role within the NHS to help better manage her lung conditions. She shares how her diagnosis of bronchiectasis and Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) changed her life.
An image of Paige wearing a hospital gown and a surgical mask
Your stories

I was hospitalised over 40 times in one year as my asthma was not well controlled

Paige was diagnosed with asthma when she was 8. Her asthma was well controlled and would flare up when she overexerted herself playing sports. This changed when she was around 24. Here she tells us about it.