How do you feel about your asthma?

Whether you’re unhappy about having a long-term condition, scared of asthma attacks, or fed up with people not taking your asthma seriously, get support and advice to help you feel more positive.

It’s not unusual for people to feel down about getting a diagnosis of a long-term condition like asthma. But if you notice you’re feeling down and anxious a lot, find out where you can get some extra help and support.

You can also read about support for your emotional health when you have severe asthma.

Being told you have a long-term condition like asthma can take some getting used to.

But asthma doesn’t need to take over. The good news is most people only need a preventer inhaler to take every day, and a reliever inhaler for if symptoms flare up.

And if you manage your asthma well, you could even be symptom free.

If you’ve been diagnosed with severe asthma, find out more about severe asthma treatments.

Asthma can sometimes get worse over time, particularly if you have frequent asthma attacks. But if you’re managing your asthma well and having regular asthma reviews, it’s less likely to be a problem.

Most people can be symptom-free with good treatment and a self-management plan.
And there are lifestyle changes you can make which will also lower your risk of your asthma getting worse, like quitting smoking, keeping a healthy weight, and staying active.

Asthma can sometimes get worse over time, particularly if you have frequent asthma attacks. But if you’re managing your asthma well and having regular asthma reviews, it’s less likely to be a problem.

Most people can be symptom-free with good treatment and a self-management plan.
And there are lifestyle changes you can make which will also lower your risk of your asthma getting worse, like quitting smoking, keeping a healthy weight, and staying active.

Having an asthma attack can be a very scary experience. Often people think an attack is going to come out of the blue, but mostly there are signs to look out for so you can do something before symptoms build up.

A symptoms calendar can help you keep an eye on things, and your written asthma action plan helps you know what to do if you’re symptoms are getting worse.

Being told you have asthma doesn’t have to mean you will definitely have an asthma attack. There are lots of ways you can manage your asthma to cut your risk.

If you do have an attack, a reliever inhaler (and spacer) can deal with symptoms quickly. Always carry your reliever inhaler (usually blue) with you.

Get clear step-by-step asthma attack advice.

We know people often feel frustrated with people not taking their asthma seriously, whether this is employers, colleagues, teachers at your child’s school, or even healthcare professionals.

Perhaps they don’t understand your triggers or think you’re exaggerating how things like dust, cigarette smoke, or perfume affect you.

Although asthma is a common condition, it can be serious, and an asthma attack should be considered as a medical emergency – it can be life-threatening.

Over the years I have come across many people who downplay the seriousness of having asthma. What’s helped me is showing friends and colleagues my asthma action plan, and how to help me use my inhaler if I have an asthma attack. This not only helps me explain my asthma and how serious it can be, but also gives me peace of mind that they know what to do if I need help. Ersin, volunteer