Asthma

Asthma can usually be diagnosed from your symptoms and some simple tests.

A GP will probably be able to diagnose it, but they may refer you to a specialist if they're not sure.

Seeing a GP

The GP may ask:

what symptoms you have

when they happen and how often

if anything seems to trigger them

if you have conditions such as eczema or allergies, or a family history of them

They may suggest doing some tests to confirm if you have asthma.

These cannot always be done easily in young children, so your child may be given an asthma inhaler to see if it helps relieve their symptoms until they're old enough to have the tests.

Tests for asthma

The main tests used to help diagnose asthma are:

FeNO test – you breathe into a machine that measures the level of nitric oxide in your breath, which is a sign of inflammation in your lungs

spirometry – you blow into a machine that measures how fast you can breathe out and how much air you can hold in your lungs

peak flow test – you blow into a handheld device that measures how fast you can breathe out, and this may be done several times over a few weeks to see if it changes over time

After you're diagnosed with asthma, you may also have a chest X-ray or allergy tests to see if your symptoms might be triggered by an allergy.

There's currently no cure for asthma, but treatment can help control the symptoms so you're able to live a normal, active life.

Inhalers, which are devices that let you breathe in medicine, are the main treatment. Tablets and other treatments may also be needed if your asthma is severe.

You'll usually create a personal action plan with a doctor or asthma nurse.

This includes information about your medicines, how to monitor your condition and what to do if you have an asthma attack.

Get an asthma action plan on Asthma 

Inhalers

Inhalers can help:

relieve symptoms when they occur (reliever inhalers)

stop symptoms developing (preventer inhalers)

Some people need an inhaler that does both (combination inhalers).

Read on to learn more about the different types of inhaler.

Reliever inhalers

Most people with asthma will be given a reliever inhaler. These are usually blue.

You use a reliever inhaler to treat your symptoms when they occur. They should relieve your symptoms within a few minutes.

Tell a GP or asthma nurse if you have to use your reliever inhaler 3 or more times a week. They may suggest additional treatment, such as a preventer inhaler.

Reliever inhalers have few side effects, but they can sometimes cause shaking or a fast heartbeat for a few minutes after they're used.

Preventer inhalers

If you need to use a reliever inhaler often, you may also need a preventer inhaler.

You use a preventer inhaler every day to reduce the inflammation and sensitivity of your airways, which stops your symptoms occurring. It's important to use it even when you do not have symptoms.

Speak to a GP or asthma nurse if you continue to have symptoms while using a preventer inhaler.

Preventer inhalers contain steroid medicine.

They do not usually have side effects, but can sometimes cause:

a fungal infection of the mouth or throat (oral thrush)

a hoarse voice

a sore throat

You can help prevent these side effects by using a spacer, which is a hollow plastic tube you attach to your inhaler, as well as by rinsing your mouth after using your inhaler.

Asthma : preventer inhalers

Combination inhalers

If using reliever and preventer inhalers does not control your asthma, you may need an inhaler that combines both.

Combination inhalers are used every day to help stop symptoms occurring and provide long-lasting relief if they do occur.

It's important to use it regularly, even if you do not have symptoms.

Side effects of combination inhalers are similar to those of reliever and preventer inhalers.

Asthma : combination inhalers

Tablets

You may also need to take tablets if using an inhaler alone is not helping control your symptoms.

Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs)

LTRAs are the main tablets used for asthma. They also come in syrup and powder form.

You take them every day to help stop your symptoms occurring.

Possible side effects include tummy aches and headaches.

Asthma : LTRAs

Theophylline

Theophylline may also be recommended if other treatments are not helping to control your symptoms.

It's taken every day to stop your symptoms occurring.

Possible side effects include headaches and feeling sick.

Asthma : theophylline

Steroid tablets

Steroid tablets may be recommended if other treatments are not helping to control your symptoms.

They can be taken either:

as an immediate treatment when you have an asthma attack

every day as a long-term treatment to prevent symptoms – this is usually only necessary if you have very severe asthma and inhalers do not control your symptoms

Long-term or frequent use of steroid tablets can occasionally cause side effects such as:

increased appetite, leading to weight gain

easy bruising

mood changes

fragile bones (osteoporosis)

high blood pressure

You'll be monitored regularly while taking steroid tablets to check for signs of any problems.

Asthma : steroid tablets

Other treatments

Other treatments, such as injections or surgery, are rarely needed, but may be recommended if all other treatments are not helping.

Injections

For some people with severe asthma, injections given every few weeks can help control the symptoms.

The main injections for asthma are:

benralizumab (Fasenra)

omalizumab (Xolair)

mepolizumab (Nucala)

reslizumab (Cinqaero)

These medicines are known as biologic therapies. They are not suitable for everyone with asthma and can only be prescribed by an asthma specialist.

The main side effect is discomfort where the injection is given.

Asthma : biologic therapies for severe asthma

Surgery

A procedure called bronchial thermoplasty may be offered as a treatment for severe asthma. It works well and there are no serious concerns about its safety.

You will be sedated or put to sleep using a general anaesthetic during a bronchial thermoplasty.

It involves passing a thin, flexible tube down your throat and into your lungs. Heat is then used on the muscles around the airways to help stop them narrowing and causing asthma symptoms.