Bridge College recognises 'World Asthma Day'

Today is World Asthma Day.

World Asthma Day (WAD) (May 3, 2022) is organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), a World Health Organization collaborative organization founded in 1993. WAD is held each May to raise awareness of Asthma worldwide.

Although asthma cannot be cured, it is possible to manage asthma to reduce and prevent asthma attacks, also called episodes or exacerbations.

Here, the Bridge College Nurse, Sarah Humphreys, tells us what we can do to manage asthma on a daily basis.

Make sure you stick to an asthma plan to manage your symptoms.

• Having a plan in place ensures you know what to do if your asthma symptoms get worse. It's also a great reminder of what to do every day.

Remember to take your preventer inhaler or tablets every day, even if you feel well.

• Continuing to take your inhaler every day will cut the risk of having an attack.

Checking before taking other medicines

• Always check the packet to see if a medicine is suitable for someone with asthma, and ask a pharmacist, doctor or nurse if you're not sure.

Don't smoke

• Stopping smoking can significantly reduce the severity and frequency of the symptoms.

Remember to carry your reliever inhaler with you everywhere.

• If you have it with you, you can take it to relieve any unexpected symptoms quickly.

Exercising regularly

• Exercise should not trigger your symptoms once you're on appropriate treatment; Asthma UK has advice about exercising with asthma

Ensure your using your inhalers correctly.

• If you are using your inhalers correctly you’ll have fewer symptoms. Visit: https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/inhaler-videos/ to watch videos on how to use your inhaler.

Eating healthily

• Most people with asthma can have a normal diet.

Get vaccinated 

• It's a good idea to have the annual flu jab and the one-off pneumococcal vaccination

Don’t forget to attend your asthma review.

• You should be attending an asthma review every year.

If you’d like further support with your asthma visit: https://www.asthma.org.uk/ for more information.