Health advice

If you have asthma, or you’re a parent of a child with asthma, you’re in the right place for expert advice.

Find the answers you need

Whether you’ve just been diagnosed with asthma, you’ve just had an asthma attack, you want to support someone who has the condition, or even if you’re not sure if you have asthma or not – you can find answers here.

All our information uses the latest scientific evidence and is supported by our clinical experts, as well as by the views of people with asthma.

Asthma attacks

If you’re having an asthma attack, or someone you know is having an asthma attack, make sure you know what to do by following the latest emergency advice.

Diagnosing asthma

If you think you might have asthma, find out how asthma is diagnosed here. There’s also lots of useful information about the tests that might be used to confirm a diagnosis.

Asthma and your child

If you’re a parent of a child with asthma, here’s the information you need to keep them safe and well. Plus tips on easing your worries and enjoying family life.

Understanding asthma

Find out the basics about asthma – what it is, what the signs and symptoms are, what causes it, and the different types of asthma you can have, as well as how people can feel about their asthma.

Inhalers, medicines and treatments for asthma

There are now lots of effective medicines to help prevent and relieve the symptoms of asthma and cut the risk of asthma attacks. Find out about a wide range of common asthma medicines and specialist treatments, as well as medicines and treatments for hay fever and treatments to help you stop smoking.

Manage your asthma

There are lots of things you can do to improve your chances of staying well with asthma. Discover the tried and trusted ways to manage asthma, including specific information for older people, young people and women. You can also find out more about your asthma risk.

Living with asthma

Asthma doesn't have to hold you back – whatever you’re doing in life, whether it’s working, exercising or going on holiday, find out more about how you can live well with asthma.

Asthma triggers

If you have asthma, there are probably certain things that set off your symptoms, such as dust, pets, pollution, pollen or stress. We help you work out what your triggers are and how you can avoid and manage them so you’re more likely to stay well with asthma.

Severe asthma

One in 20 people with asthma has severe asthma. They have symptoms that are much harder to control because they don't improve with the usual asthma medicines even when they’re taken as prescribed.

If you have, or think you might have, severe asthma, these pages are packed with information about getting the right diagnosis and treatment. There are also lots of ideas and tips about managing it better so that life is easier.

Resources

Our resources are designed to help you manage your asthma well. You can download or order our Information Standard accredited leaflets and packs – they’re developed using up-to-date evidence, and informed and reviewed by people with asthma and healthcare professionals.

You can also call our Helpline on 0300 222 5800 (Monday-Friday; 9am-5pm) to speak to an asthma nurse specialist.

Your stories

Do you ever wonder how other people cope with asthma? In this section you’ll find first-person accounts packed with lots of helpful tips and insights from people with asthma and parents of children with asthma.

Asthma care in the NHS

Anyone with asthma can get support from a wide range of healthcare professionals to help them stay well with the condition. These pages are your guide to getting the best from the NHS.

Last updated October 2016

Next review due October 2019