Asthma is one of the most common medical conditions. Across the world, an estimated 300 million people are living with asthma.

It is very common in childhood with around 1 in 7 children suffering from it. Many people have chronic asthma throughout their lives with chronic cough, wheeze and shortness of breath.

Acute episodes can be milder, moderate or severe. A mild episode can very quickly change to become severe or life threatening and the risk of life threatening asthma in a casualty who has previously been admitted to hospital with an severe episode is significant.

Acute asthma attacks are commonly caused by two types of trigger factors; they can be allergenic or non-allergenic. Sometimes, there is no identifiable trigger.

Allergenic asthma triggers

• Pollens
• Spores and moulds
• House dust mites
• Animal fur or wool
• Chemicals such as glues and solvent pens
• Food (especially food ‘dust’)

Non allergenic asthma triggers

• Exercise
• Colds and other viral infections
• Temperature (changes in temperature can cause significant attacks)
• Cold air
• Cigarette smoke
• Stress