Hi folks,

Hope you have all made the best of the weather this Easter? Hasn't it been total rubbish?

It's hard to imagine that summer is just around the corner. Dodging puddles of hailstones is bad enough but for those with asthma, now is the time when many people start with a return of their symptoms!

At this time of year, many sufferers are triggered by the early spring pollens. Did you know that the tree pollens start as early as the end of February? 

Do you know how to recognise when your asthma is losing control? No? Then let me remind you.

The common signs that your asthma is poorly controlled are:-

• Waking in the night coughing, wheezing or short of breath
• A falling peak flow reading
• Needing to use your reliever inhaler more than usual and it's effect not lasting as long
• Waking earlier than usual due to coughing, tight chest or wheezing

You are having an asthma attack if:-

• Your reliever inhaler does not relieve your symptoms
• You are too breathless to talk, eat or sleep
• Your symptoms of cough, wheeze, breathlessness or tight chest are out of control

If you are worried about your asthma, don't delay. Contact your G.P. practice and ask for an urgent appointment with your G.P. or asthma nurse. You need to stress that your asthma is out of control, otherwise likely you will be offered a routine appointment, Also, make sure you are aware how to contact your local 'Out of Hours' services. Your practice will be able to advise you.

You can find more information including what asthma actually is, how it affects all age groups, what the common triggers are and how to manage an asthma attack and much more in my book, 'Asthma- the Essential Guide' with Need2Know Books. Click on the top left tab to access my Amazon page.

Most importantly, take care and enjoy the lovely summer weather which we are surely going to get this year! 

Cathx