Asthma is a common condition that affects the airways. It causes the airways to become inflamed and tightened, which leads to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and breathlessness.^1,2

This can happen randomly or in response to a trigger, such as an allergen, pollution or exercise.³

For many people with asthma, the symptoms can be controlled with treatment prescribed by their GP. However, some people have severe asthma, which means their symptoms are not controlled even with high doses of standard medicines. Severe asthma can be serious and sometimes life-threatening.^3,4

It’s important that people with severe asthma are referred to an asthma specialist for further investigation and consideration of other treatments.⁵

More information about asthma can be found on the Asthma UK site: https://www.asthma.org.uk/ (this link will take you to a non-Novartis website).

References

1. British Lung Foundation. What is asthma? Available at: https://www.blf.org.uk/support-for-you/asthma/what-is-asthma [Accessed April 2020].
2. Asthma UK. What is asthma? Available at: https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/understanding-asthma/what-is-asthma/ [Accessed April 2020].
3. NHS. Asthma. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/asthma/ [Accessed April 2020].
4. Asthma UK. What is severe asthma? Available at: https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/severe-asthma/what-is-severe-asthma/ [Accessed April 2020].
5. Asthma UK. Asthma care in a specialist centre. Available at: https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/nhs-care/specialist-asthma-care/asthma-care-specialist-centre/ [Accessed April 2020].