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Asthma in adults Q&AsPublished by Bupa's health information team, December 2008. Answers to questions about asthma in adultsThis section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
What is occupational asthma? Which trades are most at risk?Occupational asthma is an allergic reaction that can occur when you are exposed to certain chemicals and other substances in your workplace. People most at risk include bakers, woodworkers and engineering workers. ExplanationOver 200 industrial materials are known to cause occupational asthma, and it's estimated that between 1,500 and 3,000 people in the UK develop the condition each year. Occupational asthma can occur as a result of exposure to substances such as flour or wood dust found where you work. These substances can make your airways become hypersensitive. With repeated exposure to these substances, you are more likely to have problems with asthma. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the following jobs are at the highest risk of developing occupational asthma.
It can be difficult to know if your job is causing your asthma. Symptoms don't always occur as soon as you have been exposed to the substance, they can occur after work or at night. You may find that your asthma symptoms improve when you have a day off work or are on holiday. If you have asthma symptoms, it's important to see your GP. He or she may refer you to a respiratory physician - a doctor who specialises in treating and identifying conditions of the lungs. The HSE website has tips on what high-risk professions can do to prevent occupational asthma in their workplace (see further information). If you have any questions or concerns about occupational asthma, talk to your GP. Further information
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 Will pregnancy make my asthma symptoms worse? Should I still take my asthma medicines?Being pregnant usually has little or no effect on asthma. You should continue taking your asthma medicines as normal throughout your pregnancy. ExplanationIt's estimated that one in 20 pregnant women are affected by asthma. For most, having asthma has no effect on their pregnancy, giving birth or their baby. However, women with severe asthma may find that their symptoms get worse during pregnancy. If you have severe asthma, it's important to see your GP on a regular basis to make sure your symptoms are well controlled. If there are problems, your GP may refer you to a respiratory physician. A respiratory physician is a doctor who specialises in treating and identifying conditions of the lungs. Poorly controlled asthma symptoms during pregnancy have been linked with a number of complications including low birth weight, premature birth and pre-eclampsia. Also, if you are a smoker, it's important to quit as it will lessen the effect of your asthma treatment and poses long-term health risks to you and your baby. During pregnancy, it's very important to continue taking your asthma medicines as usual. Your GP may wish to monitor you more closely so that your medicine can be adjusted in response to any changes. It may be helpful to talk to your GP before becoming pregnant. If you smoke, he or she can give you advice on quitting. Standard asthma treatments such as bronchodilators (salbutamol, terbutaline, theophylline) and inhaled corticosteroids are safe to take before, during and after your pregnancy (including while breastfeeding). If you have any questions or concerns about asthma and pregnancy, talk to your GP. Further information
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What is exercise-induced asthma?Exercise-induced asthma is when you get symptoms of asthma during or shortly after doing physical exercise. This can happen even if you don't have asthma symptoms at any other time. ExplanationExercise is a common trigger of asthma. It's not clear exactly how it brings on symptoms, but it's thought to be related to breathing in cold, dry air. When you breathe fast (as during exercise), it's more difficult for your nose and upper airways to warm and add moisture to the air coming in. This means that the air going into your airways is colder and drier than usual. Symptoms of exercise-induced asthma can include:
You may find that your symptoms begin with exercise and worsen until about 15 minutes after you have stopped. Also, you may only have symptoms during or after exercise and not at any other time. It's important that you see your GP for diagnosis and treatment if you have asthma symptoms. Treatment is usually with a short-acting relieving inhaler. Or you may be prescribed inhaled steroids or longer-acting beta2 agonists. The short-acting inhalers need to be used 30 minutes before you start exercising. Some forms of exercise may make your symptoms worse than others. Long-distance cross-country running can bring on symptoms because of the cold air and because you are active for a long period of time with no breaks. Team sports, such as netball and football, are less likely to bring on symptoms because they are usually made up of short bursts of activity followed by rest breaks. Swimming is a great exercise for people who have asthma because of the warm, humid air around the pool. Relaxation exercises and yoga can also be helpful in relaxing your body and helping you to focus on your breathing. If you are planning to do any adventure sports, such as scuba-diving, mountaineering or skiing, it's important that you talk to your GP first and make sure you inform the instructor leading the activity. If you already have asthma and are receiving treatment, but you are still getting asthma symptoms when exercising, it's important that you see your GP. This is usually a sign that your asthma is not being properly controlled. If you have any questions or concerns about exercise-induced asthma, talk to your GP. Further information
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Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional. Publication date: December 2008
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