Asthma is a condition that affects the airways- the small tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. In asthma, the airways become over-sensitive; meaning that they react to things that wouldn’t usually cause a problem, such as cold air or dust. When the airways react to a substance, the muscles of the tube walls tighten up, making them narrow and leaving little room for air to flow in and out. The lining of the airways can also get swollen. A sticky mucus is produced which clogs up the breathing passages.
With so little space in the airways, it becomes difficult for air to move in and out and the chest has to work much harder to breathe. The muscles around the airways become tightened quickly; this is the most common cause of mild asthma symptoms.
The tightness can be relieved quickly with a reliever inhaler (usually blue). Gaining control over the swelling and mucus happens more slowly and can need a different treatment. Treatment or management is usually a preventer inhaler. This preventer inhaler is taken daily to allow the effect to build up over time.
The majority of people with asthma are prescribed a daily preventer inhaler to protect against an asthma attack and a reliever inhaler to use when symptoms occur. It is extremely important that preventer medication is taken regularly, as prescribed and even when asthma symptoms are not present.