5 - 11 October 1998

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a respiratory disease that causes problems with breathing. Attacks can be triggered by respiratory infections, emotional upsets or allergic reactions but the frequency and severity of symptoms varies from one person to another. It is an increasingly common problem among young people but many children with asthma stop having attacks as they get older.

The condition is controlled through the use of prescribed drugs that are taken through an inhaler. Additional medication might be needed if an attack is particularly severe.

The National Asthma Campaign

The National Asthma Campaign, formed in 1990 from the merger of three charities, concentrates on all aspects of asthma and related allergies. Its main aims are to:

• raise public awareness about asthma
• fund appropriate research
• provide information, advice and support to patients, their families, their friends, health professionals and the public

Every October the Campaign uses National Asthma Week to focus attention on a particular aspect of asthma. The week helps to promote national awareness of the condition and raise funds for vital research into asthma and related allergies. A range of publications focus on the needs of different age groups.

Publications

Xhale
This magazine is written for young people with asthma. It's packed with information about asthma and how to control it. There are celebrity interviews, features on smoking and exercise, careers tips, 'real-life' stories and a problem page - all the questions young people want to know about asthma answered in a lively, accessible format.

Coping with asthma: Special issue for over 16s
A guide for older teenagers who want to find out about asthma but don't know who to ask. This factsheet includes information about how to get the most out of health care, how asthma relates to work and careers, leaving home for the first time, smoking, pubs and clubs, relationships and sex.

Caring for young people with asthma: A guide for parents
This factsheet is especially for parents of young people with asthma. It highlights problems that young people may be facing and outlines coping strategies for both parents and young people.

Caring for young people with asthma: A guide for health professionals
A useful guide for any health professional dealing with teenagers. The factsheet discusses the results of a recent survey that revealed how teenagers feel about their asthma. It also tackles key questions about asthma in teenagers and offers strategies for effective care.

For information about the National Asthma Campaign and the National Asthma Week contact:

National Asthma Campaign
Head Office
Providence House
Providence Place
London N1 0NT

Tel: 0171 226 2260
Fax: 0171 704 0740

National Asthma Campaign Scotland
21 Coates Crescent
Edinburgh EH3 7AF

Tel: 0131 226 2544
Fax: 0131 226 2401

The National Asthma Campaign's Asthma Helpline
Tel: 0345 01 02 03