Asthma (adults)

Introduction Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways. Approximately, 12% of the UK population have a diagnosis of asthma and 5.4 million are receiving treatment for the condition. Clinically it presents with classical features including cough, wheeze, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. It can present acutely as an ‘exacerbation of asthma’, which may be life-threatening. It is characterised by: Reversible airflow limitation Airway hyperresponsiveness Inflammation of the bronchi Over the last decade, the approach to the diagnosis and management of asthma has been changing rapidly. There are currently two broad guidelines for the management of asthma