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DatePublicationInformationTitlePage numberArticle size7 May 2011Daily EchoLetter to editors regarding theexcellent treatment a patienthad at RBH and other hospitals inDorset.Publish more on the excellent NHS19Eighth of a pageAsthma awarenessAsthma is a common disease that affects about5.4 million people in the UK. It often starts inchildhood, but it can occur for the first time at anyage - even in people in their 70s and 80s. It isestimated that there is a person with asthma livingin one in five households in Britain.When a person with asthma comes into contactwith something that irritates their airways (anasthma trigger), the muscles around the walls ofthe airways tighten. The airways become narrowerand the lining of the airways becomes inflamedand starts to swell. All these reactions make itdifficult for people to breath, leading to symptomsof asthma.Although the specific cause of asthma is unknown,there are many factors that contribute. It canbe sometimes difficult to avoid all your triggersbut once you have identified them, there areprecautions you can take to better control yourasthma.Remember, asthma cannot be cured but it can becontrolled so that attacks can be prevented. Mostpeople with asthma who take regular treatmentsuch as inhalers have entirely normally liveswithout loosing time from school or work, and enjoyfull involvement in sport and other recreations.Too many people with asthma spend time inhospital when they shouldn’t have to. If yourasthma is under control, you’re more likely to havea better quality of life and be more able to do thethings you want to.As well as taking your regular asthma medication,there are simple lifestyle and self-help measuresthat you can take to reduce your symptoms andyour risk of having an asthma attack. Theseinclude:• Avoiding your asthma triggers e.g. pet hair,pollens, or perfumes.• Stop smoking and stay in a smoke-freeenvironment.• Get appropriate regular exercise.• Taking care in the cold weather.• Eating healthy.For more information, advice and support onasthma, please visit www.asthma.org.uk/.May 2011 l 3DatePublicationInformationTitle11 May 2011Daily EchoMedical column.Asthma awarenessMake your nominationRemember, you can now nominate a member ofstaff from the Royal Bournemouth or ChristchurchHospitals for an Unsung Hero award - a rewardthat recognises those who go the extra mile inputting patients first.The deadline for entries is 12.00pm,27th May. For further details on theaward criteria and how to makea nomination please visitwww.rbch.nhs.uk or contact theCommunications Department on01202 704905.Dr Mary Armitage, Medical Director.medical@rbch.nhs.uk