ABSTRACT
Asthma is a non-communicable long-term condition affecting the lungs. Inhaled substances and particles can irritate the airways or trigger an allergic reaction, which results in inflammation. The resulting inflammation causes the airways in the lungs to become narrowed, leading to symptoms of breathlessness, chest tightness, cough and wheeze (Asthma UK, 2014). According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) some 235 million people suffer from asthma globally, yet they believe it remains under-diagnosed and under-treated (WHO, 2013). The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, 2013) state that asthma is the most common longterm condition in the UK, with 5.4 million people currently receiving treatment, of which 1.1 million
are children. The causes of asthma are not well understood and with the exception of some cases of occupational asthma, a cure is not usually possible. Therefore, the management goal for people with asthma is symptom control to allow them to lead a normal active life (NICE, 2013).
