Interactive

Asthma

Slightly more boys are affected by asthma and it tends to run in families - your child is more likely to be affected if there is a family history of allergic conditions like hay fever and eczema. First signs include night time cough and wheeziness.

Asthma affects about 5% of the population of the UK, although it varies enormously in severity. You are most likely to develop asthma in childhood or in middle age.

According to Government statistics, the number of people in the UK who are currently being treated for asthma is now 5.1 million - one in eight children and one in 13 adults.

Asthma is a chest condition caused by reversible blockage of the airways. It is often caused by allergy. The body reacts to tiny particles it breathes in by telling the muscles of your airways to go into spasm, and by releasing some of the body's defence mechanisms into your lungs. In childhood, boys are slightly more at risk than girls, and children are much more likely to get it if there is a family history of allergic conditions - such as hay fever, rhinitis, eczema or asthma.

If children develop asthma fairly early, they may start off with a cough at night. This is a very common symptom of viral coughs and colds, but in asthma it may go on for weeks, and children will often not cough at all during the day. Otherwise they may get wheezy and breathless, with tightness in the chest, especially when they have a cold or cough. Wheeziness and breathlessness may get worse when children come into contact with pollen, dust, cats or dogs. Pollution can also make asthma worse or bring on an asthma attack, as can stress.

If you are worried that your child may suffer from asthma, talk to your GP.