Can asthma go away?
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects millions of people worldwide. For those living with asthma, the struggle to breathe can be a daily battle, causing a wide range of symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. While there is no cure for asthma, it can be managed and treated effectively through medication and lifestyle changes. However, many people wonder if it's possible for asthma to go away permanently. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the question, “Can asthma go away?" We'll explore the various treatment options available, how asthma can be beaten, and whether it's possible to achieve a permanent cure. We'll also discuss the age at which asthma is most likely to go away and provide insights to help those living with asthma to better manage their condition.
Key Takeaways
Asthma in the UK:
Asthma affects 5.4 million people in the UK, which is around 8% of the population.
Managing Asthma:
While asthma can't be cured, it can be effectively managed through a combination of medication, avoiding triggers, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Inhalers are a key component of treatment.
Symptoms and Treatment:
Asthma causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. It's important to follow a treatment plan and monitor symptoms to ensure they are under control over the long term.
Google Web Story: Can Asthma Go Away?
UK Meds have put together a Google Web Story to answer the common question that our asthma patients ask: "can asthma go away?". You can view below:
How many people in the UK suffer from asthma?
Asthma affects people all over the world. In the United Kingdom, it is believed that there are 5.4 million people that suffer from asthma (Asthma and Lung UK, 2024). This is around 8 in every 100 people in the population.
What happens to your lungs when you have asthma?
When you have asthma, your airways become inflamed, narrow, and produce excess mucus. This makes it harder for air to flow in and out of your lungs, leading to breathing difficulties and other symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness (Mayo Clinic, 2023). During an asthma attack, the muscles around the airways can also tighten, further constricting the air passages and making it even more difficult to breathe. In severe cases, an asthma attack can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
How do you beat asthma?
While asthma is a chronic condition that cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed with the right treatment. Here are some of the best ways you can ‘beat’ asthma:
Work with a healthcare professional to find a treatment plan that works for you
Identify and avoid your triggers
Take your prescribed medication as you have been advised to
Monitor your symptoms to identify if your treatment is working right for you
Ensure you are maintaining a healthy lifestyle that promotes full-body health
Can asthma go away permanently?
There is no known cure for asthma, and it is a chronic condition that can last a lifetime. However, asthma symptoms can be effectively managed with the right treatment plan, allowing individuals with asthma to live full and active lives (NHS, 2021).
Can asthma go away naturally?
While it is possible for some people to experience a reduction in asthma symptoms over time, it is unlikely for asthma to completely go away on its own without any medical intervention. Some people may experience a decrease in asthma symptoms or even have their asthma go into remission. This is more likely to occur in children as their lungs are still developing and growing, and their asthma may improve as they get older.
Can asthma go away for children as they get older?
No, unfortunately, Asthma is a lifelong disease with no cure. As a child grows older, their asthma symptoms may improve and seem to "go away." However, airway inflammation may persist and often returns later in life.
Can asthma go away with exercise?
While exercise-induced asthma is a common type of asthma triggered by physical activity, regular exercise can actually help improve overall lung function and reduce asthma symptoms in many people as found in a 2022 study by The University of Edinburgh. Exercise can strengthen the muscles used for breathing, improve cardiovascular fitness, and reduce inflammation in the airways, all of which can help improve asthma control and symptoms.
How likely is it for asthma symptoms to return after they go away?
It's possible for asthma symptoms to return even after a period of remission or improvement. While some people may experience a decrease in asthma symptoms or even have their asthma go into remission, this does not mean that the condition has been permanently cured.
What age does asthma go away?
Asthma is a chronic condition that can last a lifetime, and there is no specific age at which it goes away permanently. It is thought that half of the children with asthma will have fewer asthma symptoms by the time they reach their teenage years. By the time they reach adulthood, approximately two-thirds of individuals with childhood-onset asthma will have fewer symptoms or no longer have asthma at all.
Can you live a long life with asthma?
Yes, with proper management and treatment, most people with asthma can live a long and healthy life (NHS, 2021). While asthma can be a serious condition, most people with asthma are able to live full and active lives with proper management and treatment.
How long does asthma last for?
The duration and severity of asthma can vary widely between individuals, and it can also change over time. For some people, asthma symptoms may be mild and infrequent, and they may be able to go for long periods of time without experiencing any significant symptoms. For others, asthma symptoms may be more severe and persistent, and they may require ongoing management and treatment to control their symptoms and prevent complications.
Does asthma get worse with age?
Asthma can potentially worsen with age, but this is not always the case. Asthma symptoms can vary greatly between individuals and can also change over time, depending on a variety of factors including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental exposures. Some individuals may experience a decrease in asthma symptoms as they get older, while others may find that their symptoms become more severe. In some cases, asthma symptoms may remain stable throughout life. Asthma in older people can be more serious as it can lead to respiratory failure (NHS Sutton Health & Care, 2023).
Does the age that you develop asthma affect how likely it is to go away?
Yes, the age at which asthma develops can affect the likelihood of the condition going away. Asthma that develops in childhood may be more likely to improve or even go away over time, while asthma that develops in adulthood may be more likely to persist.
How can I prevent asthma symptoms from returning?
Preventing asthma symptoms from returning can be achieved through a combination of lifestyle modifications and medical treatment. It is important that you follow an appropriate training plan and you should ensure you avoid potential triggers.
Can continuing to take prescribed asthma medications help to prevent asthma from returning?
Yes, continuing to take prescribed asthma medications can help to prevent asthma symptoms from returning. It's important to continue taking prescribed medications even when asthma symptoms are well-controlled or have gone away completely, as stopping the medication abruptly can increase the risk of symptoms returning.
Can avoiding asthma triggers help to prevent asthma from returning?
Avoiding asthma triggers can help to prevent asthma symptoms from returning (Allergy UK, 2024). Asthma triggers can vary from person to person, but common triggers include allergens (such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander), irritants (such as smoke and air pollution), exercise, stress, and respiratory infections.
Can quitting smoking help asthma go away?
Quitting smoking can help improve asthma symptoms and reduce the risk of asthma attacks, but it is unlikely to make asthma go away completely. Quitting smoking can lead to positive lung function changes in just a number of weeks following quitting the habit (European Respiratory Journal, 2013). Cigarette smoke contains many irritants and harmful chemicals that can cause inflammation in the airways and trigger asthma symptoms. Even secondhand smoke can be a trigger for asthma symptoms in some people.
Can immunotherapy help allergic asthma to go away?
Immunotherapy, also known as allergy injections, can be an effective treatment for allergic asthma by helping to reduce sensitivity to allergens and reducing the frequency and severity of asthma symptoms (NHLBI, 2020). However, it is unlikely to make asthma go away completely.
How do you beat asthma without an inhaler?
It is important to note that inhalers are a key component of asthma treatment and can be life-saving in the event of an asthma attack. However, there are some steps you can take to help manage asthma symptoms without relying solely on an inhaler:
Identify and avoid your triggers
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Use breathing techniques
Does the severity of asthma affect how likely it is to go away?
The severity of asthma can affect the likelihood of it going away completely. In general, people with milder forms of asthma are more likely to experience periods of remission or have their asthma go away entirely, while those with more severe asthma may be less likely to have their symptoms completely resolved.
This video outlines the differences between uncontrolled asthma and severe asthma:
What are the signs that my asthma is in remission?
Asthma remission means that you are experiencing minimal or no symptoms, and your lung function is normal without the need for regular medication. The signs that your asthma may be in remission include:
You experience no asthma symptoms
You have normal lung function
You very rarely have to use an inhaler
How do I know if my asthma is under control?
Some other signs that you may have got your asthma under control include:
You have normal activity levels
You are getting good sleep
You rarely have to use your medications
This short video provides an overview of the signs to check that you have control of your asthma:
Which inhalers are effective treatments for asthma?
A number of different inhalers can be effective for treating asthma. The most popular inhalers for asthma treatment include Ventolin, Salamol and Clenlil Modulite.
Other alternatives to these medications include Fostair Inhalers and Luforbec Inhalers.
Which asthma inhalers are available at UK Meds?
As mentioned, the most popular asthma inhalers include Ventolin, Salamol and Clenlil Modulite. All of these inhalers can be purchased online from UK Meds. You can also browse a wide variety of different asthma treatments at UK Meds to find the perfect one for you. You can also purchase the inhalers you need on a subscription basis which can ensure you never have to worry about having enough.
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC reference no: 7151419
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