What is asthma?

Asthma is a common condition, affecting over 20,000 adults and children in Stockport.

Asthma affects the airways in your lungs, the tubes which let air get in and out. When you have asthma, these tubes can become narrowed causing a wheeze, a cough, and shortness of breath.

Asthma often runs in families: along with eczema and hay fever. It is not something you can catch, like a cold, and often you'll develop it when you're young. This may not be the case for everyone.

Exposure to irritants in the environment, at home or at work, may make you more likely to develop asthma. For example; cigarette smoke, chemical fumes and dust.

Find more information about asthma on the NHS website: