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Science
CHECK UP
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PROGRAMME INFO
Thursday 15:00-15:30
Check Up is your chance to talk to doctors about the health issues that most concern you and your family. Each week Barbara Myers is joined by a medical expert to take your calls and emails on a particular topic and give you the most up to date advice. No appointment necessary.
Call 0870 010 0444
Contact Check Up
LISTEN AGAINListenÌý30 min
Listen toÌý16ÌýMarch
PRESENTER
BARBARA MYERS
Barbara Myers
PROGRAMME DETAILS
ThursdayÌý16ÌýMarchÌý2006
girl with inhaler

Full programme transcript >>

Asthma

Over 5 million people in the UK have asthma, and one fifth of British children have an inhaler. It has been on the increase for the past 3 decades and while many patients have mild symptoms, it can be life threatening.

Asthma is a condition that affects the airways that carry air in and out of the lungs. When someone is having an attack the muscle around the walls of the airways tightens and the airway narrows and becomes inflamed. The patient then gets short of breath, may have a tight feeling in the chest and coughs or wheezes.

A wide variety of things in the environment can set off asthma attacks, from tobacco smoke to chemicals used in the workplace. However, doctors still do not fully understand what actually causes the origins of the disease.

Some people with chronic asthma are reluctant to take medicines all the time, while others do not actually use their inhalers efficiently. There is growing scientific evidence that breathing exercises and forms of physiotherapy can alleviate the symptoms of asthma.

Barbara Myers' guest in the studio is Dr Chris Griffiths, a GP with a specialist interest in managing the condition.

University of Southampton
Do you have problems with asthma or overbreathing?

Have you ever thought about taking part in research?

Researchers at the School of Health Professions & Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Southampton are looking for people to take part in non-invasive therapeutic type studies. We are currently recruiting:

Anyone with a diagnosis of asthma for more than one year, or with a diagnosis of hyperventilation syndrome (aged 18 - 65 years).

The study is non-invasive (no needles or drugs). You will be asked to answer some questions about your health and then learn some breathing techniques. If you are willing to take part you will be invited to attend the Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility at Southampton General Hospital .

If you are interested in taking part please contact Anne Bruton on 023 8059 5283 or email ab7@soton.ac.uk for further information.

Local Research Ethics Committee number 05/Q1702/44

Contact the Programme
Check Up Ìýis your opportunity to ask an expert about the condition. If you have a question, contact us by calling 0870 010 0444 from 1.30pm - 3.30pm on the day of broadcastÌýor by emailing the programme - see 'Contact Check Up' link above.

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