If you’re one of 5.4 million Brits struggling to live with asthma, breathe easy and check you haven’t been misdiagnosed

CURRENTLY, there are 5.4million Brits living with asthma. And, according to Asthma UK, the nation’s asthmatics are getting a raw deal.

Apparently, some of them are not receiving the treatment or checks they need.

Worse still, the charity also pointed out that red wine, beer and cider can trigger attacks. Which means they can’t even drown their sorrows.

So if you’re one of the wheezy millions, it may be time to ask yourself a few key questions.

And the most basic is: “Have I really got asthma?”

It’s not as easy to diagnose as you might think — there isn’t really an accurate test for it.

Certainly, some children are misdiagnosed. For example, quite a few suffer what’s known in the trade as “episodic viral wheeze”.

In other words, they get wheezy with coughs and colds, but are fine in between.

It’s easily confused with asthma, but most kids grow out of it by school age.

The diagnosis isn’t always accurate in adults, either. Some “asthmatics” are actually suffering anxiety with hyperventilation, or COPD — lung damage usually caused by smoking — which can create similar problems.

Clues are that your symptoms might not quite fit, or your puffers don’t seem to work, in which case speak to your doc.

Let’s assume it really is asthma, though. Next question? Simple: are you taking your inhalers properly?

They’re usually described as either relievers or preventers. Relievers you use when you need to.

Preventers you have to take regularly, usually morning and night.

Except you don’t, do you, not if you’re like lots of asthmatics? You take them when you remember to.

Trouble is, that means they won’t work properly. Nor will they help much if most of the spray is going into the ozone layer rather than your lungs.

Check your “inhaler technique” by watching yourself in the mirror. If you see spray escaping out of your mouth, it’s not going where it ought to.

Check the puffer info leaflet or speak to your practice nurse to get your technique up to speed.

A “spacer” — a prescribable plastic gizmo which attaches to your inhaler — can make it easier to get the spray into your lungs.

What else? How about, can you do more to help yourself?

Of course you can. Bin the fags, for a start, because they’re obviously going to make your asthma worse.

Shed some fat if you’re lardy — the less weight you’re carrying, the less breathless you’ll be. And get fitter, because your lungs, and therefore your breathing, will thank you for it.

Still feel your asthma’s not under control, despite the above?

The giveaways are that you wake wheezy at night, your breathing stops you exercising or you need to reach for your reliever repeatedly each day.

In which case, it’s time to ask another question — this time to your GP. Specifically, do you need to up your treatment?

Your doc may prescribe different inhalers or asthma pills to restore your breathing.

While you’re there, ask yourself if you know what to do in a bad attack. You might need a written action plan to follow if your wheeziness suddenly gets worse.

And that might include having an emergency pack of steroid tablets to start ASAP when the going gets really tough. Again, your GP should oblige.

That’s probably enough for one column. All good questions, of course. But you might want to pause for some breath. And a puff of your reliever.

Ask our Sun health experts

Nutritionist: Amanda Ursell

I WANT to lose weight this year but there are so many new diets, I don’t know where to begin. What would you advise?

JULIE, Reading

If you are not sure which diet is for you, you can’t beat an “oldie but a goodie” such as Audrey Eyton’s F-Plan Diet.

It has stood the test of time and is broadly based on the Mediterranean style of eating, which most properly trained nutritionists and dietitians agree is a healthy way of eating.

It can also lead to safe levels of weight loss over time.

Cut out the obvious stuff like biscuits, cakes, puddings and alcohol and follow a three-meals-a-day pattern of wholegrain foods, lean protein and lots of fruit and veg (as per the F-Plan).

That way, you can improve the nutritional quality of your meals – and steadily shed pounds.

GP: Dr Keith Hopcroft

I ALWAYS feel really thirsty before I go to bed. My throat feels dry and it stops me sleeping. Is this a sign of a more serious health problem?

ADAM, by email

It’s worth getting a check for diabetes, as this can make you thirsty. Your practice nurse can do this via a finger-prick blood test.

Another possible explanation is the side effects of certain drugs – especially amitriptyline, which is used for a variety of problems, including migraine, sciatica and anxiety.

It switches off your salivary glands, hence the dry mouth.

Finally, having a blocked nose means you have to breathe through your mouth, causing the symptoms you describe.

But this is more likely to wake you in the night with a very dry mouth rather than cause it just as you’re going to bed.