how one student with asthma survived her first term

8/3/2019 How one student with asthma survived her first term

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s you grow and developas a young adult newopportunities andchallenges present

themselves every day. Butwhat if you also have a life

long condition, such as asthma, and are

stepping out into the world on your ownfor the first time?

‘Young people starting new phasesin their lives such as going to universityare likely to encounter new experiencesthat could affect their asthma, such asalcohol, drugs or living away from home,’explains Cher Piddock, Asthma UK’sAsthma Nurse Specialist. ‘Also, somestudents may find it challenging

explaining their asthma to new friends,part-time employers or lecturers.

‘We know from experience thatstudents can be at risk of potentially

life-threatening asthma attacks andunplanned emergency hospitaladmissions if they forget to take their asthma medicines, or avoid buying thembecause they can’t afford them.’

Nicky Reynolds is now 24 but she’llnever forget the issues she faced as an

18 year old with asthma leaving homeand heading off to Exeter University tostudy Psychology.

‘I was diagnosed with asthma backin 2000, and it was originally quite mild,’explains Nicky. ‘I was really nervousabout going to uni as I wasn’t sure how

my asthma would react to going out andclubbing, as smoke and cold air set myasthma off but I didn’t want to get leftbehind! Leaving all my friends fromhome who knew me and what thingsmade my asthma worse was scary. Buton the other hand I was desperate to fit

in with everyone and thought I needed togo out especially in Fresher’s Week sothat I could make friends.

‘Once at uni I wanted to hide myasthma to make me fit in. No one wantsto be different, especially when you arethe new one at a big university. So I triedto do the going out and clubbing scenefor the first couple of days, I didn’t wantto get left out. Work hard and play hard,I guess that’s the motto most uniFresher’s will go by and I tried,I really tried for the first few days...

‘The first evening I remember we

F e a t ur e Time

of yourlife Your late teens and earlier twenties areoften seen as the ‘best time of your life’.Asthma Magazine looks at what you need toknow as a young person with asthma tomake sure you don’t miss out on those firstyears of independence!

A

24 Asthma Magazine

’Don’t be afraid toconfide in othersabout your asthma’



went to the uni bar and the smoke setme off a lot – coughing and wheezing –but I joked off the comments and tried tosurreptitiously take my inhaler in the

loos. By the end of the first evening I wasfeeling fairly rough and didn’t reallysleep. This carried on for a couple of

nights with similar patterns but I wasnow really starting to struggle in the daytoo. I can remember doing Fresher’sevents in the day like canoeing on theExe and really struggling for breath andcoughing away. I think it was on thefourth day of Fresher’s Week that I gotworse. We had been out to the union bar and then to the Lemmy, the nightclub oncampus, and I had gone back early as

I felt awful and couldn’t catch my breath,coughing lots etc. I can remember feeling so, so alone that night and notbeing well at all. I didn’t know anyone

well enough to tell them how bad I feltbut I knew I wasn’t good. I just reallywanted to be at home with people whoknew me!

‘One of my friends on my corridor came in the next morning to see if I wasfeeling better and noticed I wasn’t really

breathing right. She said I looked awfuland persuaded me to go to the healthcentre on campus (though I remember thinking I couldn’t go as I hadn’tregistered yet!). They took one look atme, stuck me on a nebuliser and packedme off to hospital. They were amazing and phoned ahead to the hospital so atleast I didn’t have to sit in A&E. I canremember sitting there being so scaredon a ward with chest patients (so mostlyolder people!) when my family were over 100 miles away in Hampshire and I was

in Exeter! It was not a great start to uni

life... And to top it all the trials I wantedto ride in for the uni riding team wherethe day I ended up in hospital – typical!

‘I’d left my pony behind when I wentto uni and I was desperate to ride on theuni team. I had always been sporty andwas really looking forward to joining this,

other university sports teams and trialing for the British University Sporting Association.

‘My asthma gradually got worse and

worse while I was at uni until it becamesevere in my last year, 2007/2008.This is when things became really tough.I was using nebs at home, on a lot of prednisolone and was struggling tokeep up with my uni work. I wasspending a lot of time in hospital but itwas more the effort of trying to keepup with everyone else, which wasn’tgoing so well.

Asthma Magazine 25

Ë

I S T O C K P H O T O

F e a t u r e

Keep on top of your asthmatreatment so you can work,rest and play!

’I never felt so aloneas I did in that firstweek, you can neverunderestimate howmuch having friendsaround helps!’



‘Things however were better at homein that I had some wonderfulhousemates and friends who werebrilliant and really looked after me. We

often did things they knew I could do,like go for drink in the pub, not out to a

club, or I’d stay in and they’d come over.The health centre was actually quitegood with me as I guess I had muchmore severe asthma to what they wereused to seeing – they did pick up thepieces a fair few times!

‘I know that I would never have gotthrough uni without my housemates andfriends looking out for me andsupporting me. They were great at telling me when I needed to stop and getting me help when I needed it, putting together my nebuliser for me and

generally just including me in everything we did even if it meant changing whatthe group was doing to what I could do.I never felt so alone as I did in that firstFresher’s Week, you can never underestimate how much having friendsaround helps!’

RELATIONSHIPSFrom friends, family, partner, workcolleagues or boss there will always becertain people that you may feelawkward or nervous talking to aboutyour asthma. It’s your choice about who

you choose to tell about your asthma.Everybody with asthma is different, andeverybody deals with asthma differently.For the vast majority of people, asthma

shouldn’t stop you enjoying everything in life, including relationships.

Asthma affects one in fivehouseholds so the chances are mostpeople you meet will know aboutasthma, although understanding willvary from person to person. Asthma is avariable condition so it affects everyonedifferently and there are still lots of misunderstandings about asthma. Don’tlet this get you down – this is your opportunity to tackle those myths andeducate those around you – they maythank you for it one day!

There are lots of reasons why you

might want to tell someone about your asthma. You might want some extraemotional support or it might be morepractical stuff like needing someone togo and pick up a prescription for you.

If you’ve recently moved away fromhome then this will be an opportunity tomeet new friends. You may feel safer when you’re out and about if you’ve gotpeople around you who know that youhave asthma.

Think about why you’re telling themand what the key information is that you

want them to remember. It’s important

that they understand that you’re nodifferent to anyone else.

It’s your choice about who you telland how much you tell them but don’t

be afraid to confide in others – it maybring you closer together.

WHAT SHOULD I TELL PEOPLEABOUT MY ASTHMA?What you tell them is up to you,especially as everyone’s asthma isdifferent but it’s important that theyknow that asthma is manageable. Havea think about the sorts of things peoplemight ask you, here are a few pointers tohelp get you started:

• What your asthma symptoms are.Everyone has different symptoms, for

example, not everyone wheezeswhen they have an asthma attack.

• What your asthma triggers are.• What your asthma medicines are and

where you keep them.• What they should do when you have

an asthma attack – you might liketo give them an asthma attack cardto keep.

• What it feels like to have asthma –not everyone relates to hard facts so

you could make it personal to you.Then you may find that peopleunderstand a lot better.

26 Asthma Magazine

F e a t ur e

Nicky (secondleft) graduatedwith a degree inPsychology

thanks to her hard work andthe support of her friends

’I wasn't sure how my

asthma would reactto all the going out –but I didn’t want toget left behind’



Asthma Magazine 27

• Sign up with a university GP as soonas possible.

• If you were under a consultant athome ask your new GP to give you areferral to a consultant at the

hospital local to your university.

• Check your room doesn’t have anymould in it, and if it does report itand get it treated, as mould can be atrigger for people with asthma.

• If you have had to miss lengthyperiods off from sixth form or collegedue to your asthma, go and see theuniversity Student Welfare andSupport office to see what help youare entitled to. Don’t forget you maybe entitled to financial support suchas Disabled Students Allowances.

• Tell your new housemates that youhave asthma, and about anyallergies you have so that they can

help you if you have any trouble.

• Fill in a HC1 form so you can getfree prescriptions (unless you’re

going to University in Wales,Scotland or Northern Ireland where

it’s free for everyone!).

• Don’t forget to regularly clean your room and get rid of all those house-dust mites!

• If you’re living in university halls thatdo room spot checks, and you havea nebuliser, make sure they know it’smedical equipment (mine gotremoved because they thought it

was something else!).

• Don’t forget with all the partying totake your medicines!

Written by Alice, aged 20,Asthma UK volunteer and third year Student at Cardiff University

Got any more questions about asthmaat university?

Visit our website –

asthma.org.uk/youngadults

Find us on facebook –facebook.com/bigupyourchest

Call one of our fantastic asthma nursespecialists on 0800 121 62 44

F e a t u r e How

to…

Survive yourfirst year at

university

It’s good to talk Some people find it easier to talk tosomeone other than a friend or afamily member. Here are some waysAsthma UK can help you get incontact with people who understand

the issues you might face living with asthma.

Asthma UK Adviceline0800 121 62 44 You can speak to one of our friendlyAsthma Nurse Specialists. You cancall them about any concerns youmay have about asthma, no matter how big or small.

Asthma UK Befriending SchemeIf you’d like to meet up with other people your age (18-25) with asthmain your area then you can get involved

with Asthma UK’s Befriending Scheme. We’re looking for volunteersto join existing support groups or setup their own groups. Contact Clareat [email protected] for more information.

Asthma UK Forumsasthma.org.uk The online Asthma UK discussionforums are a great way to speak withother young people with asthma.



What is asthma?

Here comes the science!Asthma is a condition that aects your airways (the small tubes that carry air inand out o your lungs). Usually, when your asthma is well-controlled, you will notsee or eel your asthma even though it is there. When you do eel your asthma it isnormally due to coming into contact with something you are allergic to, orsomething that irritates the lining o your airways. When this happens your airwayswill become infamed and swollen. They also produce mucous. Overall this makesthe airways narrower so it is harder to breathe.

Symptoms o asthma may include coughing, wheezing, having trouble breathing orwhen your chest eels tight. Asthma symptoms can come and go and you might justhave one symptom or a combination o them. You may nd you have thesesymptoms at dierent times o the day or dierent times in the year. Taking your



asthma medicines regularly should enable you to be ree o asthma symptoms.This is great as it means you will be unlikely to have an asthma attack.

Trigger happy (or not so happy as the case may be)Lots o things can cause asthma symptoms. These are called asthma triggers.People can have many triggers: cold and fu, dust, pets, pollen, cigarette smokeand exercise. No two people are the same. Dierent people will have dierentasthma triggers and most people have more than one. I you know what yourtriggers are, you should try your best to avoid them where possible.

What causes asthma?It is hard to say what causes asthma. What we do know is:

Family

You are more likely to develop asthma i someone in your amily has asthma,eczema or allergies.

21st century lifestyleThere has been a rise in asthma over the past ew decades – this could be relatedto changes in people’s environments such as modern liestyles and diets.

Mothers who smokeSmoking during pregnancy can signicantly increase the risk o a baby developingasthma and children whose parents smoke are more likely to develop asthma.Work Asthma can start at any age and some people can get asthma or the rst timewhen exposed to certain irritants in the workplace. This is called occupationalasthma. This condition can take weeks, months or even years to develop,depending on the person and the irritants you are exposed to.

Asthma UK uses some o its donations to nd out about causes o asthma. You cannd out more about this on our research pages – asthma.org.uk/research

Asthma medicinesWatch our video on how to take your inhalers.

The kinds o medicines you may be on or asthmaI you have asthma you will be given asthma medicines rom your doctor or asthmanurse to help you control your asthma.

What does good control mean?Good control o your asthma means you should have:

no daytime symptoms like coughing, wheezing, diculty breathing or tightnessin your chestno waking at night because o asthma symptomsno asthma attacksno limitations on your normal day-to-day activities.

There are two main types o asthma medicines – preventers and relievers. They areusually inhalers.

PreventersThere are several dierent kinds o preventers, but they all work in the same

way. Preventer inhalers come in dierent colours such as brown, red & orange.Preventers reduce long-term infammation and contain a small amount o steroidmedicine. They are a copy o the steroids produced naturally in your body.You take your preventer inhaler everyday, even when you eel well. It should bepart o your day to day routine.The protective eect o preventer medicines builds up over a period o time sothey need to be taken every day (usually morning and evening) even when youare eeling well.I you take your preventer everyday it should stop you getting asthma symptoms(eg coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest and shortness o breath).I you take your preventer regularly and are still having symptoms, go and seeyour doctor or asthma nurse.

‘Your preventer should be your best riend. It always listens, never talks back. Itwon’t steal your clothes and saves your lie!’Amie, 18 – Young person with asthma

RelieversEveryone with asthma should have a relieverReliever inhalers are usually blueYou should take your reliever inhaler immediately i you get asthma symptoms.

Your reliever will quickly relax the muscles surrounding the narrowed airways.This allows the airways to open wider, making it easier to breathe again.I you need to use your reliever inhaler three or more times a week, you shouldgo to your doctor or asthma nurse and have your asthma checked as yourasthma is probably not as well controlled as it could be.

http://www.asthma.org.uk/how_we_help/research/index.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ulUoFz94jw&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ulUoFz94jw&feature=relmfu

http://www.asthma.org.uk/how_we_help/research/index.html



Other asthma medicinesI these medicines do not work, your doctor may consider putting you on extramedicine to help your asthma. These include long-acting reliever inhalers,preventer tablets and Theophylline. Click here or more ino.

What are the side effects of asthma medicines?Like most medicines, asthma medicines can have side eects in some people. It isnormal to worry about side eects but they generally only happen in a smallnumber o cases.

It’s important or you to talk to your doctor or asthma nurse about any concerns orworries you may have about side eects. They can explain to you what someo the common side eects might be and advise you about what to do to helpprevent them.

Side effects from relieversRelievers are generally very sae and have ew side eects. Some relievers cantemporarily increase your heartbeat or give you mild muscle shakes. These eectsare more common when taking higher doses. However, they generally wear o within a ew minutes or a ew hours at most.

Side effects from preventersWith preventer medicine there is a small risk o having a sore tongue, sore throat,hoarseness o the voice and a mouth inection called oral thrush (Oral thrush –thrush in your mouth - is caused by an overgrowth o yeast which lives naturally inyour body). To help prevent these side eects, rinse your mouth out and brushyour teeth ater using your preventer inhaler. Using a spacer will also help reducethe possibility o oral thrush. Talk to your doctor or asthma nurse about how to usea spacer.

As mentioned above side eects only tend to happen in a small number o peopleand the benets o using the asthma medicines outweigh the costs. I you don’ttake your asthma medicines you run the risk o having an asthma attack and it canlead to long-term lung damage.

Steroid tabletsOccasionally, i your asthma symptoms become severe, your doctor may give youa short course o steroid tablets. They work quickly and powerully to help to calmyour infamed airways. Short courses o tablets, anything rom 3–14 days, will notgive any long-term side eects.

It is possible that i you are taking high doses o preventer medicines over a longtime they may cause some other side eects. To nd out more about these other

side eects click here.

I you would like to chat about side eects you can ask your doctor or asthma nurseor call our Asthma Nurse Specialists at Asthma UK on 0800 121 62 44.

What happens if I don’t take my asthma medicines?We have been asked this question a lot! And the answer won’t change.

I you don’t take your preventer medicine your asthma is likely to get out o controland you will nd you get your asthma symptoms back. This may take some timeor it can happen quite quickly. At worst, it may lead to you having a seriousasthma attack.

I you do take your asthma (preventer) medicine you will be more able to do the

things you want to do! You will be less likely to have asthma attacks and less likelyto react badly to your asthma triggers. Some people have told us they have missedout on estivals or day trips because o their asthma but this needn’t be the case i you take your medicine.

It can be hard to remember to take them but it’s worth it in the long run. Find a waythat helps you to remember every day. You could talk to your riends to see whatthey do or call our asthma nurses to see i they can help. The costs o not takingyour medicines are high. In the long term, i you don’t take your medicines, youcould end up with lung damage.

Asthma attacks – now for the serious stuff Asthma attack. Please note that you may nd some o this video distressing.

‘Ater being ill or about two or three days I took a turn or the worse. While goingabout my everyday lie, my chest started to eel tight. I alerted my mum who toldmy sister to go and get my inhaler rom my bedroom. My mum rushed to my sidetrying to calm me down as I started to hyperventilate and panic. I had never had toght or breathe beore and here I was struggling to breathe. I was blue lighted tothe local hospital to be met by a sea o doctors and nurses. They rushed to get mybreathing under control. It was the scariest experience o my lie.’Person with asthma, 18

What is an asthma attack?In an asthma attack your airways become swollen and the muscles around yourairways become very tight which makes the airways narrower. This makes it moredicult to breathe. The good news is that most asthma attacks do not come out o the blue. Normally your asthma will get worse over a ew days beore you have anattack so you should have time to take action.

http://www.asthma.org.uk/all_about_asthma/medicines_treatments/other_treatments_and.html

http://www.asthma.org.uk/all_about_asthma/medicines_treatments/side_effects_of_asth.html


http://www.asthma.org.uk/all_about_asthma/medicines_treatments/other_treatments_and.html



Asthma attacks are serious. Many people are admitted to hospital (an average o 202 a day in the UK) and sometimes asthma attacks can be lie threatening soit’s really important to recognise an attack and to know what to do i you arehaving one.

Click here or more ino about what to do in an asthma attack.

Top Tips – How to avoid having asthma attacksHere are some suggestions about how to avoid asthma attacks:

Take your preventer inhaler every day even when you are wellMake sure you are taking your inhalers properly - you can get your inhalertechnique checked by your doctor or asthma nurse. Also check out our inhalertechnique video

Get a Personal Asthma Action Plan (ollowing this plan can make you our timesless likely to be admitted to hospital)Book yoursel in or an asthma review at your doctor’s surgery (you should haveone every year)Avoid things that you know trigger your asthmaKeep active by doing regular exercise – i your asthma is well controlled exercisecan help improve your asthma.

Just one nal thing…I this inormation has raised more questions or you about managing your asthmaor i you have any questions about your medicines then why not give the AsthmaUK Adviceline a call? You can call our Asthma Nurse Specialists on 0800 121 62 44.(Monday to Friday rom 9am to 5pm. Calls are ree rom a BT landline)

It is possible or the vast majority o people with asthma to become ree o asthmasymptoms. Getting good control by taking your medicines and ollowing yourPersonal Asthma Action Plan is the key to a lie ree o symptoms.

© Asthma UK 2011. Registered charity in England 802364 and in Scotland SCO39322 HP2121011

http://www.asthma.org.uk/all_about_asthma/what_to_do_in_an_asthma_attack/index.html

http://www.asthma.org.uk/all_about_asthma/what_to_do_in_an_asthma_attack/index.html



Smoking

Whether it’s cigarettes or cannabis, smoking can damage the lungs and make yourasthma worse. It’s not our place to lecture you about giving up smoking so here arethe facts about smoking and asthma (and you can make up your own mind!):

Smoking is dangerous. It’s the greatest cause of ill health and premature deathin the UK.Smoking irritates your airways and causes them to narrow, which makesyour asthma symptoms (coughing, wheezing, tight chest and shortness of

breath) worse.Smoking increases the risk of asthma attacks.Smokers who have asthma are more likely to require higher doses of preventermedicine to control their symptoms.Smoking can cause permanent damage to your lungs and airways.Avoid smoking during pregnancy and ask others not to smoke around you as thisis best for mum and baby. Women who smoke in pregnancy are more likely tohave smaller babies (not good for baby) and babies with breathing problems.

Quitting isn’t easy, but if you have asthma, stopping smoking may be one of thegreatest things you can do to improve your life and health.

If you’re thinking about giving up or would like to know more about smoking, checkout Quit – the UK charity that helps smokers to stop:

Quit

[email protected]: 0800 00 22 00

Asian quitline: 0800 00 22 88

asthma.org.uk/smoking


http://www.quit.org.uk/

http://www.asthma.org.uk/all_about_asthma/asthma_triggers_az/smoking.html

http://www.asthma.org.uk/all_about_asthma/asthma_triggers_az/smoking.html

http://www.quit.org.uk/



Exercise

Getting out the house and exercising is a great way to clear your head and keepingt is good for your lungs and for your overall health. Exercise improves lungfunction and your asthma should not stop you doing some form of exercise as longas you:

keep your asthma well controlled by taking your preventer inhaler regularlyincrease your tness levels graduallyalways have your reliever inhaler with you when you exercise

do a gentle warm up for ten minutes before exercising fullytry not to come into contact with things that trigger your asthma. For example,long-distance or cross-country running may involve some strong triggersbecause they take place outside in cold air without short breaks, or because youare exposed to increased levels of pollen, particularly in the summer months.

Some people with asthma nd that exercise triggers their asthma symptoms andthis can be a sign that your asthma is poorly controlled. If exercise triggers yourasthma, make sure you take your preventer inhaler every day and use your relieverinhaler immediately before you warm up. If you need your reliever inhaler morethan twice a week you should see your GP or asthma nurse, as your asthma maynot be under control.

Ensure that you always warm up and down thoroughly. It’s also important to stayhydrated by drinking enough water.

What are the best types of exercise for people with asthma?

Team sports like football or hockey are good as they are played in brief burstswith short breaks in between.Fitness classes involving short periods of aerobic exercise.Swimming is an excellent form of exercise for people with asthma as the warmhumid air in the swimming pool is less likely to trigger symptoms of asthma.(However, swimming in cold water or heavily chlorinated pools may triggeryour asthma).Yoga and Pilates are good types of exercise for people with asthma as they relax

the body and may help with breathing.If pollen triggers your asthma then avoid exercising outdoors when the pollencount is high.



Some sports and activities, such as scuba-diving, climbing, hiking or skiing athigh altitudes or in cold weather, can cause problems for some people withasthma. Check out our factle for more information about this.


http://www.asthma.org.uk/factfiles




Depression

What is depression?People often use the word depression to describe feeling a bit low or fed up

although true depression is a more serious and prolonged feeling. Often, when you

feel down someone or something can help pick you back up again but if you feel

down for a long time and it starts getting in the way of your everyday life then you

may have depression.

Depression and asthma

Everyone reacts differently to any illness or long-term condition and people cansometimes experience negative emotions relating to their asthma, such as anxiety,

fear and embarrassment. If you do feel like this you are not alone - some studies

suggest that depression is two to three times more common in people with chronic

illnesses or long-term conditions.

Depression can also impact your asthma and your quality of life – for example,

when you feel low your asthma gets worse because depression leaves you feeling

tired and unmotivated to look after asthma properly. In turn, having to put up with

asthma symptoms can make you more worried and depressed, and you may feel

that your doctor or asthma nurse doesn’t understand. But your doctor and nurse

are there to help you.

Top tips for managing depression and asthmaWhen you’re feeling depressed it’s sometimes hard to keep in mind the things you

need to do to keep healthy but paying attention to your health and well-being is

really important. Look after yourself by following our suggestions below:

Try not to smoke

If you’re a smoker, you may notice that you smoke more when you feel

depressed. This won’t help either your asthma or depression and can make you

feel more anxious and stressed.

Eat well and eat regularly

A healthy balanced diet can keep your mood on an even keel.

Try to avoid too much sugar, caffeine and alcohol which can affect your mood.

Try to keep activeExercise actually releases endorphins which are chemicals in the brain that

promote a happy mood.

Check out our exercising top tips to get you started.



Talk about how you feel

Talking about how you feel is really important in tackling depression.

Try relaxation techniques

Some studies have shown that breathing training and relaxation taught by a

physiotherapist can reduce asthma symptoms and improve quality of life.

These exercises work by promoting general relaxation and lessening some of the

physical tension that builds up from ongoing stress and depression.

The most important thing to remember is that depression is not an easy thing, but

taking one day at a time and keeping an open mind about the support available to

you can eventually lead to a better outlook.

You can nd out lots more about depression, its impact on your asthma and the

things you can do to help by downloading our factle.






Talk to someone

Sometimes the last thing you want to do when you’re eeling down is talk aboutit but telling a good riend who you think you can confde in about how you eel

can really help. You may not fnd this easy to do but bottling up your emotions

won’t help either. Writing down how you eel and what you want to say can

sometimes help.

Also, some people fnd it easier to talk to someone other than a riend or a amily

member. You could talk to your asthma nurse or doctor, or you may preer to talk to

someone in confdence on our Adviceline.

Here are some ways to contact Asthma UK to talk to someone who understands.

Asthma UK AdvicelineYou can speak to one o our riendly Asthma Nurse Specialists. You can call them

about any concerns you may have about asthma, no matter how big or small.

Asthma UK Beriending SchemeI you’d like to meet up with other people your age with asthma in your area then

you can get involved with Asthma UK’s Beriending Scheme. We’re looking or

volunteers to join existing support groups or set up their own groups.

Asthma UK ForumsThe Asthma UK orums are a great way to speak with other people with asthma.

Other organisations

Check out the list o useul organisations below that can help you get back onyour eet.

Need a bit o help fnding help? You can talk to your asthma nurse or doctor about your eelings and they may

suggest or reer you or additional support or you can also check out these useul

organisations who also oer ree support and guidance:

University Counselling Services student.counselling.co.uk

Provides inormation about support available to UK university students

and helps students locate appropriate services.

http://www.asthma.org.uk/how_we_help/adviceline/

http://www.asthma.org.uk/what_you_can_do/volunteer/supporting_young_peo.html

http://www.asthma.org.uk/what_you_can_do/volunteer/

http://www.student.counselling.co.uk/guide.html

http://www.student.counselling.co.uk/guide.html

http://www.asthma.org.uk/what_you_can_do/volunteer/

http://www.asthma.org.uk/what_you_can_do/volunteer/supporting_young_peo.html




Anxiety UK anxietyuk.org.uk

Provides inormation and support or those living with anxiety disorders. Also

has a downloadable booklet about dealing with exam stress.

ChildLine

helpline: 0800 1111

childline.org.uk

Free confdential 24-hour helpline or children and young people in the UK with

webchat acility.

Get Connectedhelpline: 0808 808 4994

[email protected]

getconnected.org.uk A ree service including a ‘webchat’ acility or young people advising on how to

get the best help.

Samaritanshelpline: 08457 90 90 90

[email protected]

samaritans.org

24-hour emergency telephone helpline.

Youth Access 020 8772 9900

youthaccess.org.uk

Inormation on youth counselling.

YoungMinds 020 7336 8445

youngminds.org.uk

National charity committed to improving the mental health o all babies, children

and young people. Provides inormation or both parents and young people.

MindInoline: 0300 123 3393

[email protected]

National charity helping people take control o their mental health by providing

inormation and advice.


http://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/

http://www.childline.org.uk/

http://www.getconnected.org.uk/

http://www.samaritans.org/

http://www.youthaccess.org.uk/

http://www.youngminds.org.uk/

http://www.youngminds.org.uk/

http://www.youthaccess.org.uk/

http://www.samaritans.org/

http://www.getconnected.org.uk/

http://www.childline.org.uk/

http://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/



How to survive your rst year at university:

Sign up with a university GP as soon as possible.

If you were under a consultant at home ask your new GP to give you a referral to a

consultant at the hospital local to your university.

Check your room doesn’t have any mould in it, and if it does report it and get it treated, as

mould can be a trigger for people with asthma.

If you have had to miss lengthy periods off from sixth form or college due to your asthma, go

and see the university Student Welfare and Support ofce to see what help you are entitledto. Don’t forget you may be entitled to nancial support such as

Disabled Students Allowances.

Tell your new atmates that you have asthma, and about any allergies you have so that they

can help you if you have any trouble.

Fill in a HC1 form so you can get free prescriptions (unless you’re going to University in

Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland where it’s free for everyone!)

Don’t forget to regularly clean your room and get rid of all those house-dust mites!

If you’re living in university halls that do room spot checks, and you have a nebuliser,

make sure they know it’s medical equipment (mine got removed because they thought it was

a bong!).

Don’t forget with all the partying to take your medicines!

Written by Alice, aged 20, Asthma UK volunteer and third year Student at Cardiff University

Got any more questions about asthma at university?

Visit our website – asthma.org.uk/youngadultsFind us on facebook – facebook.com/bigupyourchest Call one of our fantastic asthma nurse specialists on 0800 121 62 44


http://www.asthma.org.uk/youngadults

http://www.facebook.com/bigupyourchest

http://www.asthma.org.uk/






Saving money on the cost of asthma at university

Many people nd the cost of living with asthma difcult and it’s particularlydifcult when you’re a student and not earning much money.

We hope the information and advice below will help. These are recommendationsfrom students with asthma at university, and our Asthma UK nurses.

Disabled Students’ AllowancesDisabled Students’ Allowances (DSA) can provide you with extra nancial helpif you have a disability, an ongoing health condition like asthma, mental healthcondition or a specic learning difculty like dyslexia and you want to go touniversity.

You do not need to pay it back and the amount you get does not depend onyour income, it depends on the help you need. A lot of people with asthma donot realise that they may be eligible to apply for this and it is well worth lookinginto. It varies across the UK so:

For England visit – Directgov website direct.gov.ukFor Northern Ireland visit – Student Finance Northern Irelandstudentnanceni.co.ukFor Scotland visit – Student Award Agency for Scotland saas.gov.ukFor Wales visit – Student Finance Wales studentnancewales.co.uk

Save money on prescription charges (England only)If you are at university in England, you will need to pay for your prescriptions.Those at university in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and registered witha doctor there, do not have to.

The cost of an item on prescription is £7.40 (correct April 2011 ) in England. Hereare some things that may help you save some money on them:

Low Income Scheme - HC1 formsSome students may be able to get help with NHS costs and prescriptionsthrough the NHS Low Income Scheme. This means you may get a large discounton your prescriptions or you may even get them free! For this you will need to

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/EducationAndTraining/HigherEducation/DG_10034898

http://www.studentfinanceni.co.uk/portal/page?_pageid=54,1265897&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

http://www.saas.gov.uk/student_support/special_circumstances/disabled_students_allowance.htm

http://www.studentfinancewales.co.uk/portal/page?_pageid=616,6200692&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL







complete NHS HC1 claim form. You can request a form by calling 0845 850 1166 or order online by visiting the NHS Business Services Authority website –nhsbsa.nhs.uk

Pre-payment certicates (PPC)Try taking advantage of the pre-payment certicate which is like a season ticket,

saving you money if you need regular prescriptions.A Pre-payment certicate in England is:

£29.10 for three months (worthwhile if you need more than three itemsduring this period).£104 for 12 months (worthwhile if you need more than 14 items duringthis period).

Go to our factle on prescriptions for more information – asthma.org.uk/factles

– or visit the PPC section of the NHS Business Service Authority websitenhsbsa.nhs.uk

Another way to save is to have more than one preventer inhaler at a time. SomeGPs will allow this but it will depend entirely on local policies so ask you GP. Itcan work well for some people as this way you will only pay for oneprescription.

Other nancial help available:There are educational grants out there to support students in education. Seeif any are of relevance to you. Visit the Turn 2 Us website for moreinformation – turn2us.org.uk.Speak to your Student Welfare and Support ofce as they may be able tohelp you. Also sometimes universities have their own grant or loan schemesin place.

Check out the nancial assistance section of the Asthma UK website. It lists

all nancial help available to people with asthma. asthma.org.uk


http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/HealthCosts/1128.aspx


http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/1127.aspx

http://www.turn2us.org.uk/



http://www.asthma.org.uk/all_about_asthma/living_with_asthma/financial_assistance_with_asthma/index.html








My tips around travelling with asthma – by Ben McNally

Get travel insuranceOne o the frst things you should always look into when leaving the country,whether it be or a lads or girls summer holiday, or a gap year abroad, is travelinsurance. Although it might seem tedious to search through all the policies andexpensive or something you probably (and hopeully) won’t use, it is absolutelyessential. When I visited Australia I went sailing around the Whitsunday Islands (amust do i you manage to get down to Oz), i I had suered an asthma attack whileon one o the islands and needed emergency treatment the only way to get to a

hospital was by plane or helicopter. In an emergency, because it’s essential they’lldo everything to take care o you and make sure you are okay, but once you gethome you will defnitely get the bill or it, and it can cost thousands and thousandso pounds. Although this might seem like an extreme case, to put it in perspective;just to visit a doctor in the USA can cost over £100, and that’s just a 15 minuteconsult. Spending a raction o that amount on insurance will cover the costs o anymedical treatment that you have whilst abroad, not just one doctor’s appointmentor replacement prescription. You must make sure to let the insurance company

know that you have asthma. I you don’t do this and something were to happen, theinsurance company can rightly claim that it was misinormed and may not pay out i you make a claim.

Making sure it’s or the right amount o time, and that the right type o activities arecovered is also o equal importance, and it’s usually worth paying an extra £10 orso or a medical excess waiver in my opinion. When you are travelling aroundcountries in the EU, make sure you take your EHIC/E111 card with you to allow youaccess to the same level and cost o treatment as the local people.

Be aware of rules around carrying medicines into different countriesAlthough most o the places I visited were okay, I was told that in some countriesthey’re really strict on prescription medicines, and i you don’t have the originalpackaging, prescription and instructions or your pills or inhalers they can beconfscated. In some countries there are laws about having certain amounts o dierent drugs with you. Consequently, it’s defnitely worth checking online beoreyou go what’s okay and what’s not, but either way, you should take your

prescription or a doctor’s note with you just in case. These sorts o documents willalso be useul i you need to get any more o your medicines while abroad, andshould be considered when thinking about any medicine you take, not just asthmarelated items.



Let people you’re travelling with know you have asthmaI was travelling or most o the time with at least one riend rom home, but therewere oten times when we were the only people who spoke English in an entirevillage, so it’s well worth letting your travel partner/s know that you have asthma,where your inhaler is, how to use it and what to do in an emergency, becausehaving someone around who knows o your condition is invaluable, especially i

neither o you speak the local language.

Be aware of the different climatesWhen I was in Singapore and Bangkok it was unbelievably humid, and I ound mychest getting tighter there, so accounting or the kind o climates that you’re likelyto visit is really important. Beore I went away, I didn’t really think about how theweather was going to aect my asthma so it’s worth having a check on how theconditions in places you’re likely to be going may aect you. Also, although I never

really planned it, I ended up climbing up mountains and scuba diving in the oceanwhile I was away. In hindsight obviously the extra exercise combined with thevarious altitudes and depths o these activities meant that I really could’veactually done with my inhaler being handy or the frst time in years, rather than inmy backpack at the hostel, so when you’re looking into and planning out activitiesthat you think there’s even the smallest opportunity you might do, it’s worththinking in advance about what you might need (as you tend to get caught up inspur o the moment decisions when you’re away!).

Overall, travelling with asthma isn’t too daunting really; just having a look over thechecklist below should set you up or sae travels abroad. I hope you have as muchun as I did on my year out.

Ben McNally ( 3 continents, 5 trips, 7 months away, 2,500 photos, and back home inone piece).

Key Questions Checklist:

Do you have adequate travel insurance?Is it worth paying the excess waiver or medical care?Does it cover me or the right activities and the correct length o time I willbe away?Is it legal to take your medicines into the countries you are visiting?Do you have the appropriate prescriptions, labels and doctor’s notes to identiythem to customs and to get replacements i necessary?Have I got the correct type o inhaler or the activities I am likely to do?

Will the climate/geography o where I am visiting aect what and how muchmedicine I need?



If you are thinking about travelling to areas of high altitude, Asthma UK’s asthmanurses have put together the following advice for you to keep in mind.

Generally ft healthy people with well controlled asthma should have no problemscoping with high altitudes as long as they ascend slowly, recognise and accept theirlimitations and adjust their medicine i need be.

Altitude starts to have an eect at around 1,500-2,000 metres and the body startsto adapt to the change in oxygen levels. As you go higher the air pressure getslower (the air gets thinner), and this means that in any single breath that you takethere will be less oxygen or your body. Oxygen is needed to give you the energy tomove but is also vital or all your organs. As your body gets less oxygen it adapts.

You breathe aster and deeper. This makes more red blood cells to carry moreoxygen in your blood. These changes take time to happen which is why we advise

or you to ascend slowly and this will keep you healthy. I you ascend to ast youmay be at risk o developing acute mountain sickness. Remember to set yoursel realistic goals.

When travelling at altitude the most important thing is to have your asthma wellcontrolled beore you travel. Here are some tips which you may fnd useul. Makean appointment with your doctor or asthma nurse well in advance or a review o your asthma and ask or an asthma action plan i you don’t have one already. It will

contain inormation on what to do should your asthma worsen, what steps to takeand what to do in an emergency. Always carry Asthma UK’s Asthma Attack Cardwith you and have your reliever inhaler with you at all times. Ask your doctor toprescribe a spare inhaler to take with you just in case. Make sure your medicinesare labelled with doses and keep these sae along with a doctor’s letter. Have travelinsurance arranged and consider registering with the Foreign CommonwealthOfce. Make sure you know how to access an English speaking doctor in the areayou intend to visit and seek medical attention at any time i your eel unwell.




Asthma basics

Asthma is a condition that aects the airways – the small tubes that carry air in and out o the lungs. When a person with asthma comes into contact withsomething that irritates their airways (an asthma trigger), the muscles aroundthe walls o the airways tighten so that the airways become narrower and thelining o the airways becomes infamed and starts to swell. Sometimes, stickymucus or phlegm builds up, which can urther narrow the airways.

These reactions cause the airways to become narrower and irritated – making it

dicult to breath and leading to symptoms o asthma.The usual symptoms o asthma are:

coughingwheezingshortness o breathtightness in the chest.

Not everyone will get all o these symptoms. Some people experience them rom

time to time; a ew people may experience these symptoms all the time.Although there’s no cure or asthma, there are eective medicines or asthmathat allow most people to control their asthma so that is doesn’t interere withdaily lie.

As asthma is a lielong condition it’s important that you take your asthmamedicine as directed. Your doctor or asthma nurse should have explained howto use your inhalers properly, so that every dose you take gives you the most

benet. Find out the right way to use your reliever and preventer inhalers andmore about steroids, spacers and nebulisers, and possible side eects.

Controlling your asthmaToo many people with asthma spend time in hospital when they shouldn’t haveto: 75% o hospital admissions could be avoided.

I your asthma is under control, you’re more likely to have a better quality o lie

and be more able to do the things you want to.

Three questions can help you to decide whether your symptoms areunder control:

http://www.asthma.org.uk/all_about_asthma/medicines_treatments/reliever_inhalers.html

http://www.asthma.org.uk/all_about_asthma/medicines_treatments/preventer_inhalers.html

http://www.asthma.org.uk/all_about_asthma/medicines_treatments/steroid_tablets.html

http://www.asthma.org.uk/all_about_asthma/medicines_treatments/spacers.html

http://www.asthma.org.uk/all_about_asthma/medicines_treatments/nebulisers.html










In the last month:have you had diculty sleeping because o your asthma symptoms(including cough)?have you had your usual asthma symptoms during the day (cough, wheeze,chest tightness or breathlessness)?has your asthma interered with your usual activities – eg housework, work,

school etc?

I you’ve answered ‘yes’ to any o the above questions, it may be that your asthma is not as well controlled as it could be. See your doctor or asthma nurseto discuss how you may be able to improve your asthma control or call our Adviceline on 0800 121 62 44.

Signs that your asthma is not well controlled may include:

• waking at night with coughing, wheezing, shortness o breath or atightness in the chest

• having to take time o work because o your asthma• nding it dicult to breathe, and breathing short shallow breaths• needing more and more o your reliever • nding that your reliever does not seem to be working• having to take your reliever more than every our hours• eeling that you cannot keep up with your usual level o activity or exercise

Help for you to take control of your symptomsYou can take control o your asthma by knowing what medicines to take, howmuch and when to take them. It is also important to avoid things that trigger your asthma and know what to do i your symptoms get worse.

All o this inormation should be recorded on a personal asthma action plan,which your doctor or asthma nurse should complete in discussion with you.Asthma UK produces a ree pack called Be in Control which includes an actionplan, peak fow diary, medicines card and asthma review card.Top tips or getting your asthma under control

Asthma UK AdvicelineI you would like to speak to an asthma nurse specialist about getting your asthma under control, please contact the Asthma UK Adviceline. You cantelephone them on 0800 121 62 44 ( 9am–5pm, Monday–Friday).Read more about the Asthma UK Adviceline.


http://www.asthma.org.uk/all_about_asthma/controlling_your_asthma/resources_to_help_you/personal_asthma_acti.html

http://www.asthma.org.uk/all_about_asthma/controlling_your_asthma/resources_to_help_you/index.html


http://www.asthma.org.uk/all_about_asthma/controlling_your_asthma/top_tips_for_getting_your_asthma_under_control/index.html





http://www.asthma.org.uk/all_about_asthma/controlling_your_asthma/resources_to_help_you/personal_asthma_acti.html



Sut i oroesi eich blwyddyn gyntaf yn y brifysgol:

Cofrestrwch â Meddyg Teulu yn y brifysgol cyn gynted â phosibl.

Os oeddech yn gweld ymgynghorydd gartref, gofynnwch i’ch Meddyg Teulu newydd eichatgyfeirio at ymgynghorydd yn yr ysbyty lleol.

Gwnewch yn siŵr nad oes unrhyw lwydni yn eich ystafell. Os oes llwydni, rhowch wybodamdano a gwnewch yn siŵr ei fod yn cael ei drin gan fod llwydni yn aml yn sbardun i boblag asthma.

Os oedd yn rhaid i chi gymryd cyfnodau hir i ffwrdd o’r chweched dosbarth neu’r colegoherwydd eich asthma, ewch i siarad â swyddfa Cymorth a Lles Myfyrwyr y brifysgol i weld pahelp sydd ar gael i chi. Cowch y gall fod gennych hawl i gael cymorth ariannol gan yllywodraeth megis Lwfansau Myfyrwyr Anabl.

Dywedwch wrth y bobl y byddwch yn rhannu llety â nhw fod gennych asthma, ac am unrhywalergeddau sydd gennych er mwyn iddynt eich helpu os byddwch yn mynd i drafferth.

Llenwch ffuren HC1 fel y gallwch gael presgripsiynau am ddim (oni bai eich bod yn mynd i’rBrifysgol yng Nghymru, yn yr Alban neu yng Ngogledd Iwerddon lle y maent am ddim i bawb!)

Cowch lanhau eich ystafell yn rheolaidd a chael gwared ar unrhyw widdon llwch!

Os byddwch yn byw mewn neuadd breswyl lle cynhelir hapwiriadau o ystafelloedd, a bodgennych nebiwlydd, gwnewch yn siŵr bod y brifysgol yn gwybod mai cyfarpar meddygol ydyw(gwnaethant gymryd fy un i am eu bod yn credu mai ‘bong’ ydoedd!).

Peidiwch ag anghoo cymryd eich meddyginiaethau yng nghanol yr holl bartïon!

Rhestr gan Alice, 20 oed, sy’n wirfoddolwr gydag Asthma UK ac yn Fyfyriwr trydedd wyddyn ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd

Oes gennych ragor o gwestiynau am asthma yn y brifysgol?

Ewch i’n gwefan – asthma.org.uk/youngadults

Dewch o hyd i ni ar facebook – facebook.com/bigupyourchest

Ffoniwch un o’n harbenigwyr nyrsio asthma arbennig ar 0800 121 62 44

© Asthma UK 2011. Rhif elusen gofrestredig yn Lloegr 802364 a’r Alban SCO39322 HP1860911








Arbed arian ar gost asthma yn y brifysgol

Mae’r gost o fyw gydag asthma yn anodd i lawer o bobl ac mae’n arbennig oanodd pan fyddwch yn fyfyriwr a ddim yn ennill llawer o arian.

Gobeithio y bydd y wybodaeth a’r cyngor isod yn helpu. Dyma argymhellion ganfyfyrwyr yn y brifysgol sydd ag asthma a nyrsys Asthma UK.

Lwfansau Myfyrwyr AnablGall Lwfansau Myfyrwyr Anabl roi help ariannol ychwanegol i chi os oes gennych

anabledd, cywr iechyd parhaus fel asthma, cywr iechyd meddwl neuanhawster dysgu penodol fel dyslecsia, ac rydych am fynd i’r brifysgol.

Ni fydd angen i chi ei dalu yn ôl ac nid yw’r swm a roddir i chi yn dibynnu ar eichincwm, mae’n dibynnu ar yr help sydd ei angen arnoch. Nid yw llawer o bobl agasthma yn sylweddoli y gallant fod yn gymwys i wneud cais am yr arian hwn ac

mae’n sicr yn werth ymchwilio iddo. Mae’n amrywio ledled y DU, felly:

Yng Nghymru, ewch i wefan Cyllid Myfyrwyr Cymru – studentnancewales.co.ukYn Lloegr, ewch i wefan Directgov – direct.gov.ukYng Ngogledd Iwerddon, ewch i wefan Student Finance Northern Ireland –studentnanceni.co.ukYn yr Alban, ewch i wefan Student Award Agency for Scotland – saas.gov.uk

Arbed arian ar gostau presgripsiynau (Lloegr yn unig)Os byddwch yn mynd i’r brifysgol yn Lloegr, bydd angen i chi dalu am eich

presgripsiynau. Ni fydd angen i’r rhai sy’n mynd i’r brifysgol yng Nghymru, ynyr Alban ac yng Ngogledd Iwerddon, ac sydd wedi’u cofrestru â meddyg yno,wneud hynny.

Mae eitem ar bresgripsiwn yn costio £7.40 (cywir ym mis Ebrill 2011 ) ynLloegr. Dyma rai pethau a all eich helpu i arbed rhywfaint o arian ar gostau presgripsiynau:

Cynllun Incwm Isel - ffurenni HC1

Efallai y bydd rhai myfyrwyr yn gallu cael help â chostau’r GIG a phresgripsiynaudrwy Gynllun Incwm Isel y GIG. Mae hyn yn golygu y gallech gael gostyngiadmawr ar eich presgripsiynau neu hyd yn oed eu cael am ddim! Bydd angen i chi











gwblhau ffuren gais HC1 y GIG i wneud hyn. Gallwch ofyn am ffuren drwyffonio 0845 850 1166 neu archebu ar-lein drwy fynd i wefan AwdurdodGwasanaethau Busnes y GIG – nhsbsa.nhs.uk

Tystysgrifau rhagdaluCeisiwch fanteisio ar dystysgrif rhagdalu sy’n debyg i docyn tymor gan ei bod ynarbed arian i chi os oes angen presgripsiynau arnoch yn rheolaidd.Mae Tystysgrif rhagdalu yn Lloegr yn costio:

£29.10 am dri mis (mae’n werth ei chael os bydd angen mwy na thair eitem arnoch yn ystod y cyfnod hwn).£104 am 12 mis (mae’n werth ei chael os bydd angen mwy na 14 eitemarnoch yn ystod y cyfnod hwn).

Cymerwch olwg ar ein dogfen ffeithiau ar bresgripsiynau am ragor o wybodaeth

(asthma.org.uk/factles) neu ewch i’r adran ar Dystysgrifau Rhagdalu ar wefanAwdurdod Gwasanaethau Busnes y GIG yn nhsbsa.nhs.uk

Mae cael mwy nag un anadlydd ataliol ar y tro yn ffordd arall o arbed arian.Bydd rhai Meddygon Teulu yn caniatáu hyn ond bydd yn dibynnu’n llwyr ar bolisïau lleol felly gofynnwch i’ch Meddyg Teulu. Gall weithio’n dda i rai pobl ganmai dim ond un presgripsiwn y bydd angen i chi dalu amdano.

Mathau eraill o help ariannol sydd ar gael:

Mae grantiau addysgol ar gael i helpu myfyrwyr mewn addysg. Edrychwch iweld a oes rhai sy’n berthnasol i chi. Ewch i wefan Turn 2 Us am ragor owybodaeth – turn2us.org.ukSiaradwch â’ch swyddfa Cymorth a Lles Myfyrwyr oherwydd efallai y gallanteich helpu. Hefyd, weithiau bydd gan brifysgolion eu cynlluniau grantiau neufenthyciadau eu hunain ar waith.

Edrychwch ar adran cymorth ariannol gwefan Asthma UK. Mae’n rhestru pobmath o help ariannol sydd ar gael i bobl ag asthma. asthma.org.uk












Fy awgrymiadau ar gyfer teithio ag asthma

Trefnwch yswiriant teithioUn o’r pethau cynta y dylech ei ystyried pan yddwch yn gadael y wlad, boed ynwyliau ha gyda’r bois neu’r merched, neu’n fwyddyn allan dramor, yw yswiriantteithio. Er y gall ymddangos yn ddifas chwilio drwy’r holl bolisïau ac yn ddrud amrywbeth na yddwch chi (gobeithio) yn ei ddenyddio, mae’n gwbl hanodol. Panymwelais i ag Awstralia, es i hwylio o amgylch Ynysoedd Whitsunday (rhywbethsy’n rhaid i chi ei wneud os byddwch yn cael cyfe i ymweld ag Awstralia), pe bawni wedi diodde pwl o asthma tra roeddwn ar un o’r ynysoedd a bod angen triniaeth

rys arna i, dim ond drwy gael awyren neu horennydd y byddwn wedi gallucyrraedd yr ysbyty. Mewn argywng, am ei bod yn hanodol, byddant yn gwneudpopeth y gallant i oalu amdanoch a gwneud yn siwr eich bod yn iawn, ond unwaithi chi gyrraedd adre byddwch yn sicr o gael bil amdano, a gall gostio miloedd arloedd o bunnoedd. Mae hon yn enghrait eithriadol, ond cowch y gall gostiodros £100 i ymweld â meddyg yn UDA, dim ond am ymgynghoriad chwarter awr.Os byddwch yn gwario racsiwn o’r swm hwnnw ar yswiriant, bydd costau unrhywdriniaeth eddygol rydych yn ei chael pan yddwch dramor yn cael eu talu, nid dim

ond apwyntiad meddyg neu bresgripsiwn newydd. Cowch roi gwybod i’r cwmniyswiriant bod gennych asthma. Os na yddwch yn gwneud hynny a bod rhywbethyn mynd o chwith, gall y cwmni yswirio hawlio’n gyawn na roddwyd y wybodaethgywir iddo ac eallai na ydd yn talu os byddwch yn gwneud hawliad.

Mae’r un mor bwysig gwneud yn siwr ei od yn cwmpasu’r cynod cywir, a’r mathcywir o weithgareddau, ac mae el arer yn werth talu tua £10 yn ychwanegol ihepgor y tâl-dros-ben am oal meddygol yn y marn i. Pan yddwch yn teithio ogwmpas gwledydd yn yr UE, gwnewch yn siwr eich bod yn mynd â cherdyn EHIC/

E111 gyda chi sy’n eich galluogi i gael gaael ar yr un leel o driniaeth, am yr unpris, â phobl leol.

Byddwch yn ymwybodol o’r rheolau o ran mynd â meddyginiaeth i mewn iwledydd eraill.Er bod y rhan wya o’r lleoedd yr ymwelais i â nhw yn iawn, ceais wybod eu bod ynllym iawn mewn rhai gwledydd o ran meddyginiaethau presgripsiwn, ac os nad yw’rpecyn gwreiddiol, y presgripsiwn a’r cyarwyddiadau gennych chi, gall yr

awdurdodau eu cymryd oddi wrthych. Mewn rhai gwledydd, ceir rheolau ynglyn âchael symiau penodol o gyuriau gwahanol gyda chi. O ganlyniad, mae’n sicr ynwerth edrych ar-lein cyn i chi ynd i weld beth sy’n iawn a beth sy’n annerbyniol,ond dylech ynd â’ch presgripsiwn neu nodyn gan y meddyg gyda chi rhag on bethbynnag. Bydd dogennau o’r ath yn ddenyddiol os bydd angen i chi gael rhagor



o’ch meddyginiaethau pan yddwch dramor, a dylech ystyried gwneud hynny argyer unrhyw eddyginiaethau rydych yn eu cymryd, nid dim ond pethau sy’ngysylltiedig ag asthma. Rhowch wybod i bobl rydych yn teithio gyda nhw bod gennych asthmaRoeddwn yn teithio gydag o leia un rind o gartre am y rhan wya o’r amser, ond

yn aml, ni yddai’r unig bobl a oedd yn siarad Saesneg yn y pentre, elly mae’n sicryn werth rhoi gwybod i’ch partner/iaid teithio bod gennych asthma, ble y mae eichanadlydd, sut i’w ddenyddio a beth i’w wneud mewn argywng, oherwydd mae’namhrisiadwy cael rhywun wrth law sy’n gwybod am eich cyfwr, yn enwedig os naydd yr un o’r ddau ohonoch yn siarad yr iaith leol.

Byddwch yn ymwybodol o’r hinsawdd wahanolPan roeddwn yn Singapôr a Bangkok roedd yn arbennig o glos, a gallwn deimlo ymrest yn tynhau yno, elly mae’n bwysig iawn ystyried y mathau o hinsoddaurydych yn debyg o ymweld â nhw. Cyn mynd i wrdd, ni eddyliais am sut y byddai’rtywydd yn eeithio ar y asthma, elly mae’n werth edrych i weld sut y gall yrhinsawdd yn y mannau rydych yn debygol o ymweld â nhw eeithio arnoch. Heyd,er nad oeddwn i wedi bwriadu gwneud hynny, es i ddringo mynyddoedd aphlymio sgwba yn y môr tra roeddwn i wrdd. O edrych yn ôl, roedd yr ymarercor ychwanegol a’r amrywiaeth o uchderau a dynderoedd a oedd ynghlwm wrthy gweithgareddau hyn yn amlwg yn golygu y byddai wedi bod yn ddenyddiol, am ytro cynta ers blynyddoedd, cael y anadlydd wrth law yn hytrach na’i od yn y mag

yn yr hostel, elly pan yddwch yn meddwl am weithgareddau posibl, hyd yn oed osbydd awr ddim siawns y byddwch yn eu gwneud yn y pen draw, mae’n werthystyried ymlaen llaw beth y bydd ei angen arnoch (oherwydd y byddwch yn tueddui wneud penderyniadau yng ngwres y oment pan yddwch chi i wrdd!).

Yn gyredinol, nid yw teithio ag asthma mor anodd â hynny mewn gwirionedd;dylai’r rhestr isod eich helpu i baratoi i deithio dramor yn ddiogel. Gobeithio ycewch chi gymaint o hwyl ag y ceais inne ar y mlwyddyn allan.

Ben McNally (tri chyandir, pum taith, saith mis i wrdd, 2,500 o luniau, ac yn ôladre mewn un darn)

Rhestr Wirio Cwestiynau Allweddol:A ydych chi wedi trenu yswiriant teithio digonol?A yw’n werth talu i hepgor y tâl-dros-ben am oal meddygol?A yw’r yswiriant yn cwmpasu’r gweithgareddau cywir a’r cynod cywir o amser ybydda i wrdd?

A yw’n gyreithlon cymryd eich meddyginiaethau yn y gwledydd y byddwch ynymweld â nhw?A oes gennych chi’r presgripsiynau, y labeli a’r nodiadau meddyg priodol iddangos beth ydynt pan yddwch yn mynd drwy dollau a chael rhai newydd osbydd angen?



A oes gen i’r math cywir o anadlydd ar gyer y gweithgareddau rwy’n debygolo’u gwneud?A ydd hinsawdd/tirwedd y lle rwy’n ymweld ag e yn eeithio ar baeddyginiaeth, a aint ohono, sydd ei angen arna?

Os ydych yn ystyried teithio i fannau uchel, mae nyrsys asthma Asthma UK wedi

llunio’r cyngor canlynol i’w gadw mewn cof.

Ni ddylai uchder od yn broblem i bobl heini ac iach y mae eu hasthma’n cael eireoli’n dda, cyhyd â’u bod yn cymryd eu hamser wrth ynd i yny, yn cydnabod ac ynderbyn eu cyyngiadau ac yn addasu eu meddyginiaeth lle y bo angen.

Mae uchder yn dechrau eeithio ar bobl ar tua 1,500 – 2,000 metr o uchder, a byddeu cyr yn dechrau addasu i’r newid mewn leelau ocsigen. Wrth i chi ynd yn uwch,bydd y gwasgedd aer yn gostwng (bydd yr aer yn mynd yn deneuach), ellybyddwch yn cymryd llai o ocsigen i mewn i’ch cor gyda phob anadl unigol. Maeangen ocsigen arnoch i roi egni i chi i symud ond mae heyd yn hanodol i’chorganau. Wrth i’ch cor gael llai o ocsigen, bydd yn ymaddasu. Byddwch ynanadlu yn gyfymach ac yn ddynach. Bydd hynny’n creu mwy o gelloedd coch yneich gwaed er mwyn cludo mwy o ocsigen yn eich gwaed. Mae’r newidiadau hyn yncymryd amser, se y rheswm dros argymell eich bod yn cymryd eich amser i ddringoi yny a bydd hynny’n eich cadw chi’n iach. Os byddwch yn dringo i yny yn rhygyfym eallai y bydd gennych risg o ddatblygu salwch uchder acíwt. Cowch bennu

nodau realistig i chi eich hun.

Wrth deithio mewn mannau uchel, y peth pwysica yw gwneud yn siwr eich bod ynrheoli eich asthma yn dda cyn i chi deithio. Dyma rai awgrymiadau a allai od ynddenyddiol. Gwnewch apwyntiad gyda’ch meddyg neu’ch nyrs asthma ymhellymlaen llaw er mwyn adolygu eich asthma a goyn am gynllun gweithredu asthmaos nad oes eisoes gennych chi un. Bydd yn cynnwys gwybodaeth am beth y dylechei wneud os bydd eich asthma yn gwaethygu, pa gamau i’w cymryd a beth i’w

wneud mewn argywng. Cariwch gerdynBeth i’w Wneud Mewl Pwl

o AsthmaAsthma UK gyda chi bob amser a chadwch eich anadlydd lliniaru wrth law bobamser. Goynnwch i’ch meddyg ragnodi anadlydd sbâr y gallwch ynd ag e gydachi rhag on. Gwnewch yn siwr bod eich meddyginiaethau wedi’u labelu â’r dogna chadwch nhw’n ddiogel ynghyd â llythyr y meddyg. Trenwch yswiriant teithioac ystyriwch gorestru â’r Swydda Dramor a Chymanwlad. Gwnewch yn siwr eichbod yn gwybod sut i gael gaael ar eddyg sy’n siarad Saesneg yn yr ardal rydychyn bwriadu ymweld â hi a mynnwch gyngor meddygol unrhyw bryd y byddwch ynteimlo’n sâl.




Ffeithiau asthma

Cywr sy’n effeithio ar y llwybrau anadlu – y tiwbiau bach sy’n cludo aer i mewnac allan o’r ysgyfaint yw asthma. Pan ddaw rhywun ag asthma i gysylltiad ârhywbeth sy’n effeithio ar ei lwybrau anadlu (sbardun asthma), mae’r cyhyrau oamgylch waliau’r llwybrau anadlu yn tynhau sy’n achosi i’r llwybrau anadlugulhau ac mae leinin y llwybrau anadlu’n llidio ac yn dechrau chwyddo. Weithiaubydd mwcws gludiog neu fem yn cronni, a all wneud y llwybrau anadlu hyd ynoed yn fwy cul.

Mae’r adweithiau hyn yn achosi i’r llwybrau anadlu gulhau a llidio – sy’n eigwneud yn anodd anadlu ac sy’n arwain at symptomau asthma.Symptomau arferol asthma yw

peswchgwichiandiffyg anadltyndra yn y frest.

Ni fydd pawb yn cael pob un o’r symptomau hyn. Mae rhai pobl yn eu cael o

bryd i’w gilydd; gall rhai pobl gael y symptomau hyn drwy’r amser.Er nad oes modd cael gwared ar asthma, mae meddyginiaethau effeithiol ar gaeli drin asthma sy’n galluogi’r rhan fwyaf o bobl i’w reoli fel nad yw’n amharu ar eu bywyd bob dydd.

Gan mai cywr gydol oes yw asthma, mae’n bwysig eich bod yn cymryd eichmeddyginiaeth asthma yn ôl y gofyn. Dylai eich meddyg neu’ch nyrs asthmaesbonio sut i ddefnyddio eich anadlwyr yn briodol, fel eich bod yn cael y budd

mwyaf o bob dos. Dysgwch am y ffordd gywir o ddefnyddio eich anadlwyr lliniaru ac ataliol a dysgwch fwy am steroidau, gwahanwyr a nebiwleiddwyr ,ynghyd â sgîl-effeithiau posibl.

Rheoli eich asthma Mae gormod o bobl ag asthma yn treulio amser yn yr ysbyty yn ddiangen: gellidosgoi 75% o’r derbyniadau i’r ysbyty.

Os yw eich asthma o dan reolaeth, rydych yn fwy tebygol o gael ansawdd bywydgwell a gallu gwneud mwy o’r pethau rydych am eu gwneud.

Gall tri chwestiwn eich helpu i benderfynu a yw eich symptomau o dan reolaeth:















Yn ystod y mis diwethaf:A ydych wedi cael trafferth cysgu oherwydd eich symptomau asthma (gangynnwys peswch)?A ydych wedi bod yn cael eich symptomau asthma arferol yn ystod y dydd(peswch, gwichian, tyndra yn y frest neu ddiffyg anadl)?A yw eich asthma wedi amharu ar eich gweithgareddau arferol - ee gwaith ty,

gwaith, ysgol ac ati?

Os ydych wedi ateb ‘ydw’ neu ‘ydy’ i unrhyw un o’r cwestiynau uchod, mae’nbosibl bod modd rheoli eich asthma’n well. Ewch at eich meddyg neu’ch nyrsasthma i drafod sut y gallech wella’ch ffordd o reoli’ch asthma neu ffoniwch einLlinell Gyngor ar 0800 121 62 44.

Rhai arwyddion nad ydych yn rheoli eich asthma’n dda

Deffro yn y nos gyda pheswch, gwichian, diffyg anadl neu dyndra yn y frestRhaid i chi gymryd amser i ffwrdd o’r gwaith oherwydd eich asthmaRydych yn cael trafferth anadlu, ac mae eich anadliadau yn rhai isel a byr Mae angen i chi ddefnyddio eich anadlydd lliniaru’n amlachNid yw eich anadlydd lliniaru yn gweithio cystalRhaid i chi ddefnyddio eich anadlydd lliniaru mwy na phob pedair awr Rydych yn teimlo fel na allwch barhau â’ch lefel arferol o weithgarwchneu ymarfer.

Help er mwyn i chi reoli eich symptomauGallwch reoli eich asthma drwy wybod pa feddyginiaethau i’w cymryd, faintohonynt a phryd i’w cymryd. Mae hefyd yn bwysig osgoi pethau sy’n sbardunoeich asthma a gwybod beth i’w wneud os bydd eich symptomau’n gwaethygu.

Dylai’r holl wybodaeth hon gael ei chofnodi ar gynllun gweithredu asthmapersonol, a dylai’ch meddyg neu’ch nyrs asthma ei gwblhau mewn trafodaethâ chi. Mae Asthma UK yn cynhyrchu pecyn am ddim o’r enw Be in Control sy’n

cynnwys cynllun gweithredu, dyddiadur priglif, cerdyn meddyginiaeth a cherdynadolygu asthma.Awgrymiadau i reoli eich asthma.

Llinell Gyngor Asthma UK Os hoffech siarad â nyrs asthma arbenigol am reoli eich asthma, cysylltwch âLlinell Gyngor Asthma UK. Gallwch ei ffonio ar 0800 121 62 44 (rhwng 9am a5pm o ddydd Llun i ddydd Gwener).

Darllenwch fwy am Linell Gyngor Asthma UK.




http://www.asthma.org.uk/health_professionals/asthma_uk_adviceline/

http://www.asthma.org.uk/health_professionals/asthma_uk_adviceline/



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