Asthma sufferers across the region are being advised by experts to breathe easy as the allergy season reaches its peak.

The severe and brittle asthma unit (SBAU) at Heartlands Hospital expects a surge in asthma-related admissions over the summer months, with the increased levels of pollen, triggering severe attacks and chronic symptoms among sufferers.

Experts at the unit are advising sufferers to check their medication is up to date and look out for early warning signs of any attacks.

Dr Adel Mansur, consultant in respiratory medicine said: ‘We advise that if you, like many people, find that the hot weather is making your symptoms worse then watch out for the tell-tale signs. We would advise to take extra care over the next few months and if symptoms worsen, to visit your GP.”

Symptoms of uncontrolled asthma include:

·         Waking at night with coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or a tightness in the chest

·         Having to take time off work because of your asthma

·         Finding it difficult to breathe and breathing short shallow breaths

·         Needing reliever treatment more than usual, or taking reliever treatment more frequently than every four hours

·         Finding that your reliever does not seem to be working

·         Feeling that you cannot keep up with your usual level of activity or exercise

SBAU based at Heartlands Hospital is one of the leading centre’s in the UK, providing advice and assessment to patients suffering from difficult to control asthma.

World Asthma Day takes place on Tuesday 5 May 2009.