Asthma Spotlight

Continuing the current series on identifying modifiable risk factors that may have contributed to or caused an asthma attack, this podcast is about some of the conditions that may co-exist in addition to asthma. Once identified, they can be dealt with appropriately to try and improve asthma control and prevent future attacks. Please do listen to the episode on a recent inquest that concluded that a 10 year old boy's death due to asthma could have been prevented. (https://shows.acast.com/634ea305797059001268b976/6586cddc3f6ace00163958d6) and my 7-Step Plan to end asthma attacks in primary care (https://bigcatdoc.com/2024/01/10/2024-identify-that-an-asthma-attack-is-a-red-flag/)

Asthma Spotlight PODCAST and YOUTUBE Disclaimer: The opinions I express in these blogs, podcasts and videos are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contain my own opinions. I will make every effort to broadcast correct information but listeners must realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as possible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this  includes but is not limited to patients that you are treating.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog.

ADDITIONAL LEGAL DISCLAIMER All Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos: This blog, video or podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast or blog.

Privacy notice Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos:  While you may give your email address to me if you send any questions to [email protected] to be answered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contact information with any third parties without your explicit permission.

Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:   The Asthma Spotlight podcast and videos may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the sites. 

Chronic Asthma affects respiratory health by causing obstruction of airflow in the lungs. Typical symptoms are cough, wheeze, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing which come and go. Asthma inflammation flares up with symptoms at times due to exposure to trigger factors like pollen, animal dander, smoke, dust, and some medications - this can result in asthma attacks needing urgent treatment. Asthma is mainly treated by family doctors who would refer those whose diagnosis is not clear, or whose asthma is uncontrolled despite treatment, and those with suspected severe asthma. The podcasts are intended mainly for family doctors, nurses, and people who have asthma or who care for someone with asthma. The podcast is not intended as medical advice, rather to inform people what sort of questions to ask their doctor when they consult. Questions and comments are welcome at [email protected]. Please share this podcast with others who treat or who have asthma.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Asthma attacks and deaths are preventable in the vast majority of these episodes. This is the third episode on practical ways that health care professionals can identify and deal with potentially preventable factors that cause asthma attacks - in this case Ive focussed on inhaler technique - the key message being that if someone cannot use their inhaler properly - the drug will not be able to reach the place in the lungs where it works. This episode will help in implementing my 7-Step Plan to eradicate asthma attacks, which will benefit patients through reduced preventable attacks and deaths and also reduce workload for health carers through reduction in unscheduled attendance for treatment of attacks. For details on the 7-Step Plan see: https://bigcatdoc.com/2024/01/10/2024-identify-that-an-asthma-attack-is-a-red-flag/

Asthma Spotlight PODCAST and YOUTUBE Disclaimer: The opinions I express in these blogs, podcasts and videos are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contain my own opinions. I will make every effort to broadcast correct information but listeners must realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as possible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this  includes but is not limited to patients that you are treating.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog.

ADDITIONAL LEGAL DISCLAIMER All Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos: This blog, video or podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast or blog.

Privacy notice Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos:  While you may give your email address to me if you send any questions to [email protected] to be answered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contact information with any third parties without your explicit permission.

Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:   The Asthma Spotlight podcast and videos may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the sites.

Chronic Asthma affects respiratory health by causing obstruction of airflow in the lungs. Typical symptoms are cough, wheeze, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing which come and go. Asthma inflammation flares up with symptoms at times due to exposure to trigger factors like pollen, animal dander, smoke, dust, and some medications - this can result in asthma attacks needing urgent treatment. Asthma is mainly treated by family doctors who would refer those whose diagnosis is not clear, or whose asthma is uncontrolled despite treatment, and those with suspected severe asthma. The podcasts are intended mainly for family doctors, nurses, and people who have asthma or who care for someone with asthma. The podcast is not intended as medical advice, rather to inform people what sort of questions to ask their doctor when they consult. Questions and comments are welcome at [email protected]. Please share this podcast with others who treat or who have asthma.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the second episode aimed primarily for general practitioners and emphasises the rationale and need for all those diagnosed with asthma to be prescribed inhaled corticosteroids either as needed depending on the local licence, or regularly. In many asthma attacks and deaths, people have either not been prescribed or are not collecting sufficient inhaled corticosteroid preventer medication. The three ways these inhaled corticosteroid inhalers can be prescribed are described in the podcast and some ways that general practices v=can identify those who are taking insufficient are detailed in the podcast. Please listen to episode 50 for some backgroung and do have a look at my website www.bigcatdoc.com. Also do email me with any queries - [email protected].

Asthma Spotlight PODCAST and YOUTUBE Disclaimer: The opinions I express in these blogs, podcasts and videos are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contain my own opinions. I will make every effort to broadcast correct information but listeners must realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as possible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this  includes but is not limited to patients that you are treating.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog.

ADDITIONAL LEGAL DISCLAIMER All Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos: This blog, video or podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast or blog.

Privacy notice Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos:  While you may give your email address to me if you send any questions to [email protected] to be answered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contact information with any third parties without your explicit permission.

Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:   The Asthma Spotlight podcast and videos may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the sites.

Chronic Asthma affects respiratory health by causing obstruction of airflow in the lungs. Typical symptoms are cough, wheeze, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing which come and go. Asthma inflammation flares up with symptoms at times due to exposure to trigger factors like pollen, animal dander, smoke, dust, and some medications - this can result in asthma attacks needing urgent treatment. Asthma is mainly treated by family doctors who would refer those whose diagnosis is not clear, or whose asthma is uncontrolled despite treatment, and those with suspected severe asthma. The podcasts are intended mainly for family doctors, nurses, and people who have asthma or who care for someone with asthma. The podcast is not intended as medical advice, rather to inform people what sort of questions to ask their doctor when they consult. Questions and comments are welcome at [email protected]. Please share this podcast with others who treat or who have asthma.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the first in a series of discussions to help primary care eradicate asthma attacks and preventable asthma deaths. Following the recent inquest report on a potentially preventable death due to asthma in a 10 year old boy, I am continuing with my attempt to encourage general practices to accept that this is the last straw. Too many potentially preventable asthma deaths continue to be reported in the UK and GPs have the ability to end this appalling, tragic situation. Please see my web description of the 7 Step Plan to eradicate asthma attacks at : https://bigcatdoc.com/2024/01/10/2024-identify-that-an-asthma-attack-is-a-red-flag/ . In this episode Ive started a discussion on practical ways to approach the problem - its not rocket science!

Asthma Spotlight PODCAST and YOUTUBE Disclaimer: The opinions I express in these blogs, podcasts and videos are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contain my own opinions. I will make every effort to broadcast correct information but listeners must realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as possible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this  includes but is not limited to patients that you are treating.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog.

ADDITIONAL LEGAL DISCLAIMER All Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos: This blog, video or podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast or blog.

Privacy notice Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos:  While you may give your email address to me if you send any questions to [email protected] to be answered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contact information with any third parties without your explicit permission.

Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:   The Asthma Spotlight podcast and videos may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the sites. 

Chronic Asthma affects respiratory health by causing obstruction of airflow in the lungs. Typical symptoms are cough, wheeze, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing which come and go. Asthma inflammation flares up with symptoms at times due to exposure to trigger factors like pollen, animal dander, smoke, dust, and some medications - this can result in asthma attacks needing urgent treatment. Asthma is mainly treated by family doctors who would refer those whose diagnosis is not clear, or whose asthma is uncontrolled despite treatment, and those with suspected severe asthma. The podcasts are intended mainly for family doctors, nurses, and people who have asthma or who care for someone with asthma. The podcast is not intended as medical advice, rather to inform people what sort of questions to ask their doctor when they consult. Questions and comments are welcome at [email protected]. Please share this podcast with others who treat or who have asthma.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An asthma attack is a significant event because it is preventable and can cause harm, even death. So Generakl practitioners should see evry asthma attack in patients as a signal that treatment has failed and make every effiort to identify potentially modifiable risk factors (like excess SABA, insufficient preventer, poor adherence, poor inhaler technique and take action to fix the problem. A simple 7-step plan provides a practical method to end asthma attacks in patients. Please see https://bigcatdoc.com/2024/01/10/2024-identify-that-an-asthma-attack-is-a-red-flag/ for an explanation and for an example template form for reviewing people who have had attacks.

Asthma Spotlight PODCAST and YOUTUBE Disclaimer: The opinions I express in these blogs, podcasts and videos are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contain my own opinions. I will make every effort to broadcast correct information but listeners must realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as possible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this  includes but is not limited to patients that you are treating.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog.

ADDITIONAL LEGAL

DISCLAIMER All Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos: This blog, video or podcast should not be used in any legal

capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of

care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No

guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on

the podcast or blog.

Privacy notice Asthma

Spotlight Podcast and videos:  While you may give

your email address to me if you send any questions to [email protected] to be

answered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contact

information with any third parties without your explicit permission.

Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:   The Asthma Spotlight podcast and videos may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the sites. 

Chronic Asthma affects respiratory health by causing obstruction of airflow in the lungs. Typical symptoms are cough, wheeze, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing which come and go. Asthma inflammation flares up with symptoms at times due to exposure to trigger factors like pollen, animal dander, smoke, dust, and some medications - this can result in asthma attacks needing urgent treatment. Asthma is mainly treated by family doctors who would refer those whose diagnosis is not clear, or whose asthma is uncontrolled despite treatment, and those with suspected severe asthma. The podcasts are intended mainly for family doctors, nurses, and people who have asthma or who care for someone with asthma. The podcast is not intended as medical advice, rather to inform people what sort of questions to ask their doctor when they consult. Questions and comments are welcome at [email protected]. Please share this podcast with others who treat or who have asthma.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Asthma attacks and preventable deaths can be reduced by recognising and dealing with modifiable risk factors. Common risk factors for asthma attacks include: excess prescriptions and use of reliever inhalers; insufficient or no prescription of inhaled corticosteroid preventer inhalers; poor inhaler technique; exposure to triggers like non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; smoking (including vaping). I have suggested a 7-step plan to reduce preventable asthma attacks and deaths. Please also see my talk on Youtube at https://youtu.be/wlJ0a7_qgPI see also my blog on this topic at https://bit.ly/3vxpxJt

Asthma Spotlight PODCAST and YOUTUBE Disclaimer: The opinions I express in these blogs, podcasts and videos are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contain my own opinions. I will make every effort to broadcast correct information but listeners must realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as possible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this  includes but is not limited to patients that you are treating.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog.

ADDITIONAL LEGAL DISCLAIMER All Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos: This blog, video or podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast or blog.

Privacy notice Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos:  While you may give your email address to me if you send any questions to [email protected] to be answered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contact information with any third parties without your explicit permission.

Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:   The Asthma Spotlight podcast and videos may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the sites. 

Chronic Asthma affects respiratory health by causing obstruction of airflow in the lungs. Typical symptoms are cough, wheeze, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing which come and go. Asthma inflammation flares up with symptoms at times due to exposure to trigger factors like pollen, animal dander, smoke, dust, and some medications - this can result in asthma attacks needing urgent treatment. Asthma is mainly treated by family doctors who would refer those whose diagnosis is not clear, or whose asthma is uncontrolled despite treatment, and those with suspected severe asthma. The podcasts are intended mainly for family doctors, nurses, and people who have asthma or who care for someone with asthma. The podcast is not intended as medical advice, rather to inform people what sort of questions to ask their doctor when they consult. Questions and comments are welcome at [email protected]. Please share this podcast with others who treat or who have asthma.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Asthma deaths in children are tragic and in most cases potentially avoidable. This podcast was prompted by the recent coroners report and regulation 28 statement aimed at preventing future deaths, available at - https://bit.ly/3tDVr6h . All doctors and nurses, pharmacists, health care assistants and managers responsible for caring for children - all children - because asthma is the commonest chronic childhood illness should listen to this story and share it with colleagues. Parents and people with asthma will also find this information useful. There is an urgent need to end complacency about asthma care particularly in the UNited Kingdom. Please email me with any comments and see my website for more information. - www.bigcatdoc.com

Asthma Spotlight PODCAST and YOUTUBE Disclaimer: The opinions I express in these blogs, podcasts and videos are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contain my own opinions. I will make every effort to broadcast correct information but listeners must realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as possible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this  includes but is not limited to patients that you are treating.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog.

ADDITIONAL LEGAL DISCLAIMER All Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos: This blog, video or podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast or blog.

Privacy notice Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos:  While you may give your email address to me if you send any questions to [email protected] to be answered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contact information with any third parties without your explicit permission.

Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:   The Asthma Spotlight podcast and videos may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the sites. 

Chronic Asthma affects respiratory health by causing obstruction of airflow in the lungs. Typical symptoms are cough, wheeze, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing which come and go. Asthma inflammation flares up with symptoms at times due to exposure to trigger factors like pollen, animal dander, smoke, dust, and some medications - this can result in asthma attacks needing urgent treatment. Asthma is mainly treated by family doctors who would refer those whose diagnosis is not clear, or whose asthma is uncontrolled despite treatment, and those with suspected severe asthma. The podcasts are intended mainly for family doctors, nurses, and people who have asthma or who care for someone with asthma. The podcast is not intended as medical advice, rather to inform people what sort of questions to ask their doctor when they consult. Questions and comments are welcome at [email protected]. Please share this podcast with others who treat or who have asthma.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Asthma is a chronic ongoing disease. Sadly it is often treated by health care professionals as if its an acute condition - ie attacks are treated without any investigation of cause and without follow up to address modifiable risk factors. In this episode I have emphasised the use of agreeing personal self management plans for attacks to also educate people on identifying poor control. Please do email me with any queries and share this with front line health care professionals in primary care and ED/A&E.

Asthma Spotlight PODCAST and YOUTUBE Disclaimer: The opinions I express in these blogs, podcasts and videos are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contain my own opinions. I will make every efforwithout any investigation of the cause - and t to broadcast correct information but listeners must realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as possible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this  includes but is not limited to patients that you are treating.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog.

ADDITIONAL LEGAL DISCLAIMER All Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos: This blog, video or podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast or blog.

Privacy notice Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos:  While you may give your email address to me if you send any questions to [email protected] to be answered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contact information with any third parties without your explicit permission.

Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:   The Asthma Spotlight podcast and videos may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the sites. 

Chronic Asthma affects respiratory health by causing obstruction of airflow in the lungs. Typical symptoms are cough, wheeze, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing which come and go. Asthma inflammation flares up with symptoms at times due to exposure to trigger factors like pollen, animal dander, smoke, dust, and some medications - this can result in asthma attacks needing urgent treatment. Asthma is mainly treated by family doctors who would refer those whose diagnosis is not clear, or whose asthma is uncontrolled despite treatment, and those with suspected severe asthma. The podcasts are intended mainly for family doctors, nurses, and people who have asthma or who care for someone with asthma. The podcast is not intended as medical advice, rather to inform people what sort of questions to ask their doctor when they consult. Questions and comments are welcome at [email protected]. Please share this podcast with others who treat or who have asthma.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are lots of causes of asthma attacks. The common cold virus, the Rhinovirus is one of the commonest causes. The key to avoiding asthma attacks is to ensi=ure good control of underlying inflammation - by taking preventer medication as prescribed by your doctor! Ive used Dr Stan Szeffler's use of a volcanic eruption to describe what happens in an asthma attack - where there ios underlying poor control with increased inflammation and then a virus comes along and adds to the inflammation with increased inflammation, increased twitchiness and narrowing of the airways all combining into a an 'eruption or explosive' asthma attack - very much like the way the lava boils away and then explodes into a volcanic eruption.

Asthma Spotlight PODCAST and YOUTUBE Disclaimer: The opinions I express in these blogs, podcasts and videos are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contain my own opinions. I will make every effort to broadcast correct information but listeners must realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as possible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this  includes but is not limited to patients that you are treating.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog.

ADDITIONAL LEGAL DISCLAIMER All Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos: This blog, video or podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast or blog.

Privacy notice Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos:  While you may give your email address to me if you send any questions to [email protected] to be answered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contact information with any third parties without your explicit permission.

Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:   The Asthma Spotlight podcast and videos may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the sites. 

Chronic Asthma affects respiratory health by causing obstruction of airflow in the lungs. Typical symptoms are cough, wheeze, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing which come and go. Asthma inflammation flares up with symptoms at times due to exposure to trigger factors like pollen, animal dander, smoke, dust, and some medications - this can result in asthma attacks needing urgent treatment. Asthma is mainly treated by family doctors who would refer those whose diagnosis is not clear, or whose asthma is uncontrolled despite treatment, and those with suspected severe asthma. The podcasts are intended mainly for family doctors, nurses, and people who have asthma or who care for someone with asthma. The podcast is not intended as medical advice, rather to inform people what sort of questions to ask their doctor when they consult. Questions and comments are welcome at [email protected]. Please share this podcast with others who treat or who have asthma.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Asthma attacks can happen without warning and this podcast focusses on preparation and dealing with asthma attacks when away from home. Preventing asthma attacks by following your doctors advice regarding your preventer medication is key to staying safe when going on holiday or visiting away from home. This podcast is intended for people with asthma, their children, and also health care professionals caring for them. Facilities and conditions at the destination, having a personal self management plan, self assessment of severity of attacks and getting help are all discussed. How to use peak flow measurements to identify and to tell how bad attacks are is available in this video: https://youtu.be/ycKGtrP55l8 .

Asthma Spotlight PODCAST and YOUTUBE Disclaimer: The opinions I express in these blogs, podcasts and videos are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, medical, health, or professional advice of any kind. The information contained in this podcast is an educational service that provides general health information about asthma and is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. This podcast contain my own opinions. I will make every effort to broadcast correct information but listeners must realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor may have a different way of doing things from another. I am simply presenting my views on asthma that will be as evidence based as possible I do not promote any asthma medications or devices. By listening to this podcast, which is intended for people with asthma and their caregivers, you agree not to use this podcast or blog as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and if you are a health professional, this  includes but is not limited to patients that you are treating.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog. You understand and agree that under no circumstances shall Dr Mark Levy any guests or contributors to the podcast or blog be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast or blog.

ADDITIONAL LEGAL DISCLAIMER All Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos: This blog, video or podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast or blog.

Privacy notice Asthma Spotlight Podcast and videos:  While you may give your email address to me if you send any questions to [email protected] to be answered in future podcasts, I will never share your email address or contact information with any third parties without your explicit permission.

Advertising policy Asthma Spotlight Podcast:   The Asthma Spotlight podcast and videos may receive advertising money; Dr Mark Levy and any other presenters on Asthma Spotlight podcast do NOT endorse any of the adverts placed on the sites. 

Chronic Asthma affects respiratory health by causing obstruction of airflow in the lungs. Typical symptoms are cough, wheeze, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing which come and go. Asthma inflammation flares up with symptoms at times due to exposure to trigger factors like pollen, animal dander, smoke, dust, and some medications - this can result in asthma attacks needing urgent treatment. Asthma is mainly treated by family doctors who would refer those whose diagnosis is not clear, or whose asthma is uncontrolled despite treatment, and those with suspected severe asthma. The podcasts are intended mainly for family doctors, nurses, and people who have asthma or who care for someone with asthma. The podcast is not intended as medical advice, rather to inform people what sort of questions to ask their doctor when they consult. Questions and comments are welcome at [email protected]. Please share this podcast with others who treat or who have asthma.

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