what is brittle asthma?

I keep reading about different types of asthma, and the above really has me flumoxed.

Don't wish to trivialise it but what is it please?

Hope, needless to say, that it doesn't give you too many problems.

[Minushabens]

I think it's a kind of volatile asthma where peak flow & symptoms vary wildly over short timescales but perhaps others who experience it can be more specific.

I assume that brittle asthma can also fall into the traditional types (atopic, work-related, etc.)???

[freefaller]

It is just that fluctuating wildly and having many changes of inhalers to try and satabilise the condition, possibly lots of hospital admissionsand lots of infections too. At least that was my experience of it.

[Dasroots]

Type 1 brittle asthma is where peak flow is chaotic and sudden server attacks happen requiring hospitalisation.

Type 2 brittle asthma is where Inbetween attacks you are quite stable asthma wise but you still suffer bad attacks requiring hospital admission.

Hope that helps.

[Hidden]

That sounds really awful, makes my CVA sound like a walk in the park.

Thankyou for letting me know

JennyCee

[Hidden]

thanks to everyone for putting me right on this dreadful condition. Had absolutely no idea something like this existed, and the awful story of the young boy who went to

the toilet in the night!!!! No wonder it's not forgotten

JennyCee

[KateMoss]

As Dasroots says, there are two types of brittle or difficult asthma .

Type one BAs are often on hefty doses of a cocktail of mess but are still symptomatic all the time. Often dependent on steroids. I take quite a whack of meds...

Type two, can appear quite well most of the time but then have very sudden severe atacks that require emergency admission.

I have type one and have had a lot of long stay admissions , I am also prone to sudden severe attacks too. I carry epipens as this helps keep me going until the paramedics arrive.

Most asthmatics are mild / moderate and most, with the right support can lead an active life.... There are quite a few sports people who have asthma....

[Hidden]

Thankyou for replying. Think I've got the message now, and pleased I'm not in

the running for it.

Regards

Jenny