Surviving university with asthma

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Smoking

Whether its cigarettes or cannabis, smoking can damage the lungs and make yourasthma worse. Its 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. Its 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 isnt easy, but if you have asthma, stopping smoking may be one of thegreatest things you can do to improve your life and health.

If youre 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 00Asian quitline: 0800 00 22 88

asthma.org.uk/smoking

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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. Its 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.

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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 fact le for more information about this.

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Depression

What is depression?People often use the word depression to describe feeling a bit low or fed upalthough true depression is a more serious and prolonged feeling. Often, when youfeel down someone or something can help pick you back up again but if you feeldown for a long time and it starts getting in the way of your everyday life then youmay 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 studiessuggest that depression is two to three times more common in people with chronicillnesses 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 feelingtired and unmotivated to look after asthma properly. In turn, having to put up withasthma symptoms can make you more worried and depressed, and you may feelthat your doctor or asthma nurse doesnt understand. But your doctor and nurseare there to help you.

Top tips for managing depression and asthmaWhen youre feeling depressed its sometimes hard to keep in mind the things youneed to do to keep healthy but paying attention to your health and well-being isreally important. Look after yourself by following our suggestions below:

Try not to smokeIf youre a smoker, you may notice that you smoke more when you feeldepressed. This wont help either your asthma or depression and can make youfeel more anxious and stressed.Eat well and eat regularlyA 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 thatpromote a happy mood.Check out our exercising top tips to get you started.

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Talk about how you feelTalking about how you feel is really important in tackling depression.Try relaxation techniquesSome studies have shown that breathing training and relaxation taught by aphysiotherapist can reduce asthma symptoms and improve quality of life.These exercises work by promoting general relaxation and lessening some of thephysical tension that builds up from ongoing stress and depression.

The most important thing to remember is that depression is not an easy thing, buttaking one day at a time and keeping an open mind about the support available toyou can eventually lead to a better outlook.

You can nd out lots more about depression, its impact on your asthma and thethings you can do to help by downloading our fact le.

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Talk to someone

Sometimes the last thing you want to do when youre eeling down is talk aboutit but telling a good riend who you think you can confde in about how you eelcan really help. You may not fnd this easy to do but bottling up your emotionswont help either. Writing down how you eel and what you want to say cansometimes help.

Also, some people fnd it easier to talk to someone other than a riend or a amilymember. You could talk to your asthma nurse or doctor, or you may pre er 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 themabout any concerns you may have about asthma, no matter how big or small.

Asthma UK Be riending SchemeI youd like to meet up with other people your age with asthma in your area thenyou can get involved with Asthma UKs Be riending Scheme. Were looking orvolunteers 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 organisationsCheck out the list o use ul 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 maysuggest or re er you or additional support or you can also check out these use ulorganisations who also o er ree support and guidance:

University Counselling Services student.counselling.co.ukProvides in ormation about support available to UK university studentsand helps students locate appropriate services.

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Anxiety UK anxietyuk.org.uk

Provides in ormation and support or those living with anxiety disorders. Alsohas a downloadable booklet about dealing with exam stress.

ChildLinehelpline: 0800 1111childline.org.ukFree confdential 24 -hour helpline or children and young people in the UK withwebchat acility.

Get Connectedhelpline: 0808 808 [email protected]

getconnected.org.uk A ree service including a webchat acility or young people advising on how toget the best help.

Samaritanshelpline: 08457 90 90 [email protected]

24-hour emergency telephone helpline.

Youth Access 020 8772 9900 youthaccess.org.uk

In ormation on youth counselling.

YoungMinds 020 7336 8445 youngminds.org.uk

National charity committed to improving the mental health o all babies, childrenand young people. Provides in ormation or both parents and young people.

MindIn oline: 0300 123 3393in [email protected] charity helping people take control o their mental health by providingin ormation and advice.

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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 aconsultant at the hospital local to your university.

Check your room doesnt have any mould in it, and if it does report it and get it treated, asmould 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, goand see the university Student Welfare and Support of ce to see what help you are entitledto. Dont forget you may be entitled to nancial support such asDisabled Students Allowances.

Tell your new atmates that you have asthma, and about any allergies you have so that theycan help you if you have any trouble.

Fill in a HC1 form so you can get free prescriptions (unless youre going to University inWales, Scotland or Northern Ireland where its free for everyone!)

Dont forget to regularly clean your room and get rid of all those house-dust mites!

If youre living in university halls that do room spot checks, and you have a nebuliser,make sure they know its medical equipment (mine got removed because they thought it wasa bong!).

Dont 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

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Saving money on the cost of asthma at university

Many people nd the cost of living with asthma dif cult and its particularlydif cult when youre 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 speci c learning dif culty 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 Irelandstudent nanceni.co.ukFor Scotland visit Student Award Agency for Scotland saas.gov.ukFor Wales visit Student Finance Wales student nancewales.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

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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 certi cates (PPC)Try taking advantage of the pre-payment certi cate which is like a season ticket,saving you money if you need regular prescriptions.A Pre-payment certi cate 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 fact le on prescriptions for more information asthma.org.uk/fact les

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 turn 2 us.org.uk .Speak to your Student Welfare and Support of ce 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

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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 hope ully) wont 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 su ered an asthma attack whileon one o the islands and needed emergency treatment the only way to get to ahospital was by plane or helicopter. In an emergency, because its essential theylldo 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 thats 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 doctors appointmentor replacement prescription. You must make sure to let the insurance company

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

Making sure its or the right amount o time, and that the right type o activities arecovered is also o equal importance, and its 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/E 111 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 countriestheyre really strict on prescription medicines, and i you dont 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 di erent drugs with you. Consequently, its defnitely worth checking online be oreyou go whats okay and whats not, but either way, you should take yourprescription or a doctors note with you just in case. These sorts o documents willalso be use ul 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.

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Let people youre travelling with know you have asthmaI was travelling or most o the time with at least one riend rom home, but therewere o ten times when we were the only people who spoke English in an entirevillage, so its 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 youre likelyto visit is really important. Be ore I went away, I didnt really think about how theweather was going to a ect my asthma so its worth having a check on how theconditions in places youre likely to be going may a ect 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 couldveactually done with my inhaler being handy or the frst time in years, rather than inmy backpack at the hostel, so when youre looking into and planning out activitiesthat you think theres even the smallest opportunity you might do, its worththinking in advance about what you might need (as you tend to get caught up inspur o the moment decisions when youre away!).

Overall, travelling with asthma isnt too daunting really; just having a look over thechecklist below should set you up or sa e travels abroad. I hope you have as much

un 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 doctors notes to identi ythem 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 a ect what and how muchmedicine I need?

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If you are thinking about travelling to areas of high altitude, Asthma UKs 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 e ect 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 be ore you travel. Here are some tips which you may fnd use ul. 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 dont have one already. It will

contain in ormation on what to do should your asthma worsen, what steps to takeand what to do in an emergency. Always carry Asthma UKs 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 sa e along with a doctors letter. Have travelinsurance arranged and consider registering with the Foreign CommonwealthO fce. 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.

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Asthma basics

Asthma is a condition that a ects 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 itdi cult 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 theres no cure or asthma, there are e ective medicines or asthmathat allow most people to control their asthma so that is doesnt inter ere withdaily li e.

As asthma is a li elong condition its 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

bene t. Find out the right way to use your reliever and preventer inhalers andmore about steroids , spacers and nebulisers , and possible side e ects.

Controlling your asthmaToo many people with asthma spend time in hospital when they shouldnt haveto: 75% o hospital admissions could be avoided.

I your asthma is under control, youre more likely to have a better quality o li e

and be more able to do the things you want to.Three questions can help you to decide whether your symptoms areunder control:

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In the last month:have you had di culty 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 inter ered with your usual activities eg housework, work,school etc?

I youve 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 di cult 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 in ormation 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 ( 9 am5 pm, MondayFriday).Read more about the Asthma UK Adviceline .

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Sut i oroesi eich blwyddyn gyntaf yn y brifysgol:

Cofrestrwch Meddyg Teulu yn y brifysgol cyn gynted phosibl.

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

Gwnewch yn sir nad oes unrhyw lwydni yn eich ystafell. Os oes llwydni, rhowch wybodamdano a gwnewch yn sir 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 or chweched dosbarth neur colegoherwydd eich asthma, ewch i siarad swyddfa Cymorth a Lles Myfyrwyr y brifysgol i weld pahelp sydd ar gael i chi. Co wch y gall fod gennych hawl i gael cymorth ariannol gan yllywodraeth megis Lwfansau Myfyrwyr Anabl.

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

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

Co wch 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 sir bod y brifysgol yn gwybod mai cyfarpar meddygol ydyw(gwnaethant gymryd fy un i am eu bod yn credu mai bong ydoedd!).

Peidiwch ag angho o cymryd eich meddyginiaethau yng nghanol yr holl barton!

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

Oes gennych ragor o gwestiynau am asthma yn y brifysgol?Ewch in gwefan asthma.org.uk/youngadultsDewch o hyd i ni ar facebook facebook.com/bigupyourchestFfoniwch un on harbenigwyr nyrsio asthma arbennig ar 0800 121 62 44

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Arbed arian ar gost asthma yn y brifysgol

Maer gost o fyw gydag asthma yn anodd i lawer o bobl ac maen arbennig oanodd pan fyddwch yn fyfyriwr a ddim yn ennill llawer o arian.

Gobeithio y bydd y wybodaeth ar 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, cy wr iechyd parhaus fel asthma, cy wr iechyd meddwl neuanhawster dysgu penodol fel dyslecsia, ac rydych am fynd ir brifysgol.

Ni fydd angen i chi ei dalu yn l ac nid ywr swm a roddir i chi yn dibynnu ar eichincwm, maen 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 acmaen sicr yn werth ymchwilio iddo. Maen amrywio ledled y DU, felly:

Yng Nghymru, ewch i wefan Cyllid Myfyrwyr Cymru student nancewales.co.ukYn Lloegr, ewch i wefan Directgov direct.gov.ukYng Ngogledd Iwerddon, ewch i wefan Student Finance Northern Ireland student nanceni.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 ir brifysgol yn Lloegr, bydd angen i chi dalu am eich

presgripsiynau. Ni fydd angen ir rhai syn mynd ir brifysgol yng Nghymru, ynyr Alban ac yng Ngogledd Iwerddon, ac sydd wediu cofrestru 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 - ffur enni HC1

Efallai y bydd rhai myfyrwyr yn gallu cael help chostaur 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

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gwblhau ffur en gais HC1 y GIG i wneud hyn. Gallwch ofyn am ffur en 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 syn 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 (maen werth ei chael os bydd angen mwy na thair eitem arnoch yn ystod y cyfnod hwn).104 am 12 mis (maen 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/fact les) neu ewch ir 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 caniatu hyn ond bydd yn dibynnun llwyr ar bolisau lleol felly gofynnwch ich Meddyg Teulu. Gall weithion 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 syn berthnasol i chi. Ewch i wefan Turn 2 Us am ragor owybodaeth turn2us.org.ukSiaradwch 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. Maen rhestru pobmath o help ariannol sydd ar gael i bobl ag asthma. asthma.org.uk

Asthma UK 2011. Registered charity in England 802364 and in Scotland SCO 39322 HP1870911

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Fy awgrymiadau ar gyfer teithio ag asthma

Trefnwch yswiriant teithioUn or pethau cynta y dylech ei ystyried pan yddwch yn gadael y wlad, boed ynwyliau ha gydar bois neur merched, neun fwyddyn allan dramor, yw yswiriantteithio. Er y gall ymddangos yn ddifas chwilio drwyr holl bolisau ac yn ddrud amrywbeth na yddwch chi (gobeithio) yn ei dde nyddio, maen gwbl han odol. Panymwelais i ag Awstralia, es i hwylio o amgylch Ynysoedd Whitsunday (rhywbethsyn 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 or ynysoedd a bod angen triniaeth

rys arna i, dim ond drwy gael awyren neu ho rennydd y byddwn wedi gallucyrraedd yr ysbyty. Mewn argy wng, am ei bod yn han odol, byddant yn gwneudpopeth y gallant i o alu 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 ar

loedd o bunnoedd. Mae hon yn enghrai t eithriadol, ond co wch y gall gostiodros 100 i ymweld meddyg yn UDA, dim ond am ymgynghoriad chwarter awr.Os byddwch yn gwario racsiwn or 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. Co wch roi gwybod ir cwmniyswiriant bod gennych asthma. Os na yddwch yn gwneud hynny a bod rhywbethyn mynd o chwith, gall y cwmni yswirio hawlion gy awn na roddwyd y wybodaethgywir iddo ac e allai na ydd yn talu os byddwch yn gwneud hawliad.

Maer un mor bwysig gwneud yn siwr ei od yn cwmpasur cy nod cywir, ar mathcywir o weithgareddau, ac mae el ar er yn werth talu tua 10 yn ychwanegol ihepgor y tl-dros-ben am o al meddygol yn y marn i. Pan yddwch yn teithio ogwmpas gwledydd yn yr UE, gwnewch yn siwr eich bod yn mynd cherdyn EHIC/E111 gyda chi syn eich galluogi i gael ga ael ar yr un le el o driniaeth, am yr unpris, phobl leol.

Byddwch yn ymwybodol or rheolau o ran mynd meddyginiaeth i mewn iwledydd eraill.Er bod y rhan wya or lleoedd yr ymwelais i nhw yn iawn, ce ais wybod eu bod ynllym iawn mewn rhai gwledydd o ran meddyginiaethau presgripsiwn, ac os nad ywrpecyn gwreiddiol, y presgripsiwn ar cy arwyddiadau gennych chi, gall yr

awdurdodau eu cymryd oddi wrthych. Mewn rhai gwledydd, ceir rheolau ynglyn chael symiau penodol o gy uriau gwahanol gyda chi. O ganlyniad, maen sicr ynwerth edrych ar-lein cyn i chi ynd i weld beth syn iawn a beth syn annerbyniol,ond dylech ynd ch presgripsiwn neu nodyn gan y meddyg gyda chi rhag o n bethbynnag. Bydd dog ennau or ath yn dde nyddiol os bydd angen i chi gael rhagor

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och meddyginiaethau pan yddwch dramor, a dylech ystyried gwneud hynny argy er unrhyw eddyginiaethau rydych yn eu cymryd, nid dim ond pethau syngysylltiedig 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 or amser, ond

yn aml, ni yddair unig bobl a oedd yn siarad Saesneg yn y pentre , elly maen sicryn werth rhoi gwybod ich partner/iaid teithio bod gennych asthma, ble y mae eichanadlydd, sut iw dde nyddio a beth iw wneud mewn argy wng, oherwydd maenamhrisiadwy cael rhywun wrth law syn gwybod am eich cyfwr, yn enwedig os na

ydd yr un or ddau ohonoch yn siarad yr iaith leol.

Byddwch yn ymwybodol or hinsawdd wahanolPan roeddwn yn Singapr a Bangkok roedd yn arbennig o glos, a gallwn deimlo ymrest yn tynhau yno, elly maen bwysig iawn ystyried y mathau o hinsoddaurydych yn debyg o ymweld nhw. Cyn mynd i wrdd, ni eddyliais am sut y byddairtywydd yn e eithio ar y asthma, elly maen werth edrych i weld sut y gall yrhinsawdd yn y mannau rydych yn debygol o ymweld nhw e eithio arnoch. He yd,er nad oeddwn i wedi bwriadu gwneud hynny, es i ddringo mynyddoedd aphlymio sgwba yn y mr tra roeddwn i wrdd. O edrych yn l, roedd yr ymar ercor ychwanegol ar amrywiaeth o uchderau a dy nderoedd a oedd ynghlwm wrthy gweithgareddau hyn yn amlwg yn golygu y byddai wedi bod yn dde nyddiol, am ytro cynta ers blynyddoedd, cael y anadlydd wrth law yn hytrach nai od yn y magyn 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, maen werthystyried ymlaen llaw beth y bydd ei angen arnoch (oherwydd y byddwch yn tueddui wneud pender yniadau yng ngwres y oment pan yddwch chi i wrdd!).

Yn gy redinol, nid yw teithio ag asthma mor anodd hynny mewn gwirionedd;dylair rhestr isod eich helpu i baratoi i deithio dramor yn ddiogel. Gobeithio ycewch chi gymaint o hwyl ag y ce ais inne ar y mlwyddyn allan.

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

Rhestr Wirio Cwestiynau Allweddol:A ydych chi wedi tre nu yswiriant teithio digonol?A ywn werth talu i hepgor y tl-dros-ben am o al meddygol?A ywr yswiriant yn cwmpasur gweithgareddau cywir ar cy nod cywir o amser ybydda i wrdd?A ywn gy reithlon cymryd eich meddyginiaethau yn y gwledydd y byddwch ynymweld nhw?A oes gennych chir presgripsiynau, y labeli ar nodiadau meddyg priodol iddangos beth ydynt pan yddwch yn mynd drwy dollau a chael rhai newydd osbydd angen?

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A oes gen ir math cywir o anadlydd ar gy er y gweithgareddau rwyn debygolou gwneud?A ydd hinsawdd/tirwedd y lle rwyn ymweld ag e yn e eithio ar ba

eddyginiaeth, a aint ohono, sydd ei angen arna ?

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

llunior cyngor canlynol iw gadw mewn cof.

Ni ddylai uchder od yn broblem i bobl heini ac iach y mae eu hasthman cael eireolin dda, cyhyd u bod yn cymryd eu hamser wrth ynd i yny, yn cydnabod ac ynderbyn eu cy yngiadau ac yn addasu eu meddyginiaeth lle y bo angen.

Mae uchder yn dechrau e eithio ar bobl ar tua 1,500 2,000 metr o uchder, a byddeu cyr yn dechrau addasu ir newid mewn le elau 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 ich cor gyda phob anadl unigol. Maeangen ocsigen arnoch i roi egni i chi i symud ond mae he yd yn han odol ichorganau. Wrth ich cor gael llai o ocsigen, bydd yn ymaddasu. Byddwch ynanadlu yn gyfymach ac yn ddy nach. Bydd hynnyn creu mwy o gelloedd coch yneich gwaed er mwyn cludo mwy o ocsigen yn eich gwaed. Maer newidiadau hyn yncymryd amser, se y rheswm dros argymell eich bod yn cymryd eich amser i ddringoi yny a bydd hynnyn eich cadw chin iach. Os byddwch yn dringo i yny yn rhygyfym e allai y bydd gennych risg o ddatblygu salwch uchder acwt. Co wch bennunodau 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 yndde nyddiol. Gwnewch apwyntiad gydach meddyg neuch nyrs asthma ymhellymlaen llaw er mwyn adolygu eich asthma a go yn 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 iw cymryd a beth iw

wneud mewn argy wng. Cariwch gerdynBeth iw Wneud Mewl Pwl

o AsthmaAsthma UK gyda chi bob amser a chadwch eich anadlydd lliniaru wrth law bobamser. Go ynnwch ich meddyg ragnodi anadlydd sbr y gallwch ynd ag e gydachi rhag o n. Gwnewch yn siwr bod eich meddyginiaethau wediu labelu r dogna chadwch nhwn ddiogel ynghyd llythyr y meddyg. Tre nwch yswiriant teithioac ystyriwch go restru r Swydd a Dramor a Chymanwlad. Gwnewch yn siwr eichbod yn gwybod sut i gael ga ael ar eddyg syn siarad Saesneg yn yr ardal rydychyn bwriadu ymweld hi a mynnwch gyngor meddygol unrhyw bryd y byddwch ynteimlon sl.

Asthma UK 2011. Registered charity in England 802364 and in Scotland SCO 39322 HP1890911

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Ffeithiau asthma

Cy wr syn effeithio ar y llwybrau anadlu y tiwbiau bach syn cludo aer i mewnac allan or ysgyfaint yw asthma. Pan ddaw rhywun ag asthma i gysylltiad rhywbeth syn effeithio ar ei lwybrau anadlu (sbardun asthma), maer cyhyrau oamgylch waliaur llwybrau anadlu yn tynhau syn achosi ir llwybrau anadlugulhau ac mae leinin y llwybrau anadlun llidio ac yn dechrau chwyddo. Weithiaubydd mwcws gludiog neu f em yn cronni, a all wneud y llwybrau anadlu hyd ynoed yn fwy cul.

Maer adweithiau hyn yn achosi ir llwybrau anadlu gulhau a llidio syn eigwneud yn anodd anadlu ac syn arwain at symptomau asthma.Symptomau arferol asthma yw

peswchgwichiandiffyg anadltyndra yn y frest.

Ni fydd pawb yn cael pob un or symptomau hyn. Mae rhai pobl yn eu cael obryd iw gilydd; gall rhai pobl gael y symptomau hyn drwyr amser.Er nad oes modd cael gwared ar asthma, mae meddyginiaethau effeithiol ar gaeli drin asthma syn galluogir rhan fwyaf o bobl iw reoli fel nad ywn amharu ar eu bywyd bob dydd.

Gan mai cy wr gydol oes yw asthma, maen bwysig eich bod yn cymryd eichmeddyginiaeth asthma yn l y gofyn. Dylai eich meddyg neuch 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 sgl-effeithiau posibl.

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

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

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

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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 or cwestiynau uchod, maenbosibl bod modd rheoli eich asthman well. Ewch at eich meddyg neuch nyrsasthma i drafod sut y gallech wellach ffordd o reolich asthma neu ffoniwch einLlinell Gyngor ar 0800 121 62 44 .

Rhai arwyddion nad ydych yn rheoli eich asthman dda

Deffro yn y nos gyda pheswch, gwichian, diffyg anadl neu dyndra yn y frestRhaid i chi gymryd amser i ffwrdd or gwaith oherwydd eich asthmaRydych yn cael trafferth anadlu, ac mae eich anadliadau yn rhai isel a byr Mae angen i chi ddefnyddio eich anadlydd lliniarun 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 ch lefel arferol o weithgarwchneu ymarfer.

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

Dylair holl wybodaeth hon gael ei chofnodi ar gynllun gweithredu asthmapersonol, a dylaich meddyg neuch nyrs asthma ei gwblhau mewn trafodaeth chi. Mae Asthma UK yn cynhyrchu pecyn am ddim or enw Be in Control syn

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

Llinell Gyngor Asthma UK Os hoffech siarad nyrs asthma arbenigol am reoli eich asthma, cysylltwch Llinell Gyngor Asthma UK. Gallwch ei ffonio ar 0800 121 62 44 (rhwng 9 am a5 pm o ddydd Llun i ddydd Gwener).

Darllenwch fwy am Linell Gyngor Asthma UK.