Tameside swimmer Jess doesn't let asthma hold her back with local support

A TAMESIDE swimmer has shared her story to show how she successfully manages her asthma to regularly swim competitively.

Jess Birch, 16 and from Ashton, has been swimming competitively for seven years, training twice a week. Now, as part of the Tameside Council-backed Ask About Asthma Week, Jess wants to show how asthmatics can perform to their best when their condition is managed effectively.

Jess first noticed her asthma symptoms 3 years ago when she struggled to swim as far underwater as she used to. Concerned, she spoke to her GP, who diagnosed her with asthma. Initially, Jess was prescribed a brown inhaler to use every morning and night, along with a blue inhaler for emergencies during the day.

However, her symptoms continued, particularly after races.  Following further discussions with her GP and practice nurse, including checking she was using her inhalers correctly, Jess was moved to a higher dose inhaler, which significantly improved her condition.

Now Jess's asthma is well controlled she can perform at her best in the pool without regularly needing her blue inhaler. She said: "Once my asthma was well controlled, I could live the exact same life as someone without asthma.”

Jess's story shows how tailored asthma management, regular reviews, and adjustments to treatment plans can help young people lead active, healthy lives. She credits the support from her practice nurse at her GP surgery helping her control her asthma and prevent her symptoms from worsening.

Key advice for families managing asthma includes:

• Have an Asthma Action Plan to follow a clear, step-by-step plan for managing asthma during good days, bad days, and emergencies.
• Know and avoid triggers like dust, pollen, pet fur, smoke, and cold air
• Use inhalers correctly following techniques advised by healthcare professional.
• Watch for early symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or breathlessness, especially during activities or at night, to prevent them from worsening.
• Encourage children to stay active as exercise is beneficial for lung health, provided their asthma is well-managed.
• Attend annual reviews as asthma can change over time, requiring adjustments to treatment plans.

Councillor Eleanor Wills, Tameside Council Executive Member for Population Health and Wellbeing, said: “Jess’s story is a testament to the importance of effective asthma management. We want every child and young person with asthma to feel supported and empowered, just like Jess. Our local health professionals, from GPs to pharmacists, are here to help every step of the way.”

Jess wants to encourage people to get any worrying breathing symptoms checked out. She said: “If you have symptoms, make sure you get seen by your GP because uncontrolled asthma can be very dangerous." She is now supporting her asthma by ensuring she uses her inhaler correctly and always carries her blue one with her. Jess continues to succeed with her swimming, winning numerous medals at local competitions and being Junior Girls’ Captain at her club.

For anyone in Tameside concerned about asthma management, support is available through GPs, practice nurses, pharmacists, and school nurses.  Additional local support and resources  are also available, such as Tier 1 training for supporting young people with asthma, the Digital Passport Asthma app, and the PHEW! support group for those with long-term conditions.

For more information on asthma management, visit the NHS asthma website.