In brief: Asthma is a chronic condition where airways become inflamed and narrow, causing wheeze, cough, and breathlessness. Attacks are often triggered by allergens, exercise, cold air, or infections. Most people manage asthma well with daily preventer inhalers, a reliever for flare-ups, and a written action plan.
Common symptoms
- Wheezing (whistling sound when breathing out)
- Persistent cough, especially at night or after exercise
- Chest tightness or pressure
- Shortness of breath during usual activities
Symptoms can mimic viral chest infections—see a doctor if they recur or wake you at night.
Typical triggers
- House dust mites, pollen, mould, pet dander
- Respiratory infections (cold, flu)
- Exercise, cold air, smoke, air pollution
- Some medicines (e.g. aspirin in sensitive people)
- Stress and strong emotions
Identifying your triggers helps reduce flare-ups alongside medication.
Treatment basics
Reliever inhaler (short-acting bronchodilator) opens airways quickly during symptoms. Preventer inhaler (often inhaled corticosteroid) reduces inflammation when used daily as prescribed—even when you feel well.
Your clinician may add other medicines for moderate or severe asthma. Always use a spacer with metered-dose inhalers when advised—it improves delivery to the lungs.
When to seek emergency care
Call emergency services if reliever medicine does not improve breathing within minutes, you cannot speak in full sentences, lips or fingernails look blue, or you feel drowsy or confused. Do not delay.
Living well with asthma
Track symptoms in a diary or app, attend annual reviews, and keep vaccinations up to date—influenza and pneumococcal vaccines reduce severe chest infections that trigger attacks. If you also have sleep apnea, treating it may improve control. Never stop preventer inhalers without medical advice.
Questions to ask your doctor
- Which inhaler is my preventer vs reliever?
- Do I need a written asthma action plan?
- Should I be tested for allergies triggering my wheeze?
Frequently asked questions
What are the main symptoms of asthma?
Wheeze, cough, chest tightness, and breathlessness—often recurring or worse at night.
Can asthma be cured?
It is usually lifelong but controllable with treatment and trigger management.
When is asthma an emergency?
When reliever inhalers fail, breathing is severely laboured, or lips turn blue—call emergency services.
Should children with cough be checked for asthma?
Yes if cough is frequent, worse at night, or linked to exercise or wheeze—paediatric assessment is important.
Can asthma flare during pollen season?
Yes—allergic asthma often worsens with seasonal pollen; ask about adjusting preventer dose during peaks.
Trusted references
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Educational content from DoctorBookly Editorial. Not personal medical advice. Always consult a licensed clinician for diagnosis, treatment, and emergencies. Call your local emergency number if you think you are having a medical emergency.
