Asthma

Asthma is a long-term condition of the airways. In people with asthma the small tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs are more sensitive than usual, and they can tighten, swell and produce extra mucus when they meet a trigger. This makes breathing harder for a while, then eases again — either on its own or with treatment.

Common signs and symptoms

• Wheezing — a whistling sound when breathing out
• A tight feeling in the chest
• Shortness of breath during activity, at night or early in the morning
• A dry cough that lingers after a cold or comes on with exercise, cold air, dust or laughter

Symptoms vary from person to person and from week to week. Some people have occasional flare-ups; others notice something most days.

What can trigger a flare-up

Triggers differ between individuals. Frequently reported ones include house dust mite, pollen, mould, animal dander, tobacco smoke, air pollution, respiratory infections, cold or humid air, strong smells, exercise and stress. Part of managing asthma is working out which of these matter for you.

How asthma is assessed at Allergy Asthma Foundation

Talking through your history

The consultation starts with your pattern of symptoms — when they happen, what seems to set them off, how they affect sleep and daily life, and what has helped before.

Lung function testing

Where it is suitable, breathing tests such as spirometry or forced oscillation help measure how the airways are working and how they respond to treatment. Some tests, including the forced oscillation technique, need no special effort and can be used with young children.

Allergy testing

If an allergic trigger is suspected, skin-prick or blood testing can identify the specific allergens involved so that avoidance advice and treatment can be targeted rather than general.

Treatment and day-to-day control

Treatment is tailored to how often and how severely symptoms occur. It usually combines a reliever inhaler for quick relief with, for many people, a regular preventer inhaler that reduces airway inflammation over time. Using an inhaler correctly — often with a spacer — makes a real difference, so technique is checked at review visits. Where an allergic driver is confirmed, allergen immunotherapy may be discussed as part of a longer-term plan.

• Take preventer treatment as prescribed, even when you feel well
• Keep a reliever inhaler with you
• Reduce exposure to your known triggers where practical
• Have a written action plan so you know what to do if symptoms worsen
• Attend review appointments so treatment can be stepped up or down

When to book an appointment

Consider a review if you are using a reliever inhaler several times a week, waking at night with symptoms, finding exercise limited, or have had more than one course of steroid tablets in a year. Seek urgent care if breathlessness is severe, the reliever inhaler is not helping, or speaking in full sentences is difficult.

This page is general information and not a substitute for a consultation. Symptoms overlap between conditions, so a clinician's assessment is the reliable way to know what is going on and what will help in your case.