Airway hyperresponsiveness in asthma

Airway inflammation and tightening of muscle around the breathing tubes both contribute. Symptoms can change over time, and a normal examination between episodes does not exclude asthma.

Exercise, smoke, dust, strong scents, cold air, respiratory infections and allergens can provoke narrowing in susceptible airways. Not every person has the same triggers, and not every cough or wheeze is caused by asthma.

Asthma commonly presents with wheezing, cough, chest tightness or breathlessness that varies by time, activity or exposure. Clinicians combine the history with breathing tests; sometimes they assess how airflow changes after a reliever or controlled challenge.

Use inhalers exactly as prescribed and have your technique checked, because poor positioning or timing can leave medicine in the mouth instead of reaching the lungs. A preventer reduces airway inflammation; a reliever is used according to your personal plan.

Record recurring symptoms, night waking, exercise limitation and reliever use. Reduce avoidable smoke or vapour exposure and address linked nasal allergy when advised. Keep a written action plan that explains daily treatment, signs of worsening and where to seek help.

Call emergency services if breathlessness makes speaking or walking difficult, the lips look blue or grey, the person becomes drowsy or confused, the chest pulls in with breathing, or the prescribed reliever is not helping as directed.

Follow the emergency steps in the asthma action plan while help is coming. Sit upright and avoid lying flat. A quiet chest in someone struggling to breathe can mean very little air is moving and requires immediate emergency care.

Ask for a demonstration of inhaler and spacer technique, clarification of which inhaler prevents symptoms, and a written response plan for deterioration. Discuss whether allergy, reflux, workplace exposure or chronic nasal symptoms may be contributing, and when lung-function testing should be repeated.