Asthma causes and treatment explained

There is rarely one identifiable cause. The practical goal is to confirm the diagnosis, recognise each person's symptom pattern and use treatment that keeps the breathing tubes less inflamed and less likely to narrow.

Asthma involves inflammation inside the breathing tubes. A family tendency and allergic conditions can increase susceptibility, while smoke, pollution or occupational irritants may contribute. Once airways are sensitive, viral infections, allergens, exercise, cold air and fumes can provoke a flare.

Wheezing, coughing, breathlessness and chest tightness often fluctuate, becoming worse at night, early in the morning or after a trigger. Asthma commonly presents with this variable cluster, but an assessment is needed because other conditions can produce similar symptoms.

Controller or preventer medicines reduce airway inflammation and are taken according to the prescribed schedule, even when breathing feels normal. Reliever medicines act quickly on narrowed airways during symptoms. Some inhalers combine these functions, so follow the instructions for your specific device rather than relying on its colour.

Correct inhaler technique determines how much medicine reaches the lungs. Ask a clinician or pharmacist to watch you use the device, discuss whether a spacer is appropriate and check technique again if control changes.

Keep a written action plan covering routine medicines, personal signs of worsening, treatment adjustments already authorised by your clinician and emergency actions. Avoid smoke, address confirmed allergy triggers and continue suitable activity with advice if exercise brings on symptoms.

Call emergency services for severe difficulty breathing, inability to finish sentences, blue or grey lips, marked drowsiness or confusion, or symptoms that keep worsening despite the emergency steps in your action plan. Sit upright and use prescribed rescue treatment as directed while awaiting help.

Book an earlier review if symptoms interrupt sleep, interfere with work or exercise, return repeatedly, or require reliever medicine more often than the action plan allows. The clinician can check technique, adherence, triggers and whether the diagnosis or treatment needs adjustment.

Clarify what each inhaler does, when it should be used, which changes mean treatment needs review and how your plan applies during a respiratory infection. Bring every inhaler and spacer so technique and remaining doses can be checked together.