Asthma and a dry cough

Some people also notice wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath, but cough may be the most noticeable feature. A clinician may need to assess a recurring cough because reflux, nasal drainage, infection and other airway conditions can cause similar symptoms.

Inflamed, sensitive airways can narrow and react to irritants by triggering a cough even when no mucus is produced. Cold air, dust, smoke, strong scents, exercise and respiratory infections may provoke symptoms. A pattern that returns at night or with the same exposures can help a clinician decide whether asthma is involved.

Follow your written asthma action plan and use prescribed inhalers with the technique your clinician demonstrated. Move away from smoke, dust or fragrance when these worsen the cough. Note when coughing starts, possible triggers, night waking, exercise limitation and how well prescribed reliever medicine works; this record can guide a review.

Arrange a medical appointment if the cough keeps returning, disrupts sleep or activity, or requires reliever medicine more often than your plan advises. Do not start, stop or increase controller treatment without clinical advice.

Seek urgent medical help for severe breathlessness, difficulty speaking in full sentences, blue or grey lips, confusion, marked drowsiness, or rapidly worsening chest tightness. Follow the emergency steps in your asthma action plan while help is being arranged. A prescribed reliever that gives little or only brief relief is also a reason for urgent assessment.

Ask whether your cough pattern fits asthma, whether breathing tests are appropriate, and whether nasal allergy or reflux could be contributing. Request an inhaler-technique check and clear written instructions covering daily treatment, trigger management, reliever use and emergency action.