How to tell if asthma is getting worse

Look for a shift from what is normal for you: coughing on more nights, wheezing during ordinary tasks, stopping sooner during exercise, or avoiding activities because of breathlessness. Repeated chest tightness on waking or symptoms that return soon after reliever medicine are also meaningful changes.

Worsening can follow a respiratory infection, missed preventer doses, incorrect inhaler technique, smoke, dust, pollen, pets, weather changes, or workplace exposure. Sometimes there is no obvious trigger. Quiet or absent wheeze does not rule out a serious episode when airflow is very limited.

Use the instructions in your personal asthma action plan as soon as you reach its warning signs. Continue prescribed preventer treatment, use reliever medicine only as directed, and check that the inhaler and spacer technique matches your clinician's demonstration. Do not borrow another person's inhaler or make an unplanned long-term medicine change.

Record night waking, activity limits, suspected triggers, and how long relief lasts. Arrange a timely review so a clinician can examine you, check technique and adherence, and decide whether infection, allergy, reflux, or another condition is contributing.

Contact emergency services if you are struggling for breath, cannot speak in comfortable sentences, become drowsy or confused, notice blue or grey lips or face, or fail to improve after following the emergency part of your action plan. Sit upright while waiting for help and avoid driving yourself.

A same-day clinical review is appropriate when breathlessness is increasing, symptoms repeatedly wake you, usual activity has become difficult, or relief is shorter than expected. Early assessment can prevent further deterioration and clarify the safest treatment adjustment.

Bring every inhaler, your spacer, and your written plan. Ask the clinician to watch your technique, explain which warning signs require same-day contact, and update your plan with clear instructions for work, exercise, travel, and respiratory infections.