What is asthma?

Asthma commonly presents with wheezing, cough, shortness of breath or chest tightness. Symptoms can come and go, become worse at night or with exercise, and flare after exposure to a person's triggers.

The lining of the breathing tubes becomes inflamed and reactive. During a flare, muscles around them tighten, the lining swells and mucus may increase, leaving less space for air to move. The narrowing is often variable, which is why a chest examination can sound normal between episodes.

Smoke, respiratory infections, exercise, cold air, dust, pollen, animals or workplace substances may provoke symptoms, although triggers differ. Diagnosis combines the symptom pattern with examination and breathing tests; no single symptom by itself confirms asthma.

Arrange an assessment for repeated wheeze, nighttime cough, breathlessness with activity or recurring chest tightness. Note when symptoms occur, possible exposures and what relieves them. A clinician may measure airflow before and after inhaled medicine or ask you to monitor it over time.

Treatment is tailored to symptom control and future flare risk. It can include an anti-inflammatory controller, a reliever strategy, trigger reduction, technique checks and a written action plan. Take inhalers as directed and bring every device to reviews so errors can be corrected.

Seek emergency care for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, trouble speaking full sentences, blue or grey lips, confusion, drowsiness, pronounced pulling in around the ribs, or little improvement after the rescue treatment in your action plan.

Book a prompt review when symptoms wake you, limit ordinary activity, return repeatedly, or require more reliever medicine than your plan allows. A change from your usual pattern can indicate deteriorating control even before a severe attack develops.

Ask which findings support asthma, whether breathing tests are needed, how to distinguish a controller from a reliever, and what your personal flare signs are. Request written instructions that explain medicine changes and when to obtain urgent help.