What should you know about breathing treatment for asthma?

Asthma makes the airways sensitive and prone to narrowing. A reliever inhaler is used according to the prescribed plan to relax airway muscle and ease symptoms such as wheezing, cough or chest tightness. A preventer inhaler is taken regularly when prescribed to reduce inflammation and lower the chance of flare-ups. Some people need additional inhaled or tablet treatment after a clinician reviews their pattern. Allergic rhinitis and house dust mite allergy can trigger or accompany airway symptoms, while chronic cough may have causes other than asthma.

The right medicine and device depend on age, symptoms, examination and breathing-test results. Needing a reliever more often, waking at night or avoiding activity suggests that the treatment plan needs review rather than self-adjustment.

Use inhalers with the technique taught by your clinician, and ask for a demonstration if the device feels unfamiliar. A spacer can help some people use a pressurised inhaler more effectively. Take a preventer on its prescribed schedule even when breathing feels settled, and carry the reliever specified in your action plan. Rinse your mouth after an inhaled steroid if instructed. Keep a record of triggers, night symptoms and activity limits. Never share inhalers or change doses without advice. A nebuliser treatment may be used for selected severe episodes, but routine home use should follow a clinician’s clear instructions.

Follow your written asthma action plan during worsening symptoms. Call emergency services if breathing is severe, speech is difficult, lips look blue or grey, you feel faint or confused, or the prescribed reliever is not helping as directed. Seek prompt review when wheezing, cough or chest tightness returns repeatedly, interrupts sleep, restricts activity or requires reliever treatment more often than planned. A sudden change after an allergy exposure also needs urgent assessment.

Ask: Which inhaler is my reliever and which is my preventer? Can you check my technique? Should I use a spacer? What triggers should I address? When should I use emergency services, and when should my plan be reviewed?