Common symptoms of asthma

Asthma causes the airways to become narrower and more sensitive. Breathing may feel harder during an episode, and a whistling sound can occur as air moves through narrowed airways. Cough may be worse at night, early in the morning, during exercise, or after exposure to smoke, dust, cold air, or an allergen. Asthma symptoms can settle and return, so a symptom-free period does not rule it out. Other conditions, including allergic rhinitis or chronic cough, can cause similar symptoms.

Move away from a known trigger and sit upright if breathing feels tight. Use your prescribed reliever inhaler according to your asthma plan; do not borrow someone else’s medicine. Keep a note of timing, triggers, night symptoms, and how often you need relief. Arrange a clinical assessment if symptoms recur, disturb sleep, limit activity, or your usual medicine is not controlling them. A clinician may review inhaler technique and discuss whether a nebuliser treatment is appropriate.

Seek emergency help if breathing is severely difficult, you cannot speak comfortably, your lips look blue or grey, you become unusually drowsy, or symptoms are worsening despite your prescribed reliever. Sit upright while waiting and follow your emergency asthma plan. Prompt medical review is also needed after repeated nighttime symptoms or an episode that required urgent treatment.

Ask what your personal triggers may be, how to check inhaler technique, which symptoms mean your plan needs changing, and whether allergies such as house dust mite allergy are contributing.