Cough and breathlessness

Acute Bronchitis can inflame the airways and cause cough with chest tightness, while Asthma can narrow airways and produce wheeze. COPD and Bronchiectasis may cause ongoing cough, mucus and reduced exercise tolerance. Breathlessness can also accompany Anaemia, Angina or Atrial Fibrillation. Sudden symptoms after food, medicine or an insect sting, especially with swelling or wheeze, raise concern for Anaphylaxis. Symptoms alone cannot safely identify the cause.

Stop exertion, sit upright and loosen tight clothing. Move away from smoke or a known trigger. Use a prescribed reliever inhaler exactly as your action plan says; do not borrow someone else’s inhaler. Note whether breathlessness occurs at rest, with walking or when lying down, and record wheeze, chest pain, mucus and ankle swelling. Arrange clinical assessment.

Call emergency services for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, inability to speak normally, blue lips, faintness, confusion, severe chest pain, or swelling of the face, tongue or throat. Seek same-day care for new breathlessness, coughing blood, a fast or irregular heartbeat, or symptoms limiting ordinary activity.

Ask whether you need an oxygen check, chest examination or heart tests; how to use your inhaler; and which warning signs require emergency care.