Coughing, Wheezing and Shortness of Breath

Wheezing is a high-pitched sound from narrowed airways. Asthma can cause episodes of cough, wheeze, and chest tightness, often after exercise, allergens, cold air, or at night. Acute bronchitis may temporarily irritate the airways. COPD and bronchiectasis can cause ongoing cough, phlegm, and breathlessness. Anaemia can make activity feel harder because the body has less oxygen-carrying capacity, although it does not usually create wheezing.

Breathlessness with pressure or pain in the chest, faintness, a racing or irregular heartbeat, or symptoms brought on by exertion may need assessment for a heart cause such as angina or atrial fibrillation. Swelling of the lips or tongue, hives, or rapidly worsening breathing after an exposure can signal anaphylaxis.

Stop exertion and sit upright. Move away from smoke, dust, or a suspected trigger. If you have a prescribed reliever inhaler, use it according to your personal action plan. Do not borrow someone else's inhaler. Note when symptoms began, what you were doing, possible triggers, phlegm, fever, and whether speaking or walking is difficult. Arrange prompt medical advice for a new or recurring pattern.

Call emergency services for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, inability to speak in full sentences, blue-grey lips, collapse, confusion, or a swollen tongue or throat. Chest pressure, fainting, or breathlessness at rest also needs urgent assessment. If symptoms are milder but recurring, seek a same-day review when possible so a clinician can check your breathing and heart.

Ask whether you need lung-function testing, an inhaler plan, a blood count, or heart assessment; which triggers to avoid; and exactly when to use emergency services.