Covid-induced asthma: what should you know?

Asthma involves sensitive, narrowed airways that can make breathing variable. After a respiratory infection, airway irritation may cause cough, wheezing, chest tightness, or breathlessness. These symptoms can also occur with lingering infection, allergic rhinitis, house dust mite allergy, or chronic cough, so their presence does not establish asthma.

Note when symptoms occur: during exercise, at night, around dust or pets, or after cold air. A clinician may listen to your chest and assess breathing over time before deciding whether an asthma plan is suitable.

Rest while unwell, avoid smoke and known irritants, and keep a record of breathlessness, cough and wheeze. If you already have a reliever or preventer inhaler, use it exactly as prescribed and check your technique with a clinician or pharmacist. Do not borrow someone else’s inhaler. Nebuliser Treatment is used in selected clinical situations; it is not a substitute for urgent assessment.

Call emergency services for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, confusion, inability to speak in full sentences, collapse, or rapidly worsening symptoms. Seek same-day medical advice when breathing is harder than usual, an inhaler is not helping as directed, or wheezing and chest tightness are new. Book a GP review for symptoms that persist after recovery or repeatedly disturb sleep or activity.

Could this be asthma or another cause of cough? Do I need breathing tests? Which inhaler, dose and technique are appropriate? What action should I take if symptoms worsen at night or during exercise?