Early signs of asthma: what to know

Asthma symptoms can come and go. A cough may be worse at night or early in the morning; wheezing can sound like a whistle; chest tightness may feel like pressure; and breathing may become difficult during exercise, a cold, or contact with smoke, dust, pollen, or animal dander. Allergic rhinitis and house dust mite allergy can coexist with asthma symptoms, but a cough or wheeze has several possible causes.

A clinician may listen to your chest and arrange breathing tests. Keep a record of timing, triggers, night waking, activity limits, and any relief from prescribed inhalers.

Book an assessment for repeated symptoms, unexplained night cough, or breathlessness during ordinary activity. Reduce exposure to smoke and known triggers, ventilate rooms, and follow any existing written asthma plan. Use inhalers exactly as taught; do not borrow another person’s inhaler. A nebuliser is a medical treatment used in some situations, not a substitute for an assessment.

Seek emergency help if breathing is severely difficult, speech is limited to a few words, the lips look blue or grey, the person is exhausted or confused, or prescribed reliever treatment is not helping. Sit upright, stay with the person, and follow their asthma action plan while help is arranged. New chest pain or sudden breathlessness also needs prompt assessment.

Could these symptoms be asthma or another condition? Do I need lung-function testing? Which triggers should I avoid, how should I use my inhaler, and what signs belong in an asthma action plan?