How common is shortness of breath in asthma?

In asthma, the airways can become inflamed and narrow, making it harder to move air freely. Breathlessness may come and go and can be triggered by viral illnesses, smoke, dust, strong scents, exercise, cold air or an individual allergy trigger. A wheeze is common but not required; some people mainly describe a tight chest, nighttime cough or reduced exercise tolerance. Shortness of breath is not specific to asthma, and a new symptom deserves assessment.

Follow your personal asthma action plan if you have one. Use your reliever inhaler as prescribed and move away from an obvious trigger where possible. Sit upright, stay calm, and check whether you can speak comfortably. If you need your reliever more often than usual, or symptoms interrupt sleep or normal activities, arrange a review of your asthma control and inhaler technique.

Call emergency services if breathing becomes rapidly harder, you cannot speak in full sentences, your lips or face look blue or grey, you feel drowsy or confused, or your reliever is not helping. Get same-day medical advice for a flare that is worsening, repeated nighttime symptoms, or a change from your usual asthma pattern.

Ask which signs show that your asthma is not well controlled, how to check inhaler technique, and whether your written action plan needs updating. Bring details of triggers, nighttime symptoms and reliever use to the appointment.