If you have asthma

Asthma involves sensitive, inflamed airways that can narrow temporarily. Wheezing, cough, chest tightness and shortness of breath may appear after exercise, a viral infection, smoke exposure, cold air or contact with an allergen. Allergic rhinitis and house dust mite allergy can accompany or aggravate symptoms, while a chronic cough may have many other causes. Symptoms can be mild at one time and more troublesome at another, so diagnosis considers patterns rather than one isolated episode.

Use preventer and reliever inhalers exactly as prescribed, and have your inhaler technique checked. Keep an up-to-date written action plan, identify personal triggers and attend reviews even when breathing feels settled. A spacer may improve delivery for some inhalers. If symptoms are not settling with your reliever as directed, contact your healthcare service promptly. Nebuliser Treatment may be used in selected urgent situations, but it is not a substitute for an agreed plan.

Call emergency services if you are struggling to speak in full sentences, breathing is rapidly worsening, lips look blue or grey, you feel confused or faint, or your reliever is not helping according to your action plan. Sit upright, use your reliever as prescribed and follow the emergency instructions while help is coming. Do not delay because symptoms began after a known trigger.

Ask how asthma was confirmed, which inhaler is for prevention, how to recognise a flare-up, when to start extra treatment, and when to attend urgent care.