Late-onset asthma

Symptoms can include wheezing, cough, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. They may vary from day to day and worsen with exercise, cold air, smoke, workplace substances, respiratory infections, or allergens. Allergic rhinitis and house dust mite allergy can coexist with asthma, but their presence does not confirm it.

A cough that continues for weeks can have several causes, so assessment may include listening to the chest, checking breathing patterns, and arranging lung-function testing. Symptoms may be absent during an appointment, making a diary useful.

Record when symptoms happen, possible triggers, night waking, activity limits, and relief from any prescribed inhaler. Reduce smoke and avoid known workplace or household irritants where possible. Use inhalers exactly as taught and ask for a technique check; incorrect technique can leave medicine in the mouth instead of the lungs.

Your clinician may discuss a personalised plan and, during a severe episode, urgent treatments such as [Nebuliser Treatment](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/nebuliser-treatment/). Do not stop prescribed preventer treatment without advice.

Arrange medical review if symptoms are recurring, waking you, limiting exercise, or requiring reliever medicine more often than your plan allows. Seek urgent help for rapidly worsening breathlessness, difficulty speaking in full sentences, blue or grey lips, confusion, exhaustion, or little improvement after your prescribed reliever plan.

Ask which tests can confirm variable airflow narrowing, whether work or allergies may contribute, how to use each inhaler, and what exact warning signs should trigger emergency care.