What should you know about minor asthma?

Asthma is a condition in which the airways become sensitive and narrower at times. The lining can swell and produce extra mucus, making air movement harder. Most people with asthma notice some combination of Wheezing, Cough or Chest Tightness, often after exercise, during a viral illness or around an irritant or allergen.

Symptoms can vary from day to day. Allergic Rhinitis and House Dust Mite Allergy may aggravate airway symptoms in some people, but symptoms can also occur without an obvious allergy. A clinician may use your symptom pattern, examination and breathing tests to assess asthma.

Keep your reliever and controller medicines available if they have been prescribed, and use each inhaler with the technique shown by your clinician. Record triggers, night waking, activity limits and how often relief is needed. Reduce exposure to known irritants, avoid smoke and follow your written asthma action plan.

Arrange a review when symptoms are recurring, disturb sleep, limit exercise or require reliever medicine more often than your plan allows. A Nebuliser Treatment may be used in a clinical setting for selected breathing episodes, but it is not a substitute for an individual plan.

Seek emergency care for severe breathlessness, difficulty speaking in full sentences, blue or grey lips, confusion, exhaustion, or symptoms that rapidly worsen. Get urgent advice when your reliever is not helping as expected or relief lasts for a shorter time than usual. Sit upright, follow your action plan and do not delay emergency help.

Ask which inhaler is for quick relief, which controls airway inflammation, how to check your technique, what your personal warning signs are and when you should arrange a review.