Moderate persistent asthma: what to know

Asthma causes the airways to narrow and become sensitive. Moderate persistent disease may cause symptoms on several days, night waking, wheezing, cough, chest tightness or reduced exercise tolerance. Allergic rhinitis, house dust mite allergy, smoke, viral infections, cold air and exertion can aggravate symptoms, although triggers differ between people.

The word persistent refers to an ongoing pattern, not a single flare. A clinician may review symptom frequency, inhaler technique, lung function, reliever use and the effect on sleep or activity before confirming the treatment level.

Use your preventer inhaler as prescribed, even on days when you feel well, and keep your reliever available. Ask a clinician or pharmacist to watch your inhaler technique; a small technique error can leave medicine in the mouth instead of the lungs. Keep a written action plan, identify personal triggers and attend planned reviews.

Do not increase, stop or share inhalers without advice. During a flare, follow your action plan. A nebuliser treatment may be used by clinicians for some acute attacks, but it is not a substitute for an agreed everyday plan.

Call emergency services if breathing is severely difficult, you cannot speak in full sentences, your lips look blue or grey, you become drowsy or confused, or your reliever is not helping. Seek same-day advice when symptoms are worsening, waking you repeatedly, or limiting normal activity.

Ask whether your inhaler technique is correct, which symptoms indicate poor control, how to use your action plan, and when lung-function or treatment review is needed.