What should you know about people with asthma?

Asthma symptoms can include wheezing, cough, chest tightness and shortness of breath. They may come and go, worsen at night or early in the morning, or appear during exercise, infections, allergy exposure, smoke or other irritants. Allergic rhinitis and house dust mite allergy can coexist with asthma and may aggravate airway symptoms.

A cough that keeps returning deserves assessment, particularly when it follows a trigger or occurs with wheezing. Asthma is diagnosed from the pattern of symptoms and breathing assessment rather than from one symptom alone.

Work with a clinician on a written asthma plan. Know which inhaler is for regular control and which is for quick relief, use the prescribed technique, and attend reviews when symptoms or treatment needs change. Avoid smoke and identify personal triggers without unnecessarily restricting normal activity.

Keep reliever medication available as instructed and check inhaler technique. If symptoms are not controlled, a clinician may adjust treatment or investigate another cause. Nebuliser treatment may be used in an acute setting when a clinician considers it appropriate.

Seek urgent medical care for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, difficulty speaking in full sentences, blue or grey lips, marked drowsiness, confusion, or poor response to the prescribed reliever. Do not delay for a routine appointment when breathing is becoming unsafe.

Ask what triggers are relevant for you, how to check inhaler technique, when to use each inhaler, and how your action plan changes during a cold or flare. Ask what symptoms mean you should attend urgent care.