What should you know about viral asthma?

A cold or other respiratory infection can inflame the airway lining and increase mucus. In a person with asthma, this can make the airway muscles tighten, leading to cough, wheezing, chest tightness or breathlessness. Viral symptoms can overlap with allergic rhinitis, so the trigger is not always clear from symptoms alone. Asthma can worsen even when the infection itself seems mild.

Follow your written asthma action plan and use prescribed inhalers exactly as instructed. Rest, drink fluids and avoid smoke, strong scents and known triggers. Monitor whether reliever medicine is helping and keep prescribed preventer treatment going unless a clinician tells you otherwise. A clinician may assess breathing and decide whether additional treatment, including nebuliser treatment, is appropriate.

Seek emergency help if breathing is rapidly worsening, speech is difficult, lips look blue or grey, the chest feels severely tight, or prescribed reliever medicine is not helping. Sit upright and follow your action plan while waiting for help. Children with visible struggle to breathe, unusual sleepiness or poor feeding need prompt assessment.

Ask how to distinguish your usual asthma symptoms from infection, when to increase treatment under your action plan, and how soon to arrange a review after the flare settles.