What should you know about viral-induced asthma?

A cold or other respiratory infection can inflame the airway lining and make the muscles around the airways tighten. Mucus may increase, so breathing becomes noisy or effortful. Symptoms can continue after the fever or sore throat improves. Viral-triggered symptoms do not prove that every cough is asthma; allergies, another infection and other airway conditions can feel similar. A clinician uses the pattern, examination and sometimes breathing tests to clarify the cause.

Follow your personalised asthma action plan and use prescribed reliever or preventer inhalers exactly as directed. Sit upright, rest, avoid smoke and other known irritants, and take small sips of fluid if comfortable. Do not borrow another person’s inhaler or start antibiotics without advice. If inhalers are difficult to use, ask a clinician or pharmacist to check your technique. A nebuliser treatment may be used in a healthcare setting when symptoms are significant.

Get emergency help if breathing is rapidly worsening, you cannot speak comfortably, your lips look blue or grey, you are exhausted or confused, or your prescribed reliever is not helping as directed. Seek same-day medical advice for a persistent wheeze, repeated night waking, chest tightness that limits activity, or symptoms in a child who is struggling to drink or feed.

Ask how to adjust your action plan during infections, how to recognise a flare early, whether your inhaler technique is effective, and when you should seek assessment or nebuliser treatment.