What are the symptoms of asthma?

Wheezing is a whistling sound when breathing, while chest tightness can feel like pressure or a band around the chest. A cough may be worse at night, early in the morning, during exercise or after exposure to an irritant. Breathlessness can make ordinary activity feel harder. Symptoms may appear after triggers such as smoke, dust, pollen, cold air or respiratory infections. Some people have symptoms only at certain times; others notice them more often. A symptom pattern helps a clinician assess asthma, but these symptoms can also occur with other breathing conditions.

Record when symptoms happen, what you were doing, and whether smoke, dust, pollen, cold air or illness preceded them. Arrange a GP consultation if symptoms recur, disturb sleep, limit activity or need repeated relief. Assessment may include listening to your chest and breathing tests. Follow your prescribed inhaler plan and check that your technique is correct. Do not start or change prescription treatment without clinical advice.

Seek emergency help if breathing becomes severely difficult, you cannot speak in full sentences, your lips look blue or grey, you become unusually drowsy or symptoms rapidly worsen. Sit upright and use your prescribed reliever according to your asthma action plan while help is arranged. A nebuliser treatment may be used by healthcare professionals in urgent settings.

Could another condition be causing my cough or wheeze? Which breathing tests are appropriate? What are my personal triggers? How should I use my inhaler during a flare? When should I seek emergency help?