What causes asthma?

Asthma involves inflammation and increased sensitivity inside the breathing tubes. Muscles around the airways can tighten, the lining can swell and extra mucus can form, making air harder to move. A person may wheeze, cough, feel tight in the chest or become short of breath. Some people have an inherited tendency toward allergy or airway sensitivity. Allergic rhinitis and house dust mite allergy can occur alongside asthma and may worsen symptoms. Other triggers include viral infections, smoke, air pollution, strong smells, cold air, exercise and workplace dust or chemicals. Triggers differ between people, and asthma can begin in childhood or adulthood.

A clinician can assess your symptom pattern, listen to your chest and arrange breathing tests when appropriate. Keep a simple record of symptoms, activity, infections, surroundings and reliever use; this can reveal patterns. Follow your asthma action plan and use inhalers with the technique taught to you. Avoid tobacco smoke and improve ventilation around known irritants. Do not stop a preventer inhaler because you feel well without discussing it with your clinician.

Seek emergency help for severe breathlessness, difficulty speaking in full sentences, blue or grey lips, exhaustion, confusion, or symptoms that are rapidly worsening or not relieved by your prescribed reliever. Sit upright, follow your action plan and use emergency services if breathing remains difficult. Repeated night waking or increasing reliance on a reliever also needs prompt review.

Ask which triggers are plausible, whether allergy or breathing tests are needed, how to check inhaler technique, when to use each inhaler, and what steps your personal action plan should contain.