What happens if asthma is not treated?

Asthma causes sensitive, inflamed airways that can narrow when exposed to triggers such as infections, allergens, smoke, exercise or cold air. Without a suitable management plan, coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath may interrupt sleep, activity, work or school. Frequent symptoms can also make it harder to recognise a serious change.

A severe flare can leave very little air moving through the lungs. Symptoms may worsen quickly, and a reliever inhaler may not provide enough control. Asthma severity can vary from one person to another, so a previous mild episode does not predict the next one.

Book a review if symptoms recur, wake you at night, limit activity or require your reliever inhaler more often. Assessment may include spirometry, inhaler-technique checks and a review of triggers. A chronic disease review can help keep a written action plan current.

Use preventer and reliever inhalers exactly as prescribed; correct technique matters because medicine must reach the airways. Do not stop a preventer simply because you feel well. Ask whether allergy assessment is useful, and keep prescribed medicines available when travelling or exercising.

Call emergency services if breathing is severely difficult, speech is limited to a few words, lips look blue or grey, you become exhausted or confused, or symptoms keep worsening despite the prescribed reliever plan. Sit upright, follow your action plan and do not drive yourself.

Urgent assessment is also needed when wheezing or shortness of breath is new, unusually intense or accompanied by faintness. A nebuliser may be used by clinicians in acute care, but home treatment should follow your individual plan.

How well controlled is my asthma? Which inhaler is for prevention and which is for quick relief? Can you check my technique, identify triggers, arrange spirometry or allergy testing, and explain exactly when my action plan means I should seek emergency help?