Wheezing, cough and asthma: what should you know?

Asthma symptoms can include wheeze, cough, chest tightness and breathlessness. They may appear during exercise, at night, after a viral infection or around allergens and irritants. Some people mainly cough, while others notice a whistle or difficulty breathing out. A clinician diagnoses asthma using the symptom pattern and examination, often with breathing tests; a single noisy breath cannot confirm it. Acute Bronchitis can temporarily cause cough and wheeze, while COPD may cause longer-term symptoms. Allergic Rhinitis can worsen airway symptoms through nasal inflammation and drainage.

If asthma has been diagnosed, follow your written action plan and use prescribed inhalers with the technique taught to you. Keep track of night waking, exercise limitation, reliever use and possible triggers. Reduce exposure to smoke, vaping, dust and strong scents. Do not stop a preventer medicine or change doses without medical advice. A review can check inhaler technique, symptom control and whether another condition is contributing. In severe episodes, clinicians may use a Nebuliser Treatment as part of urgent care.

Use emergency services for severe breathlessness, inability to speak in full sentences, blue or grey lips, exhaustion, confusion or fainting. Follow your asthma action plan for worsening symptoms and seek urgent help when prescribed reliever medicine is not helping as expected. Wheezing after choking, a new medicine or food, or with throat swelling may indicate a separate emergency such as Anaphylaxis. Arrange review after a first episode, repeated night symptoms or frequent interference with daily activity.

What tests would support an asthma diagnosis? Which inhaler is for daily control and which is for quick relief? How can I check my technique? What is my action plan for a flare, and which symptoms mean emergency help?