What should you know about wheezing relief?

A reliever inhaler may help when airway muscle tightening is involved, but it will not treat every cause of noisy breathing. Asthma, COPD, acute bronchitis, allergies and bronchiolitis require different assessments. Allergic rhinitis can add nasal blockage and post-nasal irritation. Sudden wheeze with facial or throat swelling may be anaphylaxis rather than an ordinary flare.

Relief that lasts briefly, needs repeating, or does not arrive should not be used to mask worsening symptoms. Note what started the episode, how quickly it changed and whether you can walk, speak and sleep normally.

Sit upright, loosen tight clothing and leave smoky, dusty or strongly scented spaces. Follow your own written breathing plan and use prescribed inhalers with the recommended technique. A spacer may be advised for some inhalers. Do not use steam, herbal products or another person’s medicine as a substitute for assessment. If a clinician recommends it, nebuliser treatment may deliver medicine during a more difficult episode.

Seek emergency care for severe or worsening breathlessness, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, inability to speak comfortably, or swelling of the lips, tongue or throat. A sudden reaction after food, medicine or a sting is especially urgent. Children need prompt help if they are struggling to breathe, becoming unusually sleepy or unable to drink.

What is the likely cause of my wheeze? Which treatment should I use first, and how do I know whether my inhaler technique is effective? Could I have a written action plan, and what symptoms mean I should seek emergency help?