Why does asthma cause shortness of breath?

The airways are the tubes that carry air to and from the lungs. In asthma, they can become inflamed and sensitive. A trigger such as smoke, dust, exercise, a respiratory infection or an allergen may make the airway muscles squeeze while the lining swells. Mucus can further reduce the open space inside the tube.

Shortness of Breath is a very common presentation of Asthma. Breathlessness may feel like chest tightness, needing to work harder to breathe, or not being able to take a satisfying deep breath. The feeling can come with cough or wheeze, but symptoms vary from episode to episode.

Follow the asthma action plan and inhaler instructions you were given. Sit upright, move away from a suspected trigger if possible, and use your reliever medicine exactly as prescribed. Do not wait for symptoms to become severe before seeking help if the reliever is not bringing clear improvement.

Keep track of the setting, activity and symptoms around an episode. This can help a clinician check whether inhaler technique, regular preventer treatment or trigger control needs attention.

Seek emergency help now for severe difficulty breathing, trouble speaking in full sentences, blue or grey lips or face, confusion, fainting, or symptoms that are rapidly worsening. Get prompt medical advice when breathlessness is new, keeps returning, wakes you from sleep, or does not settle with the treatment plan.

Ask whether your symptoms fit asthma control, whether you can demonstrate your inhaler technique, which triggers are most relevant to you, and what exact changes in symptoms should lead you to urgent care.