What to know about asthma

Symptoms may fluctuate, with some people feeling well between episodes. Wheezing, cough and chest tightness are common presentations of asthma, but these symptoms can also have other causes. Triggers vary and may include respiratory infections, smoke, exercise, cold air, strong scents or allergens. Allergic rhinitis and house dust mite allergy can aggravate upper-airway symptoms and may be relevant to asthma control. A chronic cough needs assessment rather than being assumed to be asthma.

Use inhalers exactly as prescribed and ask a clinician or pharmacist to check technique, because poor technique can reduce how much medicine reaches the lungs. Keep an up-to-date written action plan that says what to do as symptoms increase. Notice personal triggers and reduce exposure where practical, especially tobacco smoke. If a reliever inhaler is needed more often, sleep is interrupted by symptoms, or usual activity becomes harder, contact the clinician managing the asthma plan.

Get urgent medical help for severe breathlessness, difficulty speaking in full sentences, marked chest tightness, worsening wheeze that does not settle with the prescribed reliever plan, drowsiness, confusion or blue lips. Do not drive yourself if breathing is severely affected. A nebuliser treatment may be used in a clinical setting when a healthcare professional decides it is appropriate, alongside assessment of the attack.

Ask which inhaler is for prevention and which is for rapid symptom relief, how to use each device, and what changes should trigger urgent care. Ask whether allergies, reflux, nasal symptoms or another cause of cough could be contributing to the pattern.