Asthma: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and When to See a Doctor

Asthma is a common long-term condition that affects the airways in the lungs. It can cause episodes of breathing difficulty, wheezing, coughing and chest tightness.

Asthma affects people of all ages and can range from mild, occasional symptoms to more persistent disease requiring regular treatment. With the right treatment and an appropriate asthma management plan, most people can control their symptoms and remain active.

What is asthma?

Asthma occurs when the airways become inflamed and more sensitive. During an asthma flare-up, the muscles around the airways can tighten, the airway lining can become swollen and mucus production may increase.

This can make it more difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs.

Asthma symptoms can vary over time. Some people have symptoms every day, while others may only experience symptoms during exercise, respiratory infections, exposure to allergens or other triggers.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Common asthma symptoms include:

• Wheezing or a whistling sound when breathing

• Shortness of breath

• Chest tightness

• Coughing

• Difficulty breathing, particularly at night or early in the morning

• Symptoms triggered by exercise, cold air, allergies or respiratory infections

Some people mainly experience a persistent cough rather than obvious wheezing.

Symptoms may come and go and can vary in severity.

What can trigger asthma symptoms?

Asthma triggers differ from person to person. Common triggers include:

Colds and other respiratory infections

Exercise

Cold or dry air

Cigarette smoke and vaping

Dust and air pollution

Pollen

Dust mites

Mould

Animal allergens

Strong perfumes or chemicals

Workplace exposures

Stress or strong emotions

Identifying your individual triggers can help reduce the frequency and severity of asthma symptoms.

Who is more likely to develop asthma?

Asthma can affect anyone, but certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing the condition.

These include:

A family history of asthma or allergies

Eczema or allergic conditions

Exposure to cigarette smoke

Occupational exposure to dust, chemicals or other irritants

Certain respiratory infections

Obesity

Environmental pollution

• Asthma can begin during childhood or develop for the first time during adulthood.
• How is asthma diagnosed?
• There is no single test that diagnoses every case of asthma.
• Your doctor may ask about your symptoms, when they occur, possible triggers and your medical history. They may also perform a physical examination and arrange breathing tests such as spirometry.
• Other tests may sometimes be required to help confirm the diagnosis or rule out other causes of breathing problems.
• Because several conditions can cause cough, wheezing or shortness of breath, it is important to have an appropriate medical assessment rather than assuming that all breathing symptoms are asthma.
• How is asthma treated?
• Asthma treatment is individualised according to your symptoms, risk factors and response to treatment.
• Treatment may include:
• Reliever medication
• Reliever medicines can provide rapid relief from asthma symptoms by relaxing the muscles around the airways.
• However, frequent reliance on a reliever inhaler can indicate that asthma is not adequately controlled and should prompt a medical review.
• Preventer medication
• Preventer medicines reduce inflammation in the airways and help reduce the risk of asthma symptoms and flare-ups.
• Inhaled corticosteroids are an important component of asthma treatment for many people.
• Some people may require combination inhalers containing an inhaled corticosteroid together with another medicine that helps keep the airways open.
• Other treatments
• For people with more difficult-to-control asthma, doctors may consider additional treatments, including other inhaled medicines, tablets or biologic therapies.
• The appropriate treatment depends on the type and severity of asthma and the individual's response to previous treatments.
• Why is inhaler technique important?
• Using an inhaler correctly is essential because incorrect technique can significantly reduce how much medicine reaches the lungs.
• Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can check your inhaler technique and demonstrate how to use your particular device correctly.
• Some inhalers may also be used with a spacer, which can make it easier for the medication to reach the lungs.
• If your asthma is not well controlled despite taking your medication, ask your healthcare professional to check your inhaler technique before simply increasing your medication.
• What is an asthma action plan?

An asthma action plan is a written plan that explains:

Your regular asthma treatment

How to recognise worsening asthma

What to do when symptoms increase

When to seek medical help

What to do during an asthma attack

Your action plan should be developed with your healthcare professional and reviewed regularly.

It is particularly important that parents and carers understand the asthma action plan for children with asthma.

What is an asthma flare-up?

An asthma flare-up occurs when asthma symptoms become worse than usual.

Warning signs can include:

Increasing cough

More frequent wheezing

Increasing shortness of breath

Chest tightness

Needing reliever medication more often

Reduced ability to exercise or perform normal activities

Symptoms waking you during the night

A flare-up can become serious, so it is important to follow your asthma action plan and seek medical advice when symptoms are worsening.

Asthma and exercise

People with asthma can usually exercise and participate in sport when their asthma is appropriately controlled.

Exercise can sometimes trigger symptoms, particularly when asthma is poorly controlled. Your doctor can advise you about managing exercise-related symptoms and whether medication should be used before exercise.

Regular physical activity is generally beneficial for overall health and should not automatically be avoided because you have asthma.

Asthma and allergies

Allergies can contribute to asthma symptoms in some people.

Common allergic triggers include pollen, dust mites, mould and animal allergens.

If allergies appear to trigger your asthma, identifying and managing those triggers may form part of your overall asthma management plan.

Asthma in children

Asthma is common in children. Symptoms may include recurrent coughing, wheezing, breathing difficulties or symptoms that become worse at night or during exercise.

Children may not always describe chest tightness or breathing difficulty clearly. Recurrent coughing or wheezing should therefore be assessed by a healthcare professional.

An appropriate diagnosis is important because other childhood conditions can cause similar symptoms.

When should you seek urgent medical attention?

An asthma attack can become life-threatening.

Seek urgent medical help if you or someone with asthma:

Is struggling to breathe

Cannot speak comfortably because of breathlessness

Is becoming exhausted or confused

Has severe or rapidly worsening symptoms

Has symptoms that are not improving with the person's asthma action plan

Develops blue or grey lips or skin

If you are experiencing a severe asthma attack, do not rely on a telehealth consultation. Seek emergency medical care.

Living well with asthma

Asthma does not have to prevent you from living an active life.

Good asthma management includes:

Taking your prescribed medication correctly

Understanding your asthma triggers

Checking your inhaler technique

Having an up-to-date asthma action plan

Attending regular medical reviews

Avoiding cigarette smoke and other known irritants

Keeping vaccinations up to date where recommended

Recognising early warning signs of worsening asthma

Asthma consultations with NewTeleDoc Medical

If you are experiencing ongoing cough, wheezing, chest tightness or breathing difficulties, a doctor can assess your symptoms and determine whether asthma or another condition may be responsible.

NewTeleDoc Medical provides telehealth consultations with Australian-registered doctors. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, a doctor can discuss your treatment, review your asthma management and advise whether you need further examination or testing.

Telehealth is not appropriate for severe breathing difficulties or a medical emergency. If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a severe asthma attack, seek urgent medical attention.

Important information

This article provides general health information and does not replace an individual medical consultation. Asthma treatment should be tailored to the individual, and prescribed medicines should only be changed or stopped after discussing this with your healthcare professional.

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