Asthma
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A chronic condition in which the airways become inflamed and narrowed, causing wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Symptoms are often triggered by allergens, exercise, or respiratory infections, and can usually be well controlled with inhaled medications and by avoiding known triggers.
This information is for general awareness only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Quick answer
Asthma is a long-term condition in which the airways become inflamed and narrow, making breathing difficult. Symptoms come and go and can be triggered by allergens, infections, exercise, cold air, smoke or strong smells.
Typical symptoms are wheezing, cough (often at night or early morning), chest tightness and shortness of breath.
Asthma is diagnosed with a history and breathing tests such as spirometry. It can be controlled with preventer and reliever inhalers, guided by an individual asthma action plan from your doctor. Difficulty speaking, blue lips or a reliever inhaler that isn't helping is an emergency.
Symptoms
Wheezing
A whistling sound when breathing out.
Cough
Often worse at night, early morning, or with exercise.
Chest tightness
Shortness of breath
Symptoms triggered by exercise, cold air or allergens
Waking at night with cough or breathlessness
Symptoms that vary over time
Periods of few symptoms alternate with flare-ups.
Symptom guides
Causes and risk factors
Causes
- Chronic airway inflammation — The airways are over-sensitive and react to triggers by swelling and narrowing.
- Allergic and environmental triggers — Pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mould, tobacco smoke and air pollution.
- Respiratory infections — Colds and flu are common triggers of flare-ups.
- Other triggers — Exercise, cold air, strong smells, stress and some medicines (such as aspirin and other anti-inflammatory painkillers in some people).
Risk factors
- Family history of asthma or allergies
- Other allergic conditions — Such as eczema or hay fever.
- Exposure to tobacco smoke, including during pregnancy or childhood
- Occupational exposure to dusts or chemicals
- Obesity
- Air pollution and indoor allergens
How is it diagnosed?
Asthma is diagnosed from the pattern of symptoms together with breathing tests, since symptoms alone can be non-specific.
History and examination
Symptoms, triggers, family history and allergies.
Spirometry
Measures how much air you can blow out and how fast, before and often after a reliever inhaler.
Peak flow monitoring
Repeated measurements at home over a period, in some cases.
Allergy and other tests
Skin-prick tests, blood tests or chest imaging if needed.
Treatment
The goal is to control symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Treatment is individualised and adjusted stepwise by your doctor according to how well the asthma is controlled.
Reliever inhalers
Quick-acting inhalers used when symptoms occur.
Preventer inhalers
Regular inhaled treatment to reduce airway inflammation, taken as prescribed even when well.
A personal asthma action plan
Written guidance on daily treatment and what to do when symptoms worsen.
Avoiding triggers
Such as tobacco smoke and known allergens.
Regular review and correct inhaler technique
Asthma control can slip if technique or adherence drops.
Do not stop preventer treatment without medical advice, and seek care if you need your reliever inhaler more than usual.
When should you see a doctor?
Arrange a medical assessment if
- Symptoms more than twice a week or waking you at night
- Needing your reliever inhaler more often than usual
- Symptoms triggered by exercise or a cold that don't settle
- A child with recurring cough or wheeze
- You haven't had your asthma reviewed in the past year
Seek urgent care if
- Severe shortness of breath or being unable to speak in full sentences
- Blue or grey lips or face
- Reliever inhaler not helping or needed again within a few hours
- Exhaustion, drowsiness or confusion
Prevention
Avoid known triggers
Especially tobacco smoke, and reduce exposure to allergens where possible.
Use preventer medicines as prescribed
Follow your asthma action plan
Get recommended vaccinations
Such as annual flu vaccination, as advised by your doctor.
Keep a healthy weight and stay active
As advised for your condition.
Frequently asked questions
What is asthma?
A long-term condition of the airways causing inflammation and narrowing, leading to wheeze, cough, chest tightness and breathlessness.
What triggers asthma?
Allergens, infections, exercise, cold air, smoke, strong smells and stress are common triggers.
Can asthma be cured?
It can't be cured, but it can usually be controlled well with treatment, allowing normal daily life.
How is asthma diagnosed?
With a history and lung function tests such as spirometry, sometimes with peak flow monitoring and allergy tests.
Is asthma contagious?
No. Infections can trigger asthma symptoms, but asthma itself is not contagious.
Can I exercise with asthma?
Yes, and exercise is beneficial. If exercise triggers symptoms, discuss a plan with your doctor.
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Medical sources
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