Asthma
Asthma is a long-term condition affecting the airways of the lungs, causing episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. With the right management plan, most people with asthma live fully active lives.
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This page provides general health information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. In a severe asthma attack, call 112 immediately.
What is asthma?
Asthma causes the airways to become inflamed and narrowed, making it harder to breathe. During an asthma attack, the muscles surrounding the airways tighten and the lining produces excess mucus, further restricting airflow. This can range from a mild wheeze to a life-threatening emergency.
Asthma can develop at any age, though it often begins in childhood. Some people find their symptoms improve in adulthood, while others develop asthma for the first time as adults — particularly following a viral illness, occupational exposure, or in association with allergic conditions.
Symptoms
- Wheezing — a whistling sound when breathing, particularly on exhaling
- Shortness of breath, especially during exercise or at night
- Chest tightness or a feeling of pressure in the chest
- A persistent dry cough, often worse at night or early morning
- Symptoms that worsen in response to triggers
If you or someone else is experiencing severe breathlessness, cannot speak in full sentences, or their lips are turning blue, call 112 immediately. This is a medical emergency.
Common triggers
- Allergens — pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mould
- Exercise, particularly in cold or dry air
- Respiratory infections — colds and flu commonly trigger asthma flares
- Air pollution, cigarette smoke, and strong chemical fumes
- Stress and emotional upset
- Certain medications including aspirin and beta-blockers
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you experience recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, or a persistent cough — particularly if symptoms are worse at night or after exercise. It is also important to have your asthma reviewed regularly if your current treatment is not keeping symptoms well controlled.
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Treatment options
- Reliever inhalers (short-acting bronchodilators) — for rapid relief of symptoms during an attack
- Preventer inhalers (inhaled corticosteroids) — taken daily to reduce airway inflammation and prevent attacks
- Long-acting bronchodilators — added when preventer inhalers alone are insufficient
- Personalised asthma action plan — so you know exactly what to do if symptoms worsen
- Trigger identification and avoidance strategies
- Referral to a pulmonologist for severe or difficult-to-control asthma
How eMedClinic can help
Our doctors can diagnose asthma, prescribe inhalers, and create a personalised asthma management plan. We also provide reviews for patients already diagnosed with asthma who need a prescription renewal or whose symptoms are not well controlled on their current treatment.
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