Educational information, not medical advice. See our Medical Disclaimer. Last updated: October 27, 2026.
Living with asthma can mean wondering when a cough or tight chest will appear, especially at night, during exercise or around triggers. With the right assessment and treatment plan, many people keep symptoms under control and continue doing the activities they enjoy. Understanding your own pattern—and knowing when breathing symptoms are an emergency—can bring confidence as well as safety.
What is asthma?
Asthma is a long-term condition in which the airways become inflamed and sensitive. The airways can narrow, making it harder to move air in and out of the lungs. Symptoms can vary over time, and different people have different triggers and levels of severity.
Common asthma symptoms
Symptoms can include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and a feeling of tightness in the chest. They may be worse at night or early in the morning, come and go, or flare during a cold or after exposure to a trigger. These symptoms can have other causes too, so a healthcare professional should assess ongoing or recurrent breathing problems.
What can trigger symptoms?
Common triggers include respiratory infections, smoke, air pollution, cold air, exercise, pollen, dust mites, mould and animal allergens. Not every trigger affects everyone. Keeping a simple symptom diary can help you notice patterns to discuss at an appointment. Do not avoid exercise altogether unless a clinician has advised it; a treatment plan can often help people stay active safely.
How is asthma diagnosed?
A clinician will ask about symptoms and medical history and may arrange breathing tests, such as spirometry or peak-flow monitoring. Sometimes more than one test is needed because asthma symptoms can fluctuate. Do not rely on an inhaler trial or an online checklist as a substitute for assessment.
How is asthma treated?
Inhaled medicines are central to asthma treatment. Depending on your age, symptoms and clinical guidance, you may be prescribed an inhaler that reduces inflammation, an inhaler for symptom relief, or a combination inhaler. Treatment plans differ, so follow the specific instructions for your prescribed device. A pharmacist, nurse or doctor can demonstrate the correct technique; using an inhaler incorrectly can mean you receive less medicine than intended.
Ask for a written or digital asthma action plan. It should explain your regular treatment, what to do if symptoms worsen, and when to seek urgent help. Attend regular reviews, even when you feel well, and take your inhalers to appointments so the team can check how you use them. Do not stop a preventer medicine or change your regimen without professional advice.
What to do during an asthma attack
If you are having an attack, sit upright and try to stay as calm as possible. Use your prescribed reliever inhaler exactly as directed in your personal asthma action plan. The number of puffs and timing depend on the type of inhaler you use; instructions for a blue reliever inhaler are not interchangeable with those for an anti-inflammatory reliever or MART inhaler. Do not follow a dose from someone else’s plan. Call emergency services immediately if breathing is severely difficult, you cannot speak in full sentences, your lips or skin look blue or grey, you become drowsy or confused, or your symptoms are rapidly worsening. Also seek emergency help if your reliever is not helping as your action plan says it should, or if you do not have access to it during a serious attack. Do not delay getting help because you are hoping the symptoms will pass.
When to arrange a review
Contact your healthcare professional if symptoms are waking you at night, limiting daily activities, returning frequently, or you need your reliever more often than your plan recommends. These may be signs that your asthma needs reassessment. After an asthma attack, arrange follow-up even if you feel better.
Questions to ask at your next appointment
- Which inhaler is for regular prevention and which is for relief?
- Can you check my inhaler technique?
- What should I do if symptoms worsen at night or during exercise?
- Is my asthma action plan up to date?
- When should I seek emergency help?
Reliable sources
This article is general information, not a personal treatment plan. Follow the instructions for your prescribed inhaler and seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty.
Written by the nohas.es Editorial Team from the official sources listed in this article. Read our Editorial Policy and Fact Checking Policy. Found an error? Tell us.
