Asthma

Asthma is a chronic condition in which the airways become inflamed and narrowed, making it harder to move air in and out of the lungs. Symptoms can vary day to day and are often triggered by viral infections, allergens, exercise, cold air or irritants such as smoke. Modern specialist care focuses on identifying your specific asthma pattern (or phenotype) and tailoring treatment accordingly.

• Wheezing, especially on breathing out
• Cough, often worse at night or with exercise
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Symptoms triggered by colds, allergens, exercise or cold air
• Needing your reliever inhaler more than twice a week

• Symptoms not well controlled despite regular preventer therapy
• Frequent reliever use, night-time waking or repeated flare-ups
• Hospital or emergency department visits for asthma
• Possible severe or allergic asthma being considered for biologic therapy
• Uncertainty about diagnosis or recurring chest symptoms

• Specialist respiratory consultation (in person or virtual)
• Spirometry and bronchodilator response testing
• Detailed lung function testing where indicated
• Allergy and biomarker assessment for precision asthma care
• Inhaler technique and adherence review
• Personalised written asthma action plan

Most asthma is managed with inhaled preventer therapy, with reliever medication for symptoms. Severe or poorly controlled asthma may benefit from precision treatments such as biologic therapy, guided by phenotyping and biomarker testing. Treatment is always individualised by your specialist in partnership with your GP.

• Take preventer inhalers regularly, even when feeling well
• Review your inhaler technique at least once a year
• Recognise flare-up triggers and early warning signs
• Follow your written asthma action plan
• Stay up to date with influenza and recommended vaccinations
• Avoid smoking and vaping, and reduce exposure to known triggers
• Seek prompt review if reliever use increases or symptoms worsen