Overview
Asthma is a long-term condition in which the airways can become inflamed and narrowed, which may cause wheezing, coughing, and breathlessness. This is general educational information, not medical advice.
Symptoms
- wheezing or a whistling sound when breathing out
- cough, often worse at night or early morning
- shortness of breath
- chest tightness
Causes
- airway inflammation and heightened sensitivity to triggers
- common triggers such as allergens, cold air, exercise, or respiratory infections
Risk factors
- family history of asthma or allergies
- allergen or air-pollution exposure
- childhood respiratory infections
Prevention
- learning and reducing personal triggers
- following a clinician-agreed action plan
- keeping recommended vaccinations up to date
Emergency warning signs
- severe difficulty breathing
- inability to speak in full sentences
Evaluation & tests
Educational note: qualified clinicians assess asthma using history and breathing tests such as spirometry or peak-flow measurement. This library does not diagnose.
Treatment education
Educational overview: care is individualized by clinicians and commonly combines trigger management with clinician-prescribed inhaled therapies. This library does not prescribe.
Self-care
General education: understanding triggers, using an agreed action plan, and attending review appointments can support day-to-day breathing health.
When to seek care
Seek professional care for persistent or worsening breathing symptoms.