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Asthma in adults

Asthma in adults causes episodes of coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness. With the right treatment, most people can control their symptoms well.

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  • Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition with variable airway narrowing and increased airway sensitivity.
  • Typical symptoms are wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing that vary over time and in intensity.
  • Where possible, the diagnosis should be confirmed objectively with spirometry, reversibility testing, FeNO or evidence of variability.
  • Every adult with asthma should use anti-inflammatory inhaled medicine on an appropriate schedule; a short-acting reliever inhaler alone is usually not safe enough.
  • Good inhaler technique, taking treatment as prescribed and a written action plan prevent many attacks.
  • Stopping smoking and addressing occupational exposure, nasal symptoms, obesity, reflux and sleep apnoea may improve control.
  • Excessive reliever use, a previous hospital admission and repeated courses of oral steroids are warning signs, even between episodes of symptoms.
  • Being unable to speak, drowsiness, turning blue, severe exhaustion or no response to reliever medicine means calling 912 immediately.

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Further reading

Browse A–Z
A
Asthma in childrenIn asthma, the airways become inflamed and narrower. A child may develop coughing, wheezing, a feeling of tightness or difficulty breathing, especially at night, during exercise or with infections.
H
Hay feverHay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen from trees, grasses or weeds. Typical symptoms are sneezing fits, a watery runny nose, an itchy nose or eyes and watering eyes. Symptoms are unpleasant but usually not dangerous. However, it matters to distinguish hay fever from breathlessness caused by asthma: wheezing, coughing, chest tightness or shortness of breath need extra attention and sometimes prompt assessment.
C
COPDCOPD is a lasting lung disease in which air has difficulty flowing out of the lungs. Coughing, phlegm, wheezing, tiredness and increasing breathlessness are common. Stopping smoking, good inhaler technique, activity, vaccinations and a personal action plan may reduce symptoms and flare-ups.