Asthma

Asthma can flare up and leave you gasping — but most attacks are preventable with the right plan. This page gives practical steps to spot trouble, use treatments correctly, and lower flare-ups.

Common symptoms include wheeze, tight chest, coughing (often at night or with exercise), and shortness of breath. Symptoms vary day-to-day. If you notice a pattern after exposure to pets, dust, cold air, smoke, perfume, or after exercise, that’s a clue.

Triggers to watch for: dust mites, pollen, pet dander, tobacco smoke, strong fumes, viral colds, exercise, sudden temperature changes, and some medicines (like nonselective beta blockers or aspirin in sensitive people). Stress and poor sleep can make attacks worse.

Medicines fall into two groups: rescue and controller. Rescue inhalers (short-acting beta agonists such as salbutamol or albuterol — brand names like Ventolin) give quick relief during an attack. Controller treatments reduce inflammation over time and lower attack risk. Common controllers are inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and combination inhalers that add a long-acting bronchodilator (LABA), like fluticasone-salmeterol products (Advair Diskus) or budesonide-formoterol (Symbicort). For severe or allergic asthma, doctors may recommend biologic injections (omalizumab, mepolizumab). Oral steroids are used short-term for bad flares.

Using an inhaler the wrong way cuts treatment effectiveness. For pressurized metered dose inhalers: shake if the label says so, breathe out, close lips around the mouthpiece, press the canister and inhale slowly, then hold your breath for about 5–10 seconds. If you use a spacer, you can inhale at a normal pace. Dry powder inhalers need a quick, deep breath instead. Clean devices per instructions and replace spacers every year.

A written asthma action plan makes a big difference. It should list daily medicines, how to recognize worsening (more rescue inhaler use, waking at night, lower peak flow), steps to take when symptoms rise, and when to call the clinic or go to the ER. Track rescue inhaler use — more than two times a week (outside exercise) means your asthma isn’t controlled.

Simple non-medical steps help too: reduce home allergens (wash bedding weekly in hot water, cover mattresses), avoid smoke, get seasonal vaccines, and keep a healthy weight and exercise routine that fits your limits. Peak flow meters can spot trouble before you feel it.

When to see a doctor right away: rescue inhaler doesn’t help, lips or face turn blue, you can’t speak sentences, or symptoms worsen quickly. See your regular provider if you wake at night with symptoms, need rescue meds often, or miss activities because of breathing.

Want more details on inhaler choices and alternatives? Check our guides on Advair Diskus, Ventolin alternatives, and Symbicort alternatives for specific medicine comparisons and tips.

A practical rule with peak flow: green zone is 80–100% of your personal best — keep taking controllers; yellow is 50–79% — use rescue and follow your action plan; red is below 50% — use rescue inhaler and seek urgent care. Also get yearly flu shots and COVID boosters if recommended. If you smoke, quitting cuts attacks fast. Keep a list of meds and dosages with you.