What are the main symptoms or signs of Asthma: getting genuine day-to-day control?

Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.

When should you see a doctor for Asthma: getting genuine day-to-day control?

See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.

Pulmonology

Asthma: getting genuine day-to-day control

Reliever inhaler alone is not control

Dr. Paul Rivière

Pulmonologist

7 min read

Medical illustration of Asthma: getting genuine day-to-day control

In simple terms

Needing your blue inhaler more than twice a week is a signal, not a routine.

What asthma is

The airways are chronically inflamed and over-reactive. Triggers such as cold air, exercise, allergens, smoke or a virus make them narrow, causing wheeze, cough, chest tightness and breathlessness.

The two kinds of inhaler

The reliever opens the airway within minutes but does nothing about the underlying inflammation. The preventer, usually an inhaled corticosteroid, is taken every day and is what actually reduces attacks and hospital admissions.

How to judge your control

Symptoms in the daytime more than twice a week
Any waking at night because of asthma
Reliever needed more than twice a week
Activity limited by breathing

Any of these means the treatment plan should be reviewed.

Technique matters as much as the drug

A large proportion of people use their inhaler incorrectly, so most of the dose never reaches the lungs. Ask a pharmacist or nurse to watch you use it. A spacer improves delivery substantially with a metered dose inhaler.

Emergency signs

Difficulty speaking in full sentences, lips or fingertips turning blue, or a reliever that no longer works means calling emergency services immediately.

The words explained

Medical terms used above, in everyday language.

Inflammation: The body's reaction to injury or irritation: redness, swelling, heat or pain.
Symptom: A sign you can feel or see that something is wrong, like pain, tiredness or a rash.
Prevention: Steps taken before a problem starts, to make it less likely.

When should you see a doctor?

Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
You already take medication and want to change anything about it.

This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.

Frequently asked questions

What is Asthma: getting genuine day-to-day control?: Needing your blue inhaler more than twice a week is a signal, not a routine.
What are the main symptoms or signs of Asthma: getting genuine day-to-day control?: Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
When should you see a doctor for Asthma: getting genuine day-to-day control?: See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.

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