chest infections and asthma :: Article CreatorHow To Tell If You Have Asthma: Symptoms And Next Steps
Asthma is a respiratory condition caused by inflammation and constriction (narrowing) of the airways. It can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing.
Asthma is a long-term (chronic) condition that requires lifelong management and treatment to help prevent symptoms and reduce your chances of having an asthma attack.
But how do you know for sure if you have asthma? If you're experiencing a cough or shortness of breath, learn what differentiates asthma from other respiratory conditions and how a doctor can confirm a diagnosis, so you can get the right treatment for your symptoms.
Wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath are among the most common asthma symptoms. In severe flare-ups, you may also feel tightness in your chest.
Unlike other respiratory conditions, asthma symptoms tend to flare up when you're exposed to triggers, such as:
allergens that irritate the airways and cause inflammation exercise that can put stress on the airways and lead to inflammation cold weather conditions that constrict the airways Symptoms also tend to get worse when you're trying to sleep at night.
If you're diagnosed with asthma, a doctor will help you with a treatment plan that includes:
taking your medications as prescribed avoiding your triggers knowing the symptoms of an asthma attack Personal asthma triggers may vary, but it's important to identify your own and avoid exposure to them as much as possible.
Common triggers of asthma include:
pollen, pet dander, dust mites, mold, and other allergens chemicals, perfumes, and strong odors air pollution and smoke cigarette smoke cold, dry air extreme emotional changes, such as stress Possible signs of an asthma attack include worsening:
wheezing shortness of breath or rapid breathing coughing chest tightness If you think you're having a mild to moderate asthma attack, use your prescribed rescue inhaler for quick relief. Symptoms that don't improve should be further evaluated by a doctor.
In the case of a severe asthma attack, always seek emergency medical attention right away. A severe asthma attack may cause significant breathing difficulties as well as with heart rate changes and pale skin.
Asthma refers to airway constriction and inflammation, but there are also different subtypes to consider.
Allergic asthma
Allergic asthma is triggered by substances you may be allergic to, such as seasonal pollen or dust mites.
You're more likely to have allergic asthma if you have a history of hay fever or eczema.
Eosinophilic asthma
This type of asthma may be diagnosed with a blood test that measures eosinophil levels.
Exercise-induced asthma
Endurance activities, such as long-distance running, are more likely to cause this type of asthma. With treatment, symptoms may become more manageable and allow you to continue participating in these activities.
Occupational asthma
Occupational asthma develops after chronic exposure to irritants, like dusts or chemicals, in workplaces.
This type of asthma can take years to develop, and you may experience symptoms long after exposure.
A diagnosis of asthma — and identification of your triggers — is important in getting the correct treatment and improving your quality of life. An asthma treatment plan can also help reduce your risk of asthma attacks.
After assessing your symptoms and listening to your lungs, a doctor may order a combination of the following tests to help diagnose asthma:
Coughing and shortness of breath are two classic symptoms of asthma that may also be seen in other conditions.
Here's how you can tell some of these conditions apart.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
As with asthma, people with COPD may experience coughing and shortness of breath.
It's also possible to have both asthma and COPD. Contact a doctor if you're experiencing symptoms of either condition.
Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD)
Both VCD and asthma have very similar symptoms: coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. But VCD also causes changes in your voice, including hoarseness.
If you have VCD, you may also have more problems breathing in instead of out. Having trouble breathing out is more often associated with asthma.
Anxiety and hyperventilation syndrome
Both anxiety and hyperventilation syndrome may cause shortness of breath and rapid breathing during flare-ups.
While such breathing difficulties may be mistaken with asthma, these aren't caused by airway constriction. Wheezing and coughing also aren't typical with these two conditions.
A doctor will most likely prescribe a rescue inhaler as a first-line treatment. Also called a quick-relief bronchodilator, an inhaler can help relieve airway constriction in the event of an asthma attack.
Depending on the type and severity of your asthma, a doctor may also prescribe one or more of the following medications:
See a doctor for any chronic coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath that doesn't seem to have an underlying cause, such as a URTI.
A doctor may also refer you to a specialist, such as an allergist, immunologist, or pulmonologist.
Seek emergency medical help if you're experiencing significant breathing difficulties or the symptoms of a severe asthma attack, such as:
rapid breathing inability to catch your breath or speak more than a few words at a time chest or neck pain increased heart rate bluish or purplish skin Asthma is a chronic condition that requires lifelong treatment to help prevent flare-ups and possible hospitalization. Since other conditions share similar symptoms, it's important to get an evaluation from a doctor.
With the right asthma treatment plan, you can reduce your risk of asthma attacks and improve your overall quality of life.
What Is Asthma? How Do You Get Asthma? How Long Does Asthma Last?
Asthma is a long-lasting (chronic) disease of the lungs and airways (bronchi) that affects 5 people in every 100. In children, this figure is higher and rising.
Asthma is characterised by attacks of breathlessness, tight chest, wheezing and coughing which are caused by the airways becoming narrowed and inflamed. Some people may have these symptoms all of the time and others may be normal between attacks.
How do you get asthma? Asthma can arise at any age, but why some people have the disease and others don't is not known. People with asthma have airways that are more sensitive than normal.
Doctors know, however, that asthma can sometimes run in families. Asthma attacks can be set off by many different things, these are called triggers. Examples include cold air, vigorous exercise and stress. These triggers may also include 'allergens'. These are present in the environment and contain chemicals that trigger allergic reactions. Allergens include, for example, pollen, animal danders, house dust, pollution, some foods, perfumes and cigarette smoke. Allergens cause the lining of the airways to become swollen and inflamed. It produces extra mucus and the muscles of the airways tighten. There is then less room for the air to pass in and out. Attacks may be more frequent or severe in people who have a chest infection. How serious is asthma? Asthma is not generally considered by doctors to be a serious illness in most people who have it, mainly due to the mildness of symptoms and the range of very effective medicines that control these symptoms and stop asthma worsening. Asthma does, however, have an effect on quality of life because attacks can be unpleasant and distressing and can restrict activity. Whilst most sufferers learn to live with and manage their condition, for some it can be disabling. In exceptional cases, asthma can be life-threatening, particularly if it is not treated adequately or promptly. For some of these, an attack is so severe that it results in death. How long does asthma last? Asthma attacks come and go, with wide variation in the symptoms at different times. Many people with asthma have problems only occasionally but others struggle with it every day. Modern medicines control and relieve symptoms and so attacks may only last a few hours or minutes, but without treatment this may go on for several days. Some children grow out of asthma and some people are only affected at different times of the year. However, the period of time during which people may have asthma attacks can last for many years or throughout life. How is asthma treated? Asthma is not so much "treated" as it is "controlled". As a chronic, long-term disease, there is no cure. However, there are tools and medicines to help you control asthma as well as benchmarks to gauge your progress.
We have added a special section all about asthma, which includes information on treatments. View our treatments for asthma page.
How Breathing Exercises Can Ease Your Asthma Symptoms
That familiar tightness in your chest. The wheeze that seems to announce itself at the most inconvenient moments. The inhaler you clutch like a lifeline. Living with asthma can feel like your lungs have a mind of their own—a rebellious, unpredictable mind that doesn't care about your plans.
But what if you could take back some control without reaching for medication? Turns out, the answer might be literally right under your nose. The way you breathe—something most of us never think about—could be the key to fewer symptoms and better asthma control.
Let's cut through the confusion and get to what actually works. Your breath isn't just keeping you alive—it might be your untapped superpower against asthma.
When your airways go rogue
Asthma essentially rewires how your breathing works. Your airways become overly sensitive, quick to react to triggers that wouldn't bother someone else. When something irritates them—whether it's pollen, exercise, stress, or cold air—they respond with inflammation, tightening, and excess mucus.
What most people don't realize is that many asthmatics fall into dysfunctional breathing patterns even when they're not having an attack. The constant threat of breathing trouble leads to chest breathing, mouth breathing, and taking in more air than needed—all of which can actually make asthma worse.
These faulty patterns become so ingrained that they feel normal. You might be breathing incorrectly right now without realizing it. That's where breathing exercises come in—they're basically physical therapy for your respiratory system.
The science behind breathing better
The research on breathing exercises for asthma has come a long way from being dismissed as alternative medicine. Now we have solid evidence showing that specific breathing techniques can make a real difference.
These exercises work through several mechanisms. First, they strengthen the diaphragm—your primary breathing muscle that many asthmatics underuse. A stronger diaphragm gives you more efficient breathing power.
They also help correct the common problem of over-breathing. Many people with asthma breathe too quickly and too shallowly, which can trigger the very symptoms they're trying to avoid. Slowing down your breath and extending exhalation helps reset this pattern.
Perhaps most importantly, regular breathing practice helps retrain your brain's breathing center. Your respiratory control system adapts to whatever patterns you regularly use—good or bad. Consistent practice of proper breathing technique creates new neural pathways that make healthy breathing your default setting.
Techniques worth trying
Not all breathing exercises are created equal when it comes to asthma. Some have stronger evidence behind them than others.
The Papworth method combines relaxation techniques with specific breathing patterns. It focuses on nose breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, and relaxation. People who practice this method regularly report fewer symptoms and less reliance on rescue medications.
Buteyko breathing was developed specifically for asthma and emphasizes nasal breathing and controlled reduction in breathing volume. The technique is based on the theory that asthmatics breathe too much, which lowers carbon dioxide levels and contributes to airway constriction. While somewhat controversial in mainstream medicine, many asthmatics swear by its effectiveness.
Pursed-lip breathing is simpler but powerful. You inhale slowly through your nose for about two counts, then exhale through pursed lips for about four counts. This technique keeps airways open longer during exhalation and helps prevent them from collapsing.
Diaphragmatic breathing focuses on using your diaphragm correctly. Place one hand on your chest and one on your belly. When you breathe in, your belly should expand while your chest remains relatively still. This engages your diaphragm properly and encourages fuller, more efficient breaths.
Yoga breathing incorporates physical postures with controlled breathing. The emphasis on extended exhalation and mindful breathing makes it particularly helpful for asthmatics. Many yoga practitioners report improved lung function and reduced asthma symptoms over time.
Making it part of your routine
The key to seeing results is consistency. A few minutes of proper breathing won't undo years of dysfunctional patterns any more than one gym session will give you six-pack abs.
Start small with five minutes daily. Even this modest commitment can begin to create change. Find a quiet time—perhaps first thing in the morning or just before bed—when you can focus without distractions.
Track your progress by keeping notes on your symptoms and medication use. Many people don't notice gradual improvements until they look back at where they started. Your goal isn't to become symptom-free overnight but to see a pattern of improvement over weeks and months.
Combine breathing practice with your existing treatment plan. These exercises work best as a complement to proper medical care, not a replacement. Continue taking prescribed medications and following your doctor's advice.
Use technology to your advantage. Numerous apps can guide you through breathing exercises and help you maintain proper technique. Some even track your progress over time, which can provide motivating feedback.
What to expect
Breathing retraining isn't a quick fix. Your respiratory patterns developed over years, and reshaping them takes time. Most people begin noticing changes within a few weeks of consistent practice.
Initial results might include sleeping better and feeling less anxious. These benefits appear quickly because breathing exercises activate your parasympathetic nervous system—the rest-and-digest mode that counteracts stress.
Reduced reliance on rescue inhalers typically comes next. Many practitioners find they reach for their albuterol less frequently as their breathing normalizes. This doesn't mean abandoning your inhaler—just needing it less often.
Improved exercise tolerance follows as your breathing becomes more efficient. Activities that once triggered symptoms may become more manageable as your respiratory system functions better.
Finally, some practitioners report fewer colds and respiratory infections. While not directly related to asthma symptoms, this benefit comes from stronger respiratory muscles and improved airway clearance.
Finding professional guidance
While you can learn breathing exercises from books and videos, working with a professional offers significant advantages.
Respiratory therapists are specially trained in breathing mechanics and can spot subtle problems in your technique that you might miss on your own. Many hospitals offer pulmonary rehabilitation programs that include breathing retraining.
Physical therapists who specialize in respiratory conditions can provide personalized guidance. They'll assess your specific breathing patterns and tailor exercises to your needs.
Some speech-language pathologists have training in breathing coordination and can offer valuable expertise, particularly if vocal cord dysfunction complicates your asthma.
Certified Buteyko practitioners focus specifically on this breathing method. If you're drawn to the Buteyko approach, finding a trained instructor ensures you learn the technique correctly.
When to talk to your doctor
Breathing exercises are generally safe, but certain situations warrant medical consultation.
If you experience increased symptoms when starting any breathing practice, stop and consult your healthcare provider. Some techniques might temporarily increase awareness of breathing difficulties before improvement occurs.
Never reduce or stop prescribed medications without medical supervision, even if breathing exercises are helping. Work with your doctor to make any treatment adjustments.
If you have other lung conditions besides asthma, get medical clearance before starting intense breathing retraining. Conditions like COPD require different approaches.
Breathe easier, live better
The beauty of breathing exercises lies in their accessibility. They cost nothing, require no special equipment, and can be practiced anywhere. Unlike many other aspects of asthma management, this is one area where you have complete control.
Remember that consistency trumps intensity. Five minutes of daily practice will yield better results than an hour-long session once a week. Your respiratory system responds to regular, gentle reinforcement.
Your relationship with your breath is lifelong. Rather than viewing breathing exercises as a treatment to complete, think of them as a skill to develop. Like learning to play an instrument or speak a new language, breathing well becomes more natural with practice.
The next time asthma tries to take your breath away, you'll have more tools to take it back. And that feeling of control might be the biggest benefit of all.
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