Asthma is a common condition that impacts around 11% of Australians. In fact, you or a loved one may have it.
Because it’s so prevalent, it’s important to know what it actually is, and how to manage it.
What is asthma, and how does it affect you?
Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes the airways to become inflamed. As they inflame, the airways start to narrow, making it harder to breathe.
Asthma can vary from mild to severe. It can present as little as a light wheeze in the chest, all the way up to extreme difficulty in breathing. These symptoms can get worse with exercise, or when you’re around trigger substances.
What are the most common asthma symptoms?
There are some common symptoms to look out for.
- Wheezing. The squeaky wheeze or slight whistling noise when you breathe is a telltale sign of asthma. It’s caused by the airways narrowing, making it harder to get air through th
- Coughing. Narrowing airways can also lead to coughing. This is caused by mucus forming in the airways. It can vary from a persistent cough, to one that comes on stronger with exercise, or excitement.
- Shortness of breath. As well as wheezing and coughing, another symptom is shortness of breath. This can vary from feeling slightly out of breath, to finding it increasingly harder to breath.
- Tightness in the chest. Another symptom is chest tightness. This can range from a slight tightness to feeling as severe as someone sitting on your chest.
Understanding asthma: A closer look
So what causes asthma? It’s not something that just occurs. It is a condition brought on by specific environmental and personal triggers.
Understanding these triggers is the first step in helping to manage the condition.
Who is at risk of asthma?
Interestingly, while a lot is known about the condition, the direct causes that lead to a person having asthma are still unclear.
However, a person is more likely to develop asthma if:
- They have a family history of asthma, hay fever, or allergies.
- They were born prematurely.
- Their mother smoked during pregnancy.
- They live in a house with smokers.
- They’re exposed to high levels of air pollution.
What triggers an asthma attack?
The triggers that cause an asthma attack will be different for everyone, but there are some common ones to watch out for.
- Allergens like pollen, dust or dust mites, pet dander, mould, or certain foods.
- Smoke from wood fires, bushfires, cigarettes, and air pollution.
- Physical activity.
- Irritants from regular household items, like cleaning products, certain chemicals, perfumes, and some aerosol products.
Are the different types of asthma?
Not all asthma is the same! There are a few different types, and understanding which one you have can really help with managing it properly. Here’s a quick guide to the main types we see here in Australia:
Allergic Asthma (aka Extrinsic Asthma)
- What sets it off? Things like pollen, dust mites, mould, pet hair or dander.
- Who gets it? Often kids and people with other allergic conditions like eczema or hay fever.
- How to manage it: Try to avoid triggers where you can, take preventer puffers regularly, and chat to your GP about antihistamines or allergy treatments if needed.
Non-Allergic Asthma (Intrinsic Asthma)
- What sets it off? Not allergies—more likely things like cold air, smoke, stress, or strong smells.
- Who gets it? More common in adults, especially if asthma starts later in life.
- How to manage it: Stick with your asthma plan, use your asthma reliever daily, and avoid irritants if possible.
Exercise-Induced Asthma (sometimes called Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction – EIB)
- When does it happen? Usually during or after physical activity—especially if it’s cold or dry out.
- What it feels like: Coughing, wheezing, tight chest, or feeling short of breath.
- Tips for staying active: Use a reliever puffer (like Ventolin) 10–15 minutes before exercise, warm up properly, and make sure your asthma is well controlled day-to-day.
Occupational Asthma
- What causes it? Breathing in stuff at work—like dust, fumes, chemicals, or animal allergens.
- Where it happens: Jobs like construction, cleaning, farming, hairdressing, and healthcare.
- What to do: Talk to your doctor and your workplace safety team if you think work might be making your asthma worse. Protective gear and changes to your work environment can help a lot.
Cough-Variant Asthma
- Main symptom: A dry, nagging cough (but not the usual wheezy chest).
- Why it’s tricky: It often looks like a regular cough, so it can be missed or misdiagnosed.
- How to manage it: Preventer puffers usually help—chat to your GP if this sounds like you.
Aspirin-Sensitive Asthma (also known as AERD or Samter’s Triad)
- What sets it off? Taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory meds like ibuprofen.
- Other signs: Often goes hand-in-hand with nasal polyps or sinus issues.
- How to manage it: Avoid those meds, and your doctor might suggest other treatments to help keep things under control.
Nocturnal Asthma (Night-Time Asthma)
- When it hits: Asthma that flares up at night—can mess with your sleep.
- Why it happens: Cold air, lying down, or just poor asthma control overall.
- What helps: Make sure your asthma’s managed well during the day, and talk to your GP about adjusting your routine or medicines if night-time symptoms are a regular thing.
Practical tips for asthma care
If you or a loved one is living with asthma, identifying the triggers is the first step to creating an asthma treatment plan and improving your quality of life.
Then you can work on how to avoid them. It may be ensuring cleaner air in the home, avoiding outdoor activities during bushfire season or when pollen levels are high, or eliminating certain foods from your diet.
To really help improve the situation, your doctor may prescribe asthma medication. These are taken in an inhaler, commonly known as a ‘puffer’, which delivers the medication directly to the lungs.
There are two main types of medication.
- Asthma relieving medication works to open up the airways and quickly relieve symptoms within minutes.
- Preventative medication helps keep flare-ups under control. These generally use a corticosteroid as an anti-inflammatory, which works to relax the airway muscles. This helps them to stay open so more air reaches the lungs, regardless of the trigger.
Take control with expert asthma care doctors
Asthma is a chronic condition, but with the right care, it can be successfully managed.
If you or a loved one are living with asthma, speak with your GP for an asthma management plan. This may include lifestyle adjustments, identifying triggers to avoid, and getting the right medication to help you breathe easier.
Contact Brecken Health Bunbury today to talk to your GP about a personalised asthma management plan.