asthma complications awareness

Overview

Asthma is a long-term lung condition that makes your airways sensitive to triggers. Sometimes, asthma is not fully controlled, and this can lead to complications — problems such as severe attacks, lung damage, or other health issues that affect your day-to-day life.

Complications are not a normal part of asthma. Most people with asthma, especially those who get regular check-ups and follow their medication routine, stay well.

Anyone with asthma can develop complications, but they are more likely if you smoke, have frequent attacks, have other lung or heart problems, or find it hard to access health care.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Shortness of breath that does not improve with your usual inhaler
• Wheezing that becomes more constant, especially at night or early morning
• Tightness in the chest that does not go away
• Coughing that interferes with talking or sleeping
• Feeling short of breath on minimal effort, like walking a short distance

Symptoms in children

• Sudden noisy breathing or a child who is working hard to breathe
• Trouble feeding, talking, or playing because of breathlessness
• Tiredness or looking pale or blue around the lips
• A child who sits hunched forward and cannot speak in full sentences

Symptoms in older adults

• Breathlessness during simple activities like dressing
• Confusion, drowsiness, or unusual tiredness
• Rapid heart rate or low chest expansion
• Less obvious wheezing — sometimes the chest sounds silent

Causes

Main causes

• Not taking your preventer inhaler regularly, even when well
• Being around triggers such as tobacco smoke, dust, pollen, or strong smells
• Viral infections like colds and flu
• Stopping your asthma medicine without talking to your doctor

Risk factors

• Smoking or being exposed to second-hand smoke
• A history of severe asthma attacks in the past
• Other health conditions including obesity, acid reflux, or hay fever
• Poor access to regular health care or not having a written asthma action plan

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If your symptoms get worse over 24 to 48 hours
• If you need your rescue inhaler more than twice a week (except one dose before exercise)
• If an attack does not fully settle after following your action plan

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you haven't had an asthma review in the past 12 months
• After any hospital visit for asthma to review your plan
• If you need help creating a written asthma action plan

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, examine you, and check your lung function. To look for complications, they may also check for other conditions such as acid reflux, sleep apnoea, or chest infections.

Tests that may be done

• Spirometry (blowing into a tube to measure how fast you breathe out)
• Peak flow monitoring (a small device you blow into daily to track airway narrowing)
• Chest X-ray (if another lung problem is suspected)
• Blood tests (to check for infection or other conditions)
• Allergy testing (to identify triggers)

What to expect at your appointment

The appointment may take 30 to 60 minutes. You'll be asked to do some breathing tests and discuss your daily routine. The doctor will talk with you about a plan that suits your life and reduces the chance of complications.

Treatment

The best way to treat complications is to tighten control of the underlying asthma. That means using the right inhaled medicines, avoiding triggers, and acting quickly when symptoms appear. Most people can manage this with support from their asthma nurse or doctor.

Self-care at home

• Take your preventer treatment every day, even when you feel no symptoms
• Keep a daily record of your peak flow if your doctor asks you to
• Recognise your personal early warning signs of an attack
• Never go long without your inhaler or action plan when travelling

Medical treatments

Asthma medications are usually inhaled. They have two main jobs: opening the airways (relievers) and reducing inflammation in the airways (preventers). Some people need extra long-term treatments, such as combination inhalers, to keep the airways calm. All of these should be prescribed by your doctor and used exactly as shown.

Living with this condition

Asthma is a partner you learn to manage. You will have good days and harder days. Building small routines — like checking your peak flow in the morning and taking medication as prescribed — makes complications less likely.

Lifestyle tips

• Quit smoking and stay away from other people's smoke
• Keep windows closed on high-pollen days and use a HEPA filter if needed
• Wash bedding in hot water weekly to control dust mites
• Use a soft-bristled vacuum to help reduce dust

Diet and exercise

Eat plenty of vegetables, fruit and whole grains to support your lungs. Gentle exercise such as walking, swimming or cycling is safe — just warm up for at least ten minutes and keep your inhaler near. If exercise triggers wheeze, speak to your care team; they may recommend an extra puff of your rescue inhaler before activity (following their advice).

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with a condition where you might suddenly struggle to breathe can create fear and stress. Anxiety is common, and it can make breathing even more difficult. Talk to your GP, asthma nurse, or a counsellor about your concerns. If your anxiety ever feels overwhelming, reach out to a local mental health crisis line or go to your nearest emergency department.

Prevention

Most asthma complications are preventable. The research is clear: good daily treatment, a written action plan, regular reviews, and staying away from triggers make the biggest difference.

Vaccines

Viral infections often trigger asthma flares. Your doctor may recommend annual flu vaccination and other vaccines against respiratory infections, such as COVID-19, as part of your asthma care.

Screening programmes

There is no national screening programme for asthma. However, if you are known to have asthma, your doctor should check your lung function at least once a year, and more often if your symptoms change.

Complications

If left untreated

• Severe asthma attacks requiring hospital admission
• Reduced lung function that continues even between attacks
• Difficulty doing everyday activities like climbing stairs
• Low oxygen in the blood, which can strain the heart
• Lung infections such as pneumonia
• In very rare cases, death from a severe attack

Long-term outlook

With the right team and a clear plan, very few people with asthma experience serious complications. Your outlook is good, and most people live busy, active lives. Every check-up is an opportunity to make your plan stronger.

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