asthma that comes and goes

Overview

Asthma that comes and goes is a condition where your airways (the tubes that carry air to your lungs) become narrow and swollen from time to time, making it hard to breathe. Between these flare-ups, your breathing is normal. This type of asthma is often triggered by things like allergies, exercise, or cold air.

Yes, many people with asthma have the intermittent type. It is one of the most common forms of asthma, especially in children and young adults.

It can affect people of any age, but it often starts in childhood. It may run in families and is more common in people with allergies or eczema.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe out)
• Coughing, especially at night or early morning
• Shortness of breath
• Tightness in the chest

Symptoms in children

• Coughing that happens more with running or playing
• Complaining of chest pain or feeling tired
• Not wanting to play or eat

Symptoms in older adults

• Feeling more tired than usual or out of breath with activity
• Cough that lasts a long time or gets worse with a cold
• Wheezing or chest tightness that comes and goes

Causes

Main causes

• Allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mould
• Respiratory infections like colds or flu
• Exercise, especially in cold or dry air
• Irritants like smoke, strong smells, or air pollution
• Weather changes, especially cold or windy conditions

Risk factors

• Having a family history of asthma or allergies
• Having allergies yourself (like hay fever or eczema)
• Being born prematurely or with a low birth weight
• Living in a polluted or smoky environment

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Any time you have a severe asthma attack and your inhaler does not help
• If you are wheezing or coughing so much that you cannot sleep or do your usual activities

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have symptoms that keep coming back, even if they are mild
• If you need to use your reliever inhaler more than twice a week
• For a check-up at least once a year, or more if your asthma changes

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, triggers, and family history. They will listen to your breathing and may do some simple tests to see how well your lungs work.

Tests that may be done

• Spirometry – you blow into a machine to measure how much air you can breathe out and how fast.
• Peak flow meter – you blow into a small device to check your best peak flow, and then you can use it at home to track changes.
• Allergy tests – skin or blood tests to find out if allergies are a trigger for you.

What to expect at your appointment

The diagnosis is usually straightforward. Your doctor will explain what the results mean and work with you to create a personal action plan. You may be asked to keep a symptom diary for a few weeks.

Treatment

Treatment aims to prevent symptoms and manage flare-ups when they happen. Most people with asthma that comes and goes use a reliever inhaler as needed. Some also need a preventer inhaler if symptoms are more frequent.

Self-care at home

• Identify and avoid your triggers (e.g., avoid smoke, keep windows closed during high pollen, dust regularly).
• Use your inhaler exactly as prescribed – know the difference between your reliever (for quick relief) and preventer (for daily control).
• Keep a peak flow diary and an asthma action plan to spot early signs of a flare-up.
• Stay active – exercise can help your lungs, but warm up properly and have your reliever nearby.

Medical treatments

The main treatments for intermittent asthma are inhalers. A reliever inhaler (usually blue) is used to quickly open the airways during a flare-up. If you have symptoms more than twice a week, your doctor may also prescribe a preventer inhaler that you use every day to reduce inflammation. These treatments are safe and effective when used correctly.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not used for asthma that comes and goes. Treatment is always with medications and lifestyle changes.

Living with this condition

With the right care, asthma that comes and goes does not have to limit your life. Most people can work, exercise, and travel normally. It helps to always carry your reliever inhaler, know your triggers, and have an action plan.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke – this is the single most important thing you can do.
• Use allergy-proof covers on pillows and mattresses if dust mites are a trigger.
• Check air quality forecasts if pollution or pollen bothers you.
• Exercise regularly but warm up slowly and always have your inhaler handy.

Diet and exercise

There is no special diet for asthma, but eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables supports your overall health. Exercise is very safe as long as you are well-controlled. If exercise triggers your symptoms, talk to your doctor – a reliever inhaler before exercise can help.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Worrying about when the next flare-up might happen can cause anxiety or stress. This is normal. Learning to manage your asthma well often reduces that worry. If you feel anxious or depressed, talk to your doctor or a counsellor.

Prevention

You cannot prevent developing asthma, but you can greatly reduce how often and how severely it flares up by controlling triggers and following your treatment plan. Good management is the best prevention.

Vaccines

Getting the flu vaccine every year and the pneumonia vaccine if recommended can help prevent infections that might trigger an asthma flare-up. Ask your doctor which vaccines are right for you.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for asthma. It is usually diagnosed when symptoms appear. If you have a strong family history, watch for early signs and talk to your doctor.

Complications

If left untreated

• Frequent flare-ups that disrupt sleep, school, work, or exercise.
• Permanent lung damage from long-term inflammation.
• Rarely, a severe asthma attack that can be life-threatening.

Long-term outlook

With proper treatment and a good plan, most people with asthma that comes and goes have an excellent outlook. You can expect to live a full, active life with few symptoms between flare-ups. The key is to work closely with your healthcare team and follow your action plan.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.