asthma with fever
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Asthma with fever is when a person who has asthma also has a high body temperature (fever). Fever is often a sign of an infection, such as a cold, the flu, or a lung infection. The infection can make asthma symptoms worse, causing more coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
Key facts
- Fevers are often caused by infections, which are common triggers for asthma flare-ups.
- Managing both the fever and the asthma is important to prevent serious breathing problems.
- Having a written asthma action plan can help you know what to do when you get sick.
Yes. People with asthma often get infections that cause fever, especially during cold and flu season. These infections can make asthma harder to control.
It can affect anyone with asthma, including children, adults, and older adults. People with poorly controlled asthma are more at risk.
Symptoms
- Severe difficulty breathing (struggling to catch your breath)
- Lips or face turning blue
- Being unable to speak more than a few words without stopping for breath
- Your asthma reliever inhaler does not help at all
- The person becomes confused or unconscious
- ⚠Fever above 101°F (38.3°C) that does not come down with rest and fluids
- ⚠Asthma symptoms (cough, wheeze, shortness of breath) that get worse even after using your reliever inhaler
- ⚠Coughing up green or yellow mucus, or blood
- ⚠Fever that lasts more than 3 days
Common symptoms
- Fever (temperature above 100.4°F or 38°C)
- Coughing (may be dry or with mucus)
- Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness or pain
- Fast breathing
Symptoms in children
- Rapid breathing (more than 40 breaths per minute in young children)
- Difficulty feeding or sucking
- Flaring of the nostrils when breathing
- Tugging of the skin between the ribs or below the neck
- Being unusually sleepy or irritable
Symptoms in older adults
- Confusion or drowsiness
- Less obvious wheezing (may have faster breathing instead)
- Low oxygen levels (lips or fingernails turning blue)
- Weakness or dizziness
- Loss of appetite
Causes
Main causes
- Viral infections such as the common cold, influenza (flu), or COVID-19
- Bacterial infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis
- Other triggers that cause inflammation and fever (rarely, like a reaction to a medicine or vaccine)
Risk factors
- Having asthma that is not well controlled
- Not getting the flu vaccine or pneumonia vaccine
- Being around people who are sick
- Having other health conditions (like heart disease or diabetes)
- Smoking or being exposed to secondhand smoke
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
- You have a high fever (over 102°F or 39°C) with breathing trouble
- Your reliever inhaler does not improve your breathing after a few puffs
- You cannot lie flat because you can't breathe
- You feel very weak, confused, or dizzy
Book a routine appointment if:
- Your asthma symptoms are getting worse over a day or two
- Your fever is not getting better after 3 days
- You are coughing up thick phlegm that is green or yellow
- You have not had a review of your asthma plan in the past year
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, listen to your lungs with a stethoscope, and check your temperature and oxygen levels. They will want to know how your asthma has been acting and whether you have had a recent infection.
Tests that may be done
- Peak flow test (blowing into a small device to measure how fast you can exhale)
- Pulse oximetry (a clip on your finger to measure oxygen in your blood)
- Chest X-ray (to check for pneumonia or other lung problems)
- Blood tests (to look for signs of infection)
What to expect at your appointment
The doctor will explain what the tests show and give you advice on how to treat both the fever and the asthma. They may update your asthma plan and suggest when to come back if you are not improving.
Treatment
Treatment focuses on two things: controlling the fever and calming down the asthma. If the fever is caused by a bacterial infection, you may need antibiotics. For viral infections, rest and fluids are the main treatments. Your asthma medicines may need to be used more often temporarily.
Self-care at home
- Rest as much as possible to let your body fight the infection.
- Drink plenty of water or clear fluids to stay hydrated.
- Use a cool cloth on your forehead if fever makes you uncomfortable.
- Take medicines to reduce fever as recommended by your doctor (do not give aspirin to children).
- Use your asthma reliever inhaler as directed, even if you are not feeling short of breath.
Medical treatments
Doctors may prescribe a short course of steroid tablets to reduce lung inflammation. If the infection is bacterial, antibiotics are given. For the flu, antiviral medicine may be an option. Your usual asthma preventer inhaler (taken daily) should be continued. In severe cases, you may need oxygen or breathing treatments in the hospital.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is not used for asthma with fever. In very rare cases of severe infection, surgery may be needed to drain an abscess in the lung, but this is extremely uncommon.
Living with this condition
When you have asthma and a fever, take it easy. Monitor your temperature and breathing. Follow your asthma action plan – it tells you when to use your reliever inhaler and when to get help. Keep a diary of your symptoms to share with your doctor.
Lifestyle tips
- Wash your hands often to avoid catching or spreading infections.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Make sure your asthma medicines are not expired and you have enough supply.
- Keep your home free of dust, mold, and smoke.
- Use a humidifier if the air is dry, but clean it regularly.
Diet and exercise
Eat a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables to support your immune system. When you are sick, rest is more important than exercise. Once you recover, gentle activity like walking can help your lungs. Always talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Worrying about your breathing while also dealing with a fever can be stressful. It is normal to feel anxious. Deep breathing (when you are not short of breath), talking to a loved one, and staying informed can help. If anxiety becomes overwhelming, speak to a healthcare professional.
Prevention
You cannot always prevent asthma with fever, but you can lower your risk. The best ways are to keep your asthma well controlled, get recommended vaccines, and practice good hygiene.
Vaccines
Get the flu shot every year. Ask your doctor about the pneumonia vaccine (especially if you have asthma). Also consider the COVID-19 vaccine and boosters.
Screening programmes
There is no routine screening test. But regular asthma check-ups (at least once a year) help keep your condition under control and catch problems early.
Complications
If left untreated
- Severe asthma attack that does not respond to rescue medicines
- Pneumonia (a lung infection) that can lead to breathing failure
- Respiratory failure (when your lungs cannot get enough oxygen into your blood)
- Hospitalization may be needed
Long-term outlook
The outlook for asthma with fever is very good with proper care. Most people recover fully from the infection and get back to their usual asthma control. The key is to treat both the fever and asthma early and follow your treatment plan. With the right support, you can manage this situation safely.
Find support
International organisations
Local organisations
- Asthma + Lung UK ↗ · United Kingdom
Helplines
External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.
Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
Related conditions
Sources and guidance
This article is educational and is prepared with reference to recognized health information and clinical guidance sources where available. Specific source links may vary by topic.
Last updated: July 27, 2026
Educational note: This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Use it to support, not replace, advice from a licensed clinician.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or urgent, call your local emergency number or seek emergency care.