lung that comes and goes

Overview

This condition describes breathing difficulties that come and go, often due to narrowed airways. It can cause wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. It is often called asthma.

Yes, it affects millions of people worldwide, including many children and adults.

It can affect people of all ages, but often starts in childhood. Some people develop it later in life.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)
• Coughing, especially at night or early morning
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or pressure

Symptoms in children

• Frequent coughing that gets worse with colds or exercise
• Rapid or noisy breathing
• Trouble feeding or playing due to breathing problems
• Fatigue from not sleeping well

Symptoms in older adults

• Less typical symptoms like tiredness or reduced activity
• Shortness of breath that may be mistaken for ageing
• Cough that does not go away
• More frequent chest infections

Causes

Main causes

• Inflammation and narrowing of the airways in the lungs
• Excess mucus production that blocks the airways
• Muscles around the airways tightening (bronchospasm)

Risk factors

• Family history of asthma or allergies
• Having allergic conditions like eczema or hay fever
• Exposure to tobacco smoke or air pollution
• Obesity
• Workplace irritants (dust, fumes)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have trouble breathing that does not get better with rest
• Your reliever inhaler does not help as much as usual

Book a routine appointment if:

• You suspect you have this condition and want a diagnosis
• Your symptoms are interfering with daily activities or sleep
• You need a review of your treatment or inhaler technique

Diagnosis

A doctor will take your medical history, ask about your symptoms, and perform breathing tests to see how well your lungs work.

Tests that may be done

• Spirometry: you blow into a device to measure how much air you can exhale and how fast.
• Peak flow test: a simple handheld device you blow into to measure your peak flow rate.
• Allergy tests: skin or blood tests to identify triggers.

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor may ask you to use a peak flow meter at home to track changes. You might be given a reliever inhaler to see if it improves your symptoms. Diagnosis sometimes takes a few visits.

Treatment

Treatment aims to control symptoms, prevent attacks, and help you breathe well. It usually involves avoiding triggers and using inhalers as prescribed.

Self-care at home

• Identify and avoid your personal triggers (e.g., pollen, dust, smoke)
• Use your inhalers exactly as your doctor showed you
• Keep a written action plan so you know what to do when symptoms worsen
• Manage stress and get good sleep

Medical treatments

Doctors typically prescribe two types of inhalers: a reliever (for quick symptom relief) and a preventer (taken daily to reduce airway inflammation). Other treatments may include medications (tablets or injections) that target the immune system, but these are only for severe cases. Never change or stop treatment without talking to your doctor.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for this condition. In very severe cases, a procedure called bronchial thermoplasty might be considered, but this is uncommon.

Living with this condition

With good management, this condition does not have to limit your daily life. Monitor your symptoms, take your medications as prescribed, and avoid triggers when possible.

Lifestyle tips

• If you smoke, seek help to quit
• Avoid secondhand smoke
• Get your annual flu vaccine (and COVID-19 vaccine as recommended)
• Keep your home clean and reduce dust and mould

Diet and exercise

A healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables supports overall health. Regular exercise can improve lung function – talk to your doctor about what activities are safe and how to warm up properly.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with a chronic breathing condition can cause anxiety or worry, especially during flare-ups. It is normal to feel this way. Discuss your feelings with your doctor or a counsellor.

Prevention

This condition cannot always be prevented, but you can reduce the frequency and severity of attacks by controlling triggers and following your treatment plan.

Vaccines

Yes, staying up to date with the flu vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine can help prevent respiratory infections that can worsen symptoms.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for everyone. If you have symptoms or a family history, talk to your doctor.

Complications

If left untreated

• Severe asthma attacks that require emergency care
• Permanent narrowing of the airways
• Reduced lung function over time
• Missed school or work days

Long-term outlook

With the right treatment and management, most people with this condition can control their symptoms and enjoy a full, active life. Working closely with your doctor and following your care plan makes a big difference.

Find support

Local organisations

• Asthma + Lung UK ↗ · UK

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