Asthma affects around 1 in 9 Australians and is a common reason for GP visits, emergency presentations, and unfortunately, preventable deaths. The good news: with the right inhalers, an asthma action plan, and regular GP review, most people with asthma can live active, symptom-free lives.
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic condition where the airways become inflamed and narrow, causing breathing difficulty. Airway muscles tighten (bronchoconstriction), the lining swells, and mucus is produced — all of which restrict airflow and cause wheeze, cough, and shortness of breath.
Common Symptoms
- Wheezing — a whistling sound when breathing, especially when breathing out
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Cough, especially at night or early morning
- Symptoms triggered by exercise, cold air, viruses, or allergens
- Waking at night with cough or breathlessness
Common Triggers
- Viral respiratory infections (colds and flu)
- Allergens: dust mites, pollens, pet dander, mould
- Exercise (especially in cold, dry air)
- Weather changes and thunderstorms (thunderstorm asthma is a recognised Australian phenomenon)
- Smoke and bushfire smoke
- Air pollution
- Workplace exposures (cleaning chemicals, flour, wood dust)
- Certain medications (aspirin, beta-blockers in some patients)
- Stress and strong emotions
When to See a GP
- New symptoms that sound like asthma — wheeze, night cough, chest tightness
- Existing asthma that is not well-controlled — using reliever inhaler more than 2 days a week, night waking, missing school or work
- Needing to increase reliever use during a cold
- Exercise triggering symptoms
- Annual review even when well — to update your action plan
When to Go to the ED — Severe Asthma Attack
An asthma attack is a medical emergency. Call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department if:
- Reliever inhaler is not helping
- You cannot speak in full sentences
- Lips or fingertips are turning blue
- Severe shortness of breath at rest
- Chest retractions (skin pulling in between ribs with each breath)
- Drowsiness or confusion
Do not delay. Severe asthma attacks can be fatal within hours.
Spirometry: Confirming the Diagnosis
Your GP will usually perform spirometry — a simple lung function test — to diagnose asthma and measure its severity. You breathe into a mouthpiece as hard and fast as you can. The test measures how much air you can exhale and how fast.
Your GP may do spirometry before and after a reliever inhaler to see if your lung function improves (a key sign of asthma). Many Family Doctor clinics offer spirometry in-house; others will refer you to a respiratory lab.
Asthma Treatment: Preventer + Reliever
- Preventer (controller) inhalers: Taken every day, even when you feel well. Reduce inflammation and prevent flares. Typically inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) or ICS-LABA combinations.
- Reliever inhalers: Used as needed for sudden symptoms. Typically salbutamol (Ventolin) or a fast-acting combination (Symbicort SMART).
- Inhaler technique: Up to 80% of patients use their inhaler incorrectly. Ask your GP or pharmacist to check your technique at every visit — it makes a huge difference.
- Spacers: Improve delivery of puffer medication to the lungs. Use one if you have any difficulty with puffers.
Asthma Action Plan
Every person with asthma should have a written Asthma Action Plan. This is a simple document your GP prepares that tells you exactly what to do at different severity levels:
- Green zone (well): Continue preventer, monitor peak flow if advised
- Yellow zone (symptoms worsening): Increase preventer or add reliever; see GP
- Red zone (emergency): Take reliever every 20 minutes, call 000
A written plan is one of the single most effective interventions in asthma care. Ask your GP to prepare one if you do not have one.
Chronic Disease Management Plans for Asthma
If you have moderate or severe asthma, you may be eligible for a GP Management Plan. This provides structured Medicare-subsidised care with regular reviews and access to allied health services like respiratory physiotherapy and dietetics.
Asthma and Flu Vaccination
People with asthma are at higher risk of severe influenza and should have an annual flu vaccine, which is free under the National Immunisation Program. See our flu season guide.
Find a Family Doctor Clinic Near You
If your asthma is not well-controlled, an hour-long GP visit could transform your quality of life. Book a long consultation for an asthma review and action plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can asthma be cured?
No, but it can be very well controlled. Most people with asthma can live symptom-free with correct preventer use, good inhaler technique, and avoidance of triggers. Some children “grow out of” asthma as they reach adulthood.
Are preventer inhalers safe long-term?
Yes. Inhaled corticosteroids are delivered directly to the lungs in very small doses, so systemic side effects are minimal. Rinse your mouth and spit after each use to reduce local side effects (thrush, hoarse voice).
Do I need to take my preventer every day if I feel well?
Yes. Preventers work by reducing the underlying inflammation, which builds up over days and weeks. Skipping doses even when well leads to flares. Think of it like brushing your teeth — not about how you feel today.
Can I exercise with asthma?
Absolutely. In fact, exercise is encouraged. Use your reliever 15 minutes before exercise if you get exercise-induced symptoms. Swimming is generally well tolerated. Olympic gold medallists have asthma.