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Back Typical symptoms Asthma is a common condition of the lungs. Typical symptoms are linked with breathing, such as: Shortness of breath Coughing Wheezing Chest tightness Symptoms can vary from mild to severe. They can come and go. However, even if you have infrequent symptoms, this does not mean that your asthma does not need regular treatment. Even people with mild asthma can have severe or life-threatening asthma flare-ups when inappropriately treated. Red flag symptoms An asthma attack is when you experience severe symptoms, making it difficult for you to breathe. You may be experiencing an asthma attack if: Your symptoms are quickly getting worse Your reliever inhaler isn’t helping like it usually does, or you need it more often You find it hard to walk or talk Your peak flow reading is lower than usual You don’t need to have all of these signs to be having an asthma attack – just one or two may be enough. Always carry your reliever inhaler with you. This way, you can use it quickly if you develop symptoms or think an asthma attack is starting. Use your reliever inhaler as quickly as possible and follow the instructions in your asthma action plan! If you do not have your reliever inhaler on you and you are struggling to breathe, call the emergency services immediately (EU: 112, UK: 999, US & Canada: 911, Australia: 000)! When to see a GP/asthma nurse? No diagnosis: If you experience one or more of the typical symptoms of asthma but haven’t received a formal diagnosis, you should reach out to your GP. Even if your symptoms only appear during specific situations (such as exercise, exposure to certain substances, or at night/early in the morning), it’s essential to consult a doctor to check for asthma. Formal diagnosis:  If you have a formal diagnosis of asthma, you need to see a GP/asthma nurse in the following cases: Experience increased/bothersome symptoms (frequent nighttime awakenings, unable to do your normal activities due to your asthma, …) Need to use your reliever medicine more than twice a week Having any questions related to your medicines If your asthma has been stable, have an asthma review at least once a year to check your lungs, discuss your treatment plan, and asthma action plan Ask for an urgent GP/asthma nurse appointment if you had an asthma attack and recovered. Even if you feel better, it is still necessary to see your GP/asthma nurse as soon as possible. It’s important to follow up, as having one asthma attack is a major risk factor for having another. You will discuss your current treatment plan and receive advice on how to prevent future asthma flare-ups. If you have an asthma action plan, take it with you for review. If you do not have an action plan, it is a good idea to bring this up with your GP. When to see a specialist? Depending on your healthcare system, you may be able to see a respiratory specialist directly, or you might need a referral from your GP or asthma nurse. Seeing a specialist is important in the following situations: The diagnosis of asthma is uncertain, and more testing is needed Your asthma symptoms remain troublesome despite treatment from your primary care provider, or your symptoms keep interfering with your daily activities. You show signs of other conditions that often occur alongside asthma (see below). In these cases, you may be referred to a relevant specialist—such as an allergy specialist for a skin prick test, or an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor for a nasal endoscopy. When to seek urgent medical care? If you are experiencing a severe asthma attack: ! Do not drive yourself to the emergency department, call for an ambulance!(EU: 112, UK: 999, US & Canada: 911, Australia: 000) When to seek emergency medical care? You have so much difficulty breathing that you cannot walk or talk Your lips or fingernails turn grey or blue You do not have a reliever inhaler on you and are experiencing difficulty breathing If you’re following your asthma action plan and your symptoms get worse at any point, or you don’t feel better after using the recommended number of puffs from your reliever inhaler Download the infographic I seem to have other (respiratory) symptoms as well People with asthma often have other conditions, called comorbidities. These are diseases that occur together with asthma and may lead to other symptoms. When being diagnosed with asthma, your doctor will also question you about other symptoms you might be experiencing. In addition to asthma, patients are more likely to experience the following conditions: Allergic rhinitis (AR) Also known as hay fever, causes symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion and an itchy nose/eyes/palate. Many people with asthma also have allergic rhinitis, as similar allergens can trigger both conditions. Up to 80% of patients with asthma also experience allergic rhinitis, which is a risk factor for future asthma development and also worsens existing asthma. AR needs to be well-controlled by treatment. Stay tuned—EUFOREA will soon launch a dedicated section of this patient portal focused entirely on allergic rhinitis. Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), with or without nasal polyps A condition of the upper airways, where the nose and sinuses become inflamed for an extended period. This leads to symptoms such as nasal congestion, headaches or facial pain, and a runny nose. Up to 50% of patients with asthma also experience CRS, and the two conditions often aggravate each other. CRS with nasal polyps, also called Nasal Polyp Syndrome, is particularly common in patients with severe asthma. Be sure to visit the dedicated section on CRS in our patient portal, where you’ll find helpful information about CRS and nasal polyp syndrome. Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) Also known as NSAID-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (N-ERD), it is a condition that includes three key features: asthma, chronic sinus problems with nasal polyps (which often return even after surgery), and issues with taking aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Symptoms