About the topic
Asthma causes episodes of wheezing, cough, chest tightness or breathlessness as the airways narrow. Symptoms can vary, and breathing tests may be needed. Appropriate treatment helps prevent symptoms and serious attacks.
Practical care & comfort
- Use inhalers as prescribed and ask your care team to check your technique.
- Carry your reliever and keep your personal asthma action plan available.
- Avoid smoke and known triggers; discuss safe exercise with your clinician.
Symptoms & signs
- Wheezing or coughing, sometimes worse at night.
- Shortness of breath or a tight feeling in the chest.
- Symptoms that come and go or follow contact with a trigger.
When to speak with a clinician: Seek review if symptoms wake you, restrict activities, or you need your reliever more often. After an attack, arrange urgent follow-up within two days even if you feel better.
Food & nutrition
Food does not replace asthma inhalers or an action plan. Do not remove food groups to treat asthma without professional advice.
Foods & nutrition to follow
- Choose balanced meals with fruit, vegetables and wholegrains.
- Include protein foods that suit your needs and any confirmed allergies.
Foods to limit or avoid
- Avoid a food if you have a confirmed allergy and follow your allergy plan.
- Limit sugary drinks and frequent high-calorie snacks for general health.
About this guide
General adult health information; it does not diagnose your symptoms or replace individual medical advice. Follow any plan your treating team has given you.
Further reading from the clinical sources used for this guide: