Asthma GP appointments, bulk-billed.

Symptoms of Asthma

Asthma symptoms vary from person to person. You might have infrequent asthma attacks, have symptoms only at certain times — such as when exercising — or have symptoms all the time. Asthma signs and symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or pain
• Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing
• A whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling
• Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu

What Causes Asthma?

While the exact cause of asthma is unknown, it’s thought to be caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Certain elements may trigger asthma symptoms including:

• Allergens from dust, animal fur, cockroaches, mold, and pollens from trees, grasses, and flowers
• Irritants such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, chemicals or dust in the workplace, compounds in home décor products, and sprays
• Certain medications including aspirin, NSAIDs, and beta blockers
• Sulfites and preservatives added to some types of foods and beverages
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Emotional stress

How is Asthma Diagnosed?

Our online GPs can guide you through the diagnostic process which usually involves the following:

1. Detailed Medical History: Your GP will discuss your symptoms and their occurrence patterns.

2. Lung Function Test: Spirometry is a common test to assess how well your lungs work by measuring how much air you inhale, how much you exhale and how quickly you exhale.

3. Additional Tests: Depending on your condition, your doctor may suggest other tests such as allergy testing or a test to measure how sensitive your lungs are to certain conditions.

Asthma Treatment Options

While there is no cure for asthma, symptoms can be controlled with the right management strategies which often include:

1. Long-term Asthma Control Medications: These are taken daily to control chronic symptoms and prevent asthma attacks.

2. Quick-relief (rescue) Inhalers: These are used to quickly control symptoms during an asthma attack.

3. Oral and Intravenous Corticosteroids: These are used for severe asthma to reduce inflammation in the airways.

4. Allergy Medications: If your asthma is triggered by allergies, prescription allergy medications can help.

5. Bronchial Thermoplasty: In severe cases that do not respond to medications, this procedure can help by heating the insides of the airways in the lungs with an electrode, reducing the smooth muscle and preventing the airways from narrowing.

Managing asthma involves teamwork. Your .doctor GP will work with you to create an asthma action plan. This plan will outline which medications to take and when, identify your triggers and how to avoid them, and what steps to take when your symptoms worsen.

We are committed to offering you personalised, bulk-billed consultations to understand, diagnose, and manage asthma better. Consult our online GPs today to take the first step towards managing your asthma effectively.