Asthma affects around one in nine Australians – approximately 2.8 million people – making it one of the most common chronic health conditions in Australia.
However, asthma does not always look the way people expect. While wheezing is a common symptom, someone with asthma may experience coughing, chest tightness or shortness of breath without wheezing at all.
With National Asthma Week running from 1–7 September 2026, it is a timely opportunity to understand the symptoms of asthma, clear up some common misconceptions and make sure your asthma management is up to date.
What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the airways that carry air in and out of the lungs.
People with asthma have sensitive airways that can become inflamed and narrowed when exposed to certain triggers. These can vary from person to person and may include:
- Colds, flu and other respiratory infections
- Pollen
- Dust mites
- Mould
- Smoke and air pollution
- Exercise
- Changes in weather or cold air
- Strong scents, sprays or chemicals
- Workplace irritants
There is currently no cure for asthma, but with appropriate treatment and ongoing management, most people with asthma can achieve good control of their symptoms and continue to lead active lives.
Asthma can develop at any age. Some people are diagnosed during childhood, while others develop asthma for the first time as adults.
Symptoms can also vary considerably. A flare-up may develop gradually over several hours or days or, in some cases, become serious very quickly.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
When asthma flares up, inflammation and tightening of the muscles around the airways make it harder for air to move in and out of the lungs.
Common asthma symptoms include:
- Coughing – particularly a persistent cough or coughing that occurs at night, early in the morning, during exercise or in cold weather.
- Wheezing – a high-pitched or whistling sound when breathing.
- Shortness of breath – feeling as though you cannot get enough air or are struggling to breathe normally.
- Chest tightness – a feeling of pressure, heaviness or tightness in the chest.
Importantly, not everyone with asthma wheezes. Some people may experience coughing, chest tightness or breathlessness without the characteristic wheezing sound.
If you or your child regularly experiences these symptoms, speak with your GP about whether further assessment is needed.
Are there different types of asthma?
Asthma can present differently from person to person, and symptoms may be associated with different triggers.
These may include:
Allergic asthma
Symptoms are triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mould or animals.
Non-allergic asthma
Symptoms may be triggered by respiratory infections, smoke, strong smells, air pollution, weather changes or other irritants rather than allergens.
Work-related asthma
Some people develop or experience worsening asthma because of substances or conditions in their workplace, including dust, fumes, chemicals and other airborne particles.
Exercise-related asthma symptoms
Exercise can trigger narrowing of the airways in some people. With appropriate asthma management, however, people with asthma should generally be able to exercise and participate in sport.
Some people also notice their asthma symptoms are worse at night or early in the morning.
Common asthma myths
There are still many misconceptions surrounding asthma.
Myth: Asthma is only a childhood condition
Fact: Asthma can develop at any stage of life. Some children may experience fewer symptoms as they grow older, but asthma can also continue into adulthood or first appear in adulthood.
Myth: Asthma is contagious
Fact: Asthma is not infectious and cannot be passed from person to person. However, viral respiratory infections such as colds and flu can trigger asthma symptoms and flare-ups.
Myth: People with asthma shouldn’t exercise
Fact: When asthma is well controlled, people with asthma should generally be able to exercise and participate in sport. If exercise frequently triggers symptoms, speak with your GP about reviewing your asthma management.
Myth: If you’re not wheezing, it isn’t asthma
Fact: Wheezing is only one possible symptom. Some people experience coughing, shortness of breath or chest tightness without noticeable wheezing.
Myth: A blue reliever puffer is all you need
Fact: This is one of the most important areas of asthma care to have changed.
Updated Australian asthma guidelines now recommend that adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over should not rely on a short-acting reliever or “blue puffer” alone to manage their asthma.
Asthma is an inflammatory condition, so current treatment recommendations focus on treating the underlying airway inflammation as well as relieving symptoms.
Asthma treatment has changed
The Australian Asthma Handbook was significantly updated in 2025, with the new recommendations continuing to guide asthma care in 2026.
For adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over, treatment with a short-acting beta₂ agonist (SABA), such as a traditional blue reliever puffer, on its own is no longer the recommended approach.
Instead, the updated guidelines recommend anti-inflammatory reliever (AIR) therapy as the preferred starting treatment for many adults and adolescents with asthma.
An anti-inflammatory reliever contains both an inhaled corticosteroid to treat inflammation and a fast-acting medicine to help open the airways.
For people who require ongoing maintenance treatment, maintenance-and-reliever therapy (MART) may be recommended. With MART, the same combination inhaler is used for regular maintenance treatment and additional doses when symptoms occur.
The most appropriate treatment will depend on factors including your age, asthma symptoms, medical history and how well your asthma is controlled.
Do not stop or change your existing asthma medication without first discussing it with your GP.
Managing asthma effectively
Good asthma management involves more than simply treating symptoms when they occur.
Depending on your individual circumstances, your GP may review:
- How often you experience symptoms
- Whether asthma wakes you at night
- How frequently you need reliever medication
- Previous asthma attacks or flare-ups
- Your medications
- Your inhaler technique
- Your known or suspected triggers
- Other conditions that may affect your asthma, including allergies or hay fever
- Whether you have an up-to-date Asthma Action Plan
Correct inhaler technique is particularly important. Even the right medication may not work as effectively if the inhaler is being used incorrectly, so it is worthwhile asking your GP, nurse or pharmacist to check your technique regularly.
Do you have an Asthma Action Plan?
Everyone with asthma should have a personalised written Asthma Action Plan developed with their doctor.
An Asthma Action Plan provides clear instructions about:
- Your regular asthma treatment
- What to do when symptoms begin
- How to recognise worsening asthma
- What medication to use during a flare-up
- When to seek medical or emergency assistance
Asthma Action Plans should be reviewed regularly and the National Asthma Council Australia recommends checking and updating them at least once a year.
If your symptoms, medications or asthma control have changed, your plan may need to be reviewed sooner.
When should you book an asthma review?
It may be time to see your GP if:
- Your asthma symptoms are becoming more frequent
- You are waking at night because of asthma
- Asthma is interfering with exercise, work, school or everyday activities
- You are using your reliever frequently
- You have recently had an asthma flare-up
- You are unsure whether you are using your inhaler correctly
- Your medication has not been reviewed recently
- Your Asthma Action Plan is out of date or you do not have one
Children with asthma should also have regular reviews, ideally at least once a year, as their asthma, inhaler technique and medication requirements may change as they grow. More frequent reviews may be needed if symptoms are not well controlled or treatment has recently changed.
Regular reviews can help identify changes early and ensure your asthma treatment continues to suit your needs.
Asthma support and further information
If you have asthma or care for someone who does, your FDP GP can help review symptoms, treatment, inhaler technique and your Asthma Action Plan. Book your appointment here.
People seeking additional asthma information and support can also contact an Asthma Educator through 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462) or visit Asthma Australia at asthma.org.au.
If you are experiencing severe breathing difficulties or believe you may be having a serious asthma attack, seek urgent medical assistance and call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.