Asthma

Asthma can be triggered by dust, cold air or infections. Asthma may start at any age, and the symptoms could change as the patient ages, but it might not go away entirely. Asthma symptoms are typically managed using different types of medication. Reliever (quick-relief) inhalers are used to immediately open airways during an attack. For daily control, preventer (maintenance) inhalers are used regularly to reduce inflammation, and sometimes combination inhalers are prescribed, which include both a reliever and a long-acting preventer.

When to consult a doctor for asthma?

If you have ongoing wheezing

If you have persistent wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, chest tightness, especially when lying down, it is important to speak to a doctor. Early diagnosis helps in curtailing mild flare-ups before they become serious.

If symptoms are getting worse despite medication

If your current medication or quick relief inhalers aren’t working or are needed more often, it shows that your asthma is not in control. A doctor can review your treatment plan and change the dose of medication or suggest alternative treatments.

If asthma runs in your family

If you have a family history of asthma or allergies, you are at higher risk. Seek medical help if you have asthma symptoms or feel faint, to ensure you manage your asthma from the onset of the symptoms.

This guide does not replace professional care. Consult a doctor to manage your symptoms. In emergencies, call 000 or visit a hospital immediately. The content is research-backed & medically reviewed by Dr Vishnu Gopalan, Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer at Hola.

Causes and symptoms of asthma

Some of the common symptoms of asthma include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing and difficulty sleeping. More serious symptoms include difficulty with speaking, blue lips, increased respiratory rate, etc. Asthma can be the result of various factors, including:

Allergens such as pollen, mould or dust
Certain food items
Bushfire smoke, or smoke from cigarettes or industries
Air pollution
Certain chemicals in perfumes, cleaning products, paints or other aerosol products
Physical activity
Infections that narrow your airways
If children are born with low birth weight or premature

Telehealth for asthma symptoms

It is important to speak to a GP first to understand and manage your symptoms.

Hola Health provides a convenient way for you to consult a doctor online, 24/7 across Australia. Our AHPRA-registered Australian online GP will conduct a comprehensive assessment to provide the best possible care.

Start your GP consult now

Clinical note: An online GP assessment helps provide medical advice for your asthma symptoms and evaluate if a face-to-face consultation or physical examination is needed. Online GPs can provide prescriptions, referrals or medical certificates if clinically indicated. Telehealth is a complementary service; a physical examination, including chest auscultation and spirometry (lung function testing), may be necessary for initial diagnosis and the assessment of severe flare-ups. After-hours bulk billing is available for eligible Medicare patients during defined periods; otherwise, private fees apply. Consultations are secure, encrypted, and Australian-stored (in compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles). In case of extreme difficulty breathing, blue lips, inability to speak in full sentences, or if a reliever inhaler provides no relief, call 000 immediately. We recommend sharing your consult summaries with your regular GP to ensure continuity of care.