Asthma Management Guide: How To Manage & Control Your Asthma

In this article, we’ll look at how to manage and control asthma effectively. We’ll cover the most common causes and triggers of asthma and explain how you can reduce the risk of flare-ups. You’ll learn about the different types of inhalers, including the difference between reliever and preventer inhalers and what side effects they might cause. We’ll also explain how asthma is diagnosed, what treatments are available and what to do during an asthma attack.

Key Takeaways

Here are the five biggest takeaways from this article about managing asthma:

• Asthma usually develops due to a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Individuals with a family history of asthma, allergies, or conditions such as eczema are at a higher risk of developing it.

• Common triggers include allergens (such as pollen, dust mites, and animal fur), air pollution, cold or damp weather, stress, respiratory infections, and certain medications.

• Reliever inhalers (usually blue) provide fast, short-term relief from symptoms, while preventer inhalers (usually brown, red or orange) are used daily to reduce inflammation and prevent symptoms from developing.

• Reliever inhalers may cause trembling or a fast heartbeat, while preventer inhalers can lead to a sore throat or oral thrush.

• During an asthma attack, it’s important to take your reliever inhaler correctly and seek urgent medical help if symptoms do not improve.

Common causes of asthma

Asthma doesn’t have one single cause. Instead, it usually develops as a result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Individuals with a family history of asthma, allergies, or conditions such as eczema and hay fever are at a higher risk of developing it. Other risk factors include:

• Being born prematurely

• Exposure to tobacco smoke

• Obesity

Asthma can also be triggered by certain medications or following a severe respiratory infection. Environmental influences play a key role, too. For example, breathing in pollutants, dust, mould or pet hair can all irritate the lungs and lead to symptoms. 

With around 1 in 5 UK households affected, understanding the possible causes of asthma is an important step towards better management.

What are common asthma triggers?

Identifying and avoiding asthma triggers is an important part of managing the condition [1]. Triggers vary from person to person, but there are several common ones that many people with asthma may recognise. These include:

• Allergens like dust mites

• Pollen

• Mould

• Animal fur

• Airborne irritants such as tobacco smoke and air pollution are present in the patient’s local environment. 

Physical activity can also trigger symptoms in some individuals. Emotional responses such as stress, anxiety or even laughter may act as triggers, too. Other common triggers include:

• Cold or damp weather

• Respiratory infections like colds and flu

• Certain foods or drinks, particularly those containing sulphites or alcohol 

• Some medications, including NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) and beta-blockers

Recognising these triggers can help people with asthma take steps to avoid them and reduce the risk of flare-ups.

How can I control and treat asthma?

Asthma can be controlled and treated through a combination of medication and lifestyle adjustments, often with the help of a personalised asthma management plan created by a healthcare professional. The primary goal is to manage symptoms effectively and prevent flare-ups. Most people with asthma use inhalers. Some are used daily to prevent symptoms, while others are used when needed to relieve them.

Your treatment will depend on how severe your asthma is and how often you experience symptoms. Alongside using inhalers, it’s important to avoid known triggers whenever possible, attend regular asthma reviews, and keep track of symptoms. With the right treatment and support, most people with asthma can lead full and active lives.

Different Types of Asthma Inhalers: Reliever Inhalers vs Preventer Inhalers

There are two main types of asthma inhalers: reliever inhalers and preventer inhalers [2]. Each plays a different role in managing asthma, and both may be used together depending on the severity of the condition.

Reliever inhalers (usually blue) are designed to provide quick, short-term relief when symptoms such as wheezing, breathlessness or tightness in the chest occur. They work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, making it easier to breathe. The most commonly used reliever is Ventolin, which contains Salbutamol.

Preventer inhalers (usually brown, red, or orange) are used daily to help stop symptoms from developing in the first place. These inhalers reduce inflammation in the lungs over time, thereby lowering the risk of asthma attacks. Common preventers include Clenil Modulite and Qvar, which contain inhaled corticosteroids such as beclometasone or Fluticasone. Because they work gradually, it’s important to use them every day, even when you're feeling well.

Can asthma inhalers have side effects?

Yes, asthma inhalers can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. The type and severity of side effects often depend on the type of inhaler and the medication it contains.

Reliever inhalers (such as those containing Salbutamol or Terbutaline) can occasionally cause:

• Shakiness or trembling

• A rapid heartbeat (palpitations)

• Headaches

• Muscle cramps

These effects are usually mild and tend to subside as your body becomes accustomed to the medication.

Preventer inhalers, which contain inhaled corticosteroids like Beclometasone or Fluticasone, may cause:

• A sore throat

• Hoarseness

• A dry mouth

• Oral thrush (a mild fungal infection in the mouth or throat)

To reduce the risk of these side effects, it's recommended to rinse your mouth with water after using the inhaler and to use a spacer device if advised by your GP or asthma nurse.

How can I control an asthma attack?

An asthma attack is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate action. It differs from the mild, day-to-day symptoms that many people with asthma experience [3]. During an attack, symptoms become significantly more intense and can develop either quickly or gradually over several days. Common signs of an asthma attack include:

• Struggling to breathe or breathing very quickly

• Wheezing, coughing or chest tightness

• Feeling dizzy, tired or faint

• A fast heartbeat

• Difficulty speaking

• Your reliever inhaler is less effective than usual

• Lips or fingers turning blue (a sign of low oxygen levels)

What to do during an asthma attack:

1. Take 1–2 puffs of your reliever inhaler (usually blue), using a spacer if you have one.

2. Try to stay calm and breathe slowly and steadily.

3. If there's no improvement, take 1 puff every 2 minutes, up to a total of 10 puffs.

4. If symptoms do not improve or you are worried at any point, call 999 immediately.

5. If the ambulance hasn’t arrived within 10 minutes and you still feel unwell, you can repeat the 10 puffs as needed.

After an asthma attack, even if you start to feel better, you should see a doctor or an asthma nurse within 24 hours. Your asthma management plan may need to be updated to reduce the risk of future attacks. Being prepared and knowing what to do in an emergency can save lives.

How is asthma diagnosed and treated?

Asthma is usually diagnosed through a combination of your symptoms, medical history and breathing tests. If you’ve been experiencing regular coughing, wheezing, breathlessness or chest tightness, especially if these symptoms get worse at night or after exercise, your GP may suspect asthma.

Diagnosis may involve:

• Listening to your chest and asking about when and how symptoms occur

• Spirometry – a test that measures how much air you can breathe out and how quickly

• Peak flow testing – where you regularly measure your breathing strength over time

• FeNO test – which checks for inflammation in your airways by measuring the level of nitric oxide in your breath

Sometimes, your GP might suggest a short course of treatment (such as using an inhaler) to see how well you respond before confirming a diagnosis.

Final Thoughts

Asthma is a long-term condition, and with the right support and treatment, it can be effectively managed. By understanding the causes and recognising your personal triggers, you can take practical steps to reduce the risk of flare-ups. Using the correct inhalers as prescribed and knowing the difference between reliever and preventer types plays a vital role in keeping symptoms under control. It’s also important to be prepared in case of an asthma attack and to follow a personalised asthma action plan created with your healthcare provider. If you think you may have asthma, or if your symptoms have changed, speak to your GP for advice, diagnosis and treatment. 

Sources

[1] Can Asthma Go Away? - UK Meds

[2] Asthma Treatments Compared - UK Meds

[3] What Is An Asthma Attack? - UK Meds

Further Reading

Asthma - NHS

BTS/NICE/SIGN Joint Guideline on Asthma: diagnosis, monitoring and chronic asthma management

Managing asthma in adults - Asthma and Lung

Asthma: diagnosis, monitoring and chronic asthma management (BTS, NICE, SIGN) | Guidance