General Health

What triggers asthma symptoms, and how to manage them in adults and children

Over the years, you develop an instinct about asthma, learning to tell when you or your child is struggling a little more…

Over the years, you develop an instinct about asthma, learning to tell when you or your child is struggling a little more to breathe or find energy for the day. Sometimes, you’re battling a virus; other times it’s seasonal weather patterns and pollen counts. 

Asthma affects around 1 in 9 Australian adults and 1 in 5 children, and it’s highly individual. Two people with the same diagnosis can have completely different triggers.  

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways. The airways are more sensitive than usual, and certain exposures cause them to become inflamed and narrowed, making it harder to breathe. That produces hallmark symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Symptoms tend to change over time, which is why ongoing GP review matters.

Common asthma triggers

Asthma triggers vary from one person to another, but common ones include:  

  • Respiratory infections: Viral infections are the single most common trigger, accounting for an estimated 80% of asthma flares in children and roughly half to three-quarters in adults. The common cold, RSV and flu can all exacerbate asthma. 
  • Allergens: House dust mites are a major year-round trigger in Australia’s humid coastal climate, along with mould, pet dander and pollen, particularly on warm, dry, windy days.
  • Exercise: Physical activity can bring on symptoms, especially with cold or dry air.
  • Cold air and weather changes: Sudden shifts in temperature or humidity are well-recognised triggers, often worsening symptoms overnight or in the morning.
  • Smoke, strong scents and pollution: Cigarette and bushfire smoke, air pollution, and strong fragrances can all irritate sensitive airways.
  • Stress and strong emotions: You breathe faster when you’re angry, stressed, anxious or upset. And, if you’re dealing with ongoing stress or depression, you may not have the capacity to manage your asthma well. 

Often, a combination of triggers sets off an asthma attack. You’ve caught a cold, the house is dusty, and you’re feeling stressed. Perfect conditions for an asthma flare. 

Asthma in children: what parents tend to notice

Asthma is the most common long-term condition affecting Australian children, with roughly 1 in 5 diagnosed at some point. Watch for a persistent or recurring cough (often worse at night or with exercise), wheezing, rapid or laboured breathing, and unusual tiredness or reluctance to keep up with play.

Asthma also ripples into a child’s wider life: disrupted sleep, missed sport, anxiety around exercise or sleepovers, and a knock to confidence if symptoms flare in front of classmates. Starting or returning to school can play a role too, with exposure to new viruses, dust mites, and stress. 

Building an asthma action plan

An asthma action plan is an individualised document developed with a GP, setting out a person’s usual medications, known triggers, and what to do as symptoms change. It may use a colour-coded system to show when things are stable, when caution is needed, and when urgent care is required.

Plans usually have 4 main sections: 

  1. Daily asthma care
  2. Handling a mild flare-up
  3. Handling a severe flare-up
  4. Actions to take in an asthma emergency.  

Plans should be shared with teachers and carers and reviewed annually (sooner if symptoms change). 

Everyday management strategies

You can reduce your exposure to common asthma triggers by: 

  • Reducing dust mite exposure by regularly washing bedding and ensuring good ventilation
  • Reducing the risk of catching a virus by washing hands thoroughly and getting your flu jab annually
  • Working with your doctor to time medication before exercise so you can stay fit
  • Managing stress and being aware of its impact on your asthma. 

Asthma shifts with growth, seasons and life changes; regular GP review can be helpful to ensure your asthma strategy matches your current needs.   

When to seek medical support

Discuss any new or worsening symptoms with a GP, particularly if:

  • Reliever medication is needed more than 2-3 times a week
  • Night-time symptoms disrupt sleep
  • A child is missing school. 

Seek urgent care if:

  • Breathing becomes severely laboured
  • Your reliever inhaler doesn’t provide relief
  • Lips or fingertips appear blue or grey.

A GP-led approach to ongoing asthma care

Managing asthma can help you or your child breathe more comfortably and keep everyday life on track. 

At The Banyans Medical Centre, our GPs take a proactive approach to asthma, talking with you about your symptoms, triggers, sleep, stress and family routine. Private, unhurried consultations give space to properly review an asthma action plan and put a personalised approach in place for adults and children alike.

Book an appointment


Disclaimer: All information is general and not intended as a substitute for professional advice.  

References

Similar Posts