Summary

• Asthma is a long-term lung condition that is caused when your airways narrow.
• Common symptoms of asthma include wheezing, coughing, feeling 'out of breath' and tightness in your chest.
• Symptoms are usually mild, but they can flare up — this can cause an 'asthma attack' and you may need hospital care.
• Asthma symptoms and asthma attacks can be managed and prevented with different medicines.

These key facts are from healthdirect.gov.au (accessed 27 Jan 2025). Visit the healthdirect website for more information about asthma.

Relevant Tests

If your doctor suspects you have asthma, they may request one or more tests.

If you are diagnosed with asthma, some of these tests will be used to monitor and manage your condition.

Find information about specific tests:

• Blood gases
• Full blood count
• Immunoglobulin E (IgE)