Chronic care · 5 min read
Cough, wheeze or a tight chest? Make asthma easier to control
Asthma can interrupt sleep, work and exercise—but the right inhaler technique and a clear action plan can put you back in charge.
Asthma can cause cough, wheeze, chest tightness and shortness of breath that come and go. A clinician should confirm the diagnosis, check your inhaler technique and give you a plan for worsening symptoms.
Notice when your breathing changes
Asthma symptoms may be worse at night, during exercise, with a cold or around dust, smoke, fumes, strong scents, pollen or animals. A cough that keeps waking you, limits normal activity or makes you reach for a reliever often is a sign that control could be better.
The inhaler only works if the medicine gets in
Inhaler technique is easy to get slightly wrong. Bring your inhaler to a visit and ask the clinician or pharmacy professional to watch you use it. A spacer may help with some inhalers. Do not feel embarrassed to ask again; a 30-second technique check can change how well the medicine works.
Know your usual plan and your bad-day plan
Take controller medicine exactly as prescribed, even when you feel well. Keep your reliever accessible and know what worsening signs mean you should seek help. Avoid smoke where possible and do not share inhalers. If cost or availability makes your plan difficult, tell the team so they can discuss realistic options.
Severe breathlessness is an emergency
Seek emergency care if breathing is very difficult, the person cannot speak in full sentences, lips look blue or grey, they become confused or exhausted, or the reliever inhaler is not helping as expected.
Health information sources
These sources support the general information on this page.
Updated 27 July 2026. Penda adapts public-health guidance for a Kenyan patient audience; this page does not replace a personal consultation.