The Department of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine from Changi General Hospital (CGH), a member of the SingHealth group, shares tips on how to alleviate asthma symptoms and still lead a healthy, active life.

Wheezing? Coughing? Tightness in the chest? Shortness of breath? These are some tell-tale signs of an asthma attack. They also signal the immediate need to whip out the inhaler – the trusty asthma aid – to relieve these symptoms.

Asthma attacks can occur suddenly with no warning. As such, sufferers need to keep acute medications – treatments taken at the onset of an attack – in case of such emergencies.

In the Singapore Disease Burden Survey, asthma is ranked the second largest respiratory disease in Singapore, affecting five per cent of adults and 20 per cent of children.

Asthma: Understanding the condition

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition marked by inflamed airways and lungs during an attack. This narrows the passage for air to pass through from the nose and mouth to the lungs, which makes breathing difficult.

The condition affects people of all ages, and it often starts during childhood. However, adults who have never had asthma may develop occupational asthma. This condition occurs when adults who have not had asthma get an attack because of the type of work they do. Asthma attacks can also worsen due to work environment triggers. These are known as work-aggravated asthma.


Every asthmatic person has different triggers that would worsen their asthma symptoms or bring on an attack. It would be ideal to identify the specific triggers and avoid them. Common triggers include dust, pollen, mould, smoking, air pollutants, allergic reaction to animal fur and even stress.

4 Tips to manage asthma

While there is no cure for asthma, it can be controlled with a range of medications and the avoidance of triggers.

1. Effective asthma management begins with a Written Asthma Action Plan (WAAP)

An asthma action plan is a personalised set of instructions that your doctor or asthma nurse provides to help you control your asthma. This customised action plan would also have instructions on:

  • What to do if asthma symptoms worsen

  • When to see your doctor about your asthma

  • How to identify an asthma emergency and what to do (call 995)

If you do not have one, speak to your doctor or nurse about it.

2. Keep necessary medications on-hand

Asthma is typically treated with inhaled medications as this allows the medicine to reach the airways directly. An asthma nurse will teach you how to use your inhaler correctly to ensure optimal delivery of the medication.

It is important to remember to keep your rescue inhalers with you at all times as attacks can occur suddenly. Severe asthma attacks can cause oxygen levels to drop and even your heart to stop beating. In worst cases, it may even lead to death.

The two main types of asthma medication are:

  • Controller medications (preventers)
    Controller medications contain inhaled corticosteroids which are the most important part of asthma treatment. They reduce airway inflammation and make the airways less sensitive, thereby improving less asthma symptoms and preventing asthma attacks. You should use your preventer regularly as prescribed by your doctor, even if you feel well and have no symptoms.

  • Reliever medications
    Reliever medications relax the airway muscles and temporarily reduce airway narrowing. You should only use your reliever when you have asthma symptoms. Using relievers alone without controller medications increases the  risk of severe asthma attacks.

Depending on the severity and type of asthma, some patients may also require other add-on medications such as oral medications or biologic agents.

Learning to use your medications properly is also important. Practise using your inhaler with your doctor or asthma nurse.

3. Avoid asthma triggers

Asthma triggers may differ from person to person. Factors which can trigger an asthma attack include:

  • Respiratory infections including the cold, influenza

  • Allergens (e.g., dust mites, pollen, mould, pet fur)

  • Changes in temperature or weather

  • Strong odours (e.g. perfume, paint)

  • Smoking or vaping

  • Certain medications (e.g. aspirin)

  • Stress

It is important to identify factors which trigger your asthma, and avoid them to maintain control of the condition.

4. Have regular asthma checkups

Managing the condition is necessary to ensure attacks do not happen. This includes seeing the doctor for treatment and taking maintenance medications to control the disease.

How to know if your asthma is well controlled

Your asthma is considered well-controlled if

  • You have daytime symptoms infrequently (not more than two days a week)

  • Your daily activities are not limited by asthma

  • You have no asthma symptoms at night when you sleep

  • You use your reliever infrequently (not more than two days a week)

If your asthma is uncontrolled, you will be at increased risk of asthma attacks, long-term lung damage or even death.

When to see a doctor for asthma

1. If you think you have asthma

If you have infrequent coughing or wheezing which lasts more than a few days or any other symptoms of asthma, consult your doctor as you may require further evaluation. 

Diagnosing and treating asthma early will help to prevent long-term lung damage.

2. If your symptoms get worse

Once you are diagnosed and treated for asthma, you will have regular follow-up appointments with a respiratory medicine specialist or general practitioner. 

Asthma often changes over time. if you have worsening of symptoms despite your medications, your treatment may need to be adjusted by your doctor.

3. If you have an asthma attack

You may have an asthma attack if you experience sudden and rapid worsening of shortness of breath or wheezing. You can self-manage your asthma with the help of your Written Asthma Action Plan (WAAP).

​You should seek medical attention if you are in the Red Zone or your symptoms do not improve despite taking your reliever medication.

leading an active lifestyle is possible, even with asthma!

A common myth and misconception that many have about asthma is that having the condition prevents you from exercising. Being asthmatic is not an excuse to stop leading an active and healthy lifestyle.

Much of asthma treatment is grounded on prevention. With proper management and compliance to treatment, asthma can be well controlled, allowing those with the condition to lead a quality, active life.

There are many professional athletes who are asthmatic, but that has not deterred them from participating and winning in national and international sporting events. A study by the University of Western Australia has shown that asthma is the most common chronic condition in Olympic athletes with eight per cent of them suffering from it.

If you would like to start exercising, check with your doctor which are the activities that would suit you; for example, low-impact activities such as walking or swimming. Maintaining an active lifestyle is also beneficial to those with asthma. And always bring your medications along with you.

Apart from this myth, what are other common myths about asthma? Click the link to find out.  

Ref: G25 (ed)

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