Term 1 doesn’t just affect kids. When households return to school and work, respiratory viruses circulate more widely, routines change, and people spend more time indoors together. For adults with asthma, that can mean more flare-ups, especially if you live with or care for school-aged children.
Asthma Australia notes that flare-ups can look different for different people, but the common pattern is the same: symptoms worsen over hours or days, and your reliever may not work as well or for as long as usual.
Why asthma can worsen around Term 1
Asthma flare-ups are often triggered by things that ramp up at the start of the year:
- Asthma flare-ups are often triggered by things that ramp up at the start of the year:
- Viral infections (colds/flu-like illnesses) – a very common cause of asthma attacks and flare-ups
- Heat, smoke, or poor air quality, which can irritate airways (common through late summer)
- Exercise triggers, as sport and routine activity increases
- Inconsistent preventer use, especially after holiday routine changes
You can’t control every trigger. But you can be ready for them. The most important preparation: update your Asthma Action Plan. A written Asthma Action Plan is one of the most effective asthma tools available. It helps you recognise when your asthma is worsening and gives clear instructions on what to do next. Asthma Australia is very clear on this point: everyone with asthma should have an Action Plan, no matter how old you are or how mild your asthma feels.
What to do:
- Book a quick asthma review with your GP to update your plan and medications
- Check your preventer and reliever are in-date and you know how to use them
- If you use a spacer, make sure you have one accessible (home/work/travel)
Early warning signs of an adult asthma flare-up
Asthma often gives you early clues. The National Asthma Council lists these common signs of an asthma attack:
- increasing wheeze, cough, chest tightness or shortness of breath
- waking at night with asthma symptoms
- needing your reliever again within a few hours
Asthma Australia describes flare-ups similarly – worsening cough, persistent wheeze, feeling short of breath or tight in the chest.
Don’t push through these signs. Early action usually prevents escalation.
When asthma becomes an emergency
Call 000 now if:
- symptons get worse very quickly
- you have severe shortness of breath or can’t speak confortably
- lips look blue, or you look/fee very unwell
- you get little or not relief from your reliver.
If you are experiencing a warning flare-up and you’re concerned, especially if symptoms aren’t settling as expected, it’s appropriate to seek urgent care
Prepare your child’s Asthma Action Plan