Allergens found in the home, particularly house dust mites, can contribute to chronic inflammation in the airways. This often leads to episodes of coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and increased mucus production. When the airways become overly reactive to environmental triggers, it’s known as bronchial hyperresponsiveness - a hallmark of asthma.
Nearly 2.8 million people have asthma in Australia, representing about 11% of all Australians. Sadly, nearly half (43%) of the 31,000 hospitalisations for asthma occurred in children aged 14 and under during 2022–2023.
Several environmental factors can increase the risk or worsen symptoms, including:
- Exposure to airborne allergens
- Respiratory infections, especially viral
- Air pollution and exhaust fumes
- Certain dietary triggers or food allergies
By managing exposure to allergens and supporting airway health, it’s possible to reduce symptom flare-ups and improve overall quality of life.
Symptoms
Asthma is marked by variable and reversible narrowing of the airways, known as bronchial hyperresponsiveness. This can happen spontaneously or be triggered by physical, chemical, or biological factors.
During flare-ups, symptoms can worsen, leading to increased shortness of breath, persistent coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness, which may temporarily affect lung function. Chronic inflammation can also cause changes in the airway tissues, making breathing more difficult over time.
During an asthma attack, airway muscles tighten, the lining swells, and thick mucus is produced, creating a feeling of transient chest tightness.
