Asthma, allergies or a cold? How to tell the difference

There are common Asthma symptoms shared between allergies and a cold. But there are also many differences.

Here, we help clear the air around the various symptoms — and how they relate to each other. This asthma guide is the first step to getting the best diagnosis and the correct treatment.

Asthma symptoms, allergies and the common cold

*Those who get allergies may also experience asthma during allergy season — and vice versa. Colds can also trigger or worsen asthma symptoms.

If you are experiencing symptoms, you should speak to a doctor to find out the right treatment for you. You can request a telehealth consultation with one of our Australian-registered doctors from anywhere in Australia, seven days a week.

Your asthma action plan

Asthma affects 1 in 9 Australians. The most common asthma symptoms are:

• wheezing
• coughing
• feeling ‘out of breath’
• tightness in the chest

Asthma symptoms are typically mild. But sometimes, symptoms can flare up and require hospital care.

Call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance if you have symptoms of severe asthma:

• feeling very distressed, exhausted or even limp from trying to breathe
• deep sucking motions at the throat or chest while trying to breathe

To combat your asthma, you need a plan. This is called your asthma action plan. It’s essentially a set of instructions that includes:

• a list of your usual asthma medicines and doses
• guidance on what to do in different situations (for example, if you have an asthma emergency)
• and your doctor’s contact details

Your asthma action plan may need tweaking from time to time. Keep it up to date by checking in with your doctor regularly.

Common asthma triggers

• Pollen, dust, food items and mould (allergic asthma)
• Smoke from cigarettes, bushfires and traffic pollution
• Strong odours from cleaning products, perfumes, aerosol products and certain workplace chemicals
• Physical activity (exercise-induced asthma)
• Infection from cold and flu viruses

Asthma treatment

If you are experiencing symptoms, you should speak to a doctor to find out the right treatment for you. You can request a telehealth consultation with one of our Australian-registered doctors from anywhere in Australia, seven days a week.