Health education · BreathingSaint‑Hyacinthe
Asthma: symptoms, assessment and follow-up in Saint-Hyacinthe
Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or a feeling of tightness in the chest? Asthma can show up in different ways and vary considerably from one person to another.
At Clinique IPS du Palais, our team can support you in assessing respiratory symptoms, following up on known asthma and teaching you how to use your inhalers.
Possible symptoms
What are the possible symptoms?
Manifestations vary from one person to another. Symptoms that may be associated with asthma include:
Shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing
Chest tightness or pressure
Cough
Symptoms that come back periodically
Having these symptoms does not automatically mean that a person has asthma. An assessment is needed to determine the cause.
Understanding
What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways.1
In a person with asthma, the bronchial tubes are inflamed and can become more sensitive to various triggers. They can then narrow temporarily and make it harder for air to pass through.1
An important feature of asthma is that symptoms can vary over time. A person may therefore be symptom-free during certain periods and have more symptoms in other circumstances.
Symptoms may be more noticeable, for example:
- at night or upon waking;
- during or after physical exertion;
- when it is cold;
- during a respiratory infection;
- upon exposure to certain allergens or irritants.
Why can symptoms come and go?
Asthma is a variable disease.
Some people have symptoms only at certain times, while others experience them more regularly.
This information helps to better understand the person’s respiratory profile.
What the assessment seeks to determine
- when symptoms appear;
- how often they occur;
- what seems to trigger them;
- what makes them better;
- their effect on daily activities;
- the presence of nighttime symptoms.
Triggers
What can trigger or worsen symptoms?
Several factors can contribute to the onset or worsening of respiratory symptoms.
Smoke and vaping
Tobacco smoke and various inhaled substances can irritate the airways.
Allergens and environment
In some people, symptoms can be influenced by pollen, dust, dust mites, mould, animals, smoke, air pollution, as well as certain odours or irritating substances.
Physical activity
Exercise can sometimes cause respiratory symptoms in a person with asthma.
However, the goal of good asthma control remains to allow an active life with as few limitations as possible.
Cold air
Exposure to cold or dry air can trigger symptoms in some people.
Respiratory infections
A cold or another respiratory infection can cause a temporary worsening of symptoms.
Workplace
Certain dusts, fumes, vapours or substances present in a work environment can also contribute to symptoms.
Assessment
How is possible asthma assessed?
The assessment generally begins with a detailed discussion of the symptoms and how they have evolved.
A clinical examination may also be performed. Depending on the situation, a lung function test may be indicated.
The professional may look for, among other things:
- the symptoms present;
- how often they occur and how long they last;
- the presence of nighttime symptoms;
- possible triggers;
- symptoms associated with exertion;
- allergies;
- smoking or vaping;
- occupational exposures;
- personal and family history.
Lung function test
Spirometry and asthma
Spirometry is a test used to assess lung function. It can help document airway obstruction and support the assessment of possible asthma.
The clinic offers spirometry among its diagnostic tests in Saint-Hyacinthe.
- Amount of airThe amount of air that can be exhaled.
- SpeedHow fast air is expelled from the lungs.
- Before and afterIn some situations, measurements before and after a bronchodilator, to observe how the airways respond.
Why confirm the diagnosis?
A cough, shortness of breath or wheezing can have several causes. When possible, the assessment therefore does not rely solely on symptoms.
Objective measurements of lung function can help to:
- support the diagnosis;
- look for airway obstruction;
- assess the response to certain treatments;
- look for another explanation for the symptoms.
In young children, the approach may be different since some breathing tests can be more difficult to perform.
How do you know if your asthma is well controlled?
Asthma follow-up takes several factors into account. The professional may consider aspects such as:
- how often symptoms occur;
- waking up at night;
- shortness of breath;
- activity limitation;
- symptoms during exercise;
- use of a rescue medication;
- previous exacerbations;
- lung function when it can be assessed.
Symptoms that become more frequent or that limit activities may warrant a reassessment.
Inhalers
Using your inhalers properly
The effectiveness of an inhaled treatment depends in part on how the device is used. The technique can vary depending on the type of inhaler.
Practical tip: bring your inhalers to your appointment.
That way, our team can see exactly which devices you use and review how to use them with you.
During a follow-up, it may be useful to review:
- how to prepare the device;
- how to breathe in;
- the coordination required;
- the use of a spacer when indicated;
- care of the device;
- understanding of the prescribed treatment.
What is an asthma action plan?
A written action plan can help a person living with asthma better recognize a deterioration in their breathing. It may specify, for example:
- the usual treatment;
- signs of poorer control;
- the steps to take when symptoms increase;
- the circumstances requiring a consultation.
The plan is tailored to each person’s situation by the professional providing their follow-up.
Asthma and physical activity
Asthma does not mean you have to avoid physical activity.
When it is well controlled, the goal is to be able to maintain your usual activities with as few limitations as possible.
A cough, shortness of breath or wheezing that regularly occurs during physical activity is worth discussing with a professional.
Asthma and allergies
Allergies and asthma can sometimes be associated. Certain allergens can contribute to respiratory symptoms in sensitive people.
During the assessment, the professional may therefore look for:
- allergic symptoms;
- seasonal variations;
- certain environmental exposures;
- the presence of animals;
- associated nasal symptoms.
Asthma and air quality in Quebec
Air pollution can worsen symptoms in some people living with a respiratory disease such as asthma.2
During episodes of poor air quality or smog, more sensitive people may experience more coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.2
It can be helpful to check official air quality advisories and adjust certain activities when conditions are unfavourable.3
Seeking care
When to seek care?
An assessment may be appropriate if you notice signs such as the following.
- a cough that keeps coming back;
- wheezing;
- unusual shortness of breath;
- respiratory symptoms during physical activity;
- symptoms that wake you up at night;
- reduced exercise tolerance;
- known asthma that seems less well controlled.
When should you seek care quickly?
Significant difficulty breathing requires a prompt assessment. A significant feeling of tightness or difficulty breathing at rest should also prompt the person to seek care quickly.
In case of respiratory distress or a life-threatening situation, call 911 or go to the emergency department.
For a non-urgent situation when you don’t know which resource to consult, Info-Santé 811 can also guide you.
How can Clinique IPS du Palais support you?
Depending on your situation, our team can, among other things:
- assess respiratory symptoms;
- review known asthma;
- assess symptom control;
- look for certain triggers;
- review how you use your inhalers;
- provide education;
- perform spirometry when indicated;
- provide clinical follow-up;
- refer you to another resource when needed.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Can a cough be related to asthma?
Yes. A cough can be one of the manifestations of asthma. However, it can have many other causes and must be assessed in context.
Can you have asthma without wheezing?
Yes. Manifestations can vary from one person to another, and not all symptoms are necessarily present.
Why do I have more symptoms at night?
Asthma symptoms can be more present during the night or upon waking. Recurrent nighttime symptoms may warrant a reassessment.
Can spirometry help diagnose asthma?
Yes. Spirometry is one of the tests that can help document lung function and support the assessment of possible asthma.
Should I bring my inhalers to my appointment?
Yes, when possible. This allows us, for example, to check which devices you use and review your technique.
Is exercise discouraged when you have asthma?
Not necessarily. One of the goals of good asthma control is to allow an active life. However, recurrent symptoms during exertion should be assessed.
Can a child have asthma?
Yes. Asthma can affect children as well as adults. However, the assessment may be different in young children.
Can work make asthma worse?
Certain occupational exposures can contribute to causing or worsening respiratory symptoms. An assessment is appropriate when a link with work is suspected.
Sources
- Institut national d’excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS). Prise en charge de l’asthme chez les enfants et les adultes (supporting report and management tool; the page also links to the action plan tools). Published September 25, 2023, accessed October 6, 2026. inesss.qc.ca
- Gouvernement du Québec. Effets de la pollution de l’air sur la santé. Updated April 29, 2025, accessed October 6, 2026. quebec.ca
- Gouvernement du Québec. Prévenir les effets de la pollution de l’air sur la santé. Updated April 29, 2025, accessed October 6, 2026. quebec.ca
This page provides general information and does not replace an assessment by a health professional.