Coughing? So what?

Maybe you’re thinking: “It’ll go away – a cup of thyme tea, a bit of fresh air, and done.” Or maybe grandma says: “A spoonful of honey before bed will help.” But hold on – it’s not always that simple. Because behind a persistent cough, shortness of breath, or wheezing, something more serious could be hiding: asthma. And that’s no trivial matter – it’s a chronic condition that needs proper treatment.

Cough or asthma – how can I tell the difference?

The line isn’t always clear. A “typical” cough from an infection usually clears up after a few days or weeks. But what if the symptoms persist – or keep coming back?

Typical signs of asthma include:

• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
• Coughing in the evening or at night
• A feeling of tightness in the chest
• Wheezing or rattling breathing sounds
• A cough that just won’t go away

Important: These symptoms can appear gradually – and are often underestimated.

Learn more about asthma, its symptoms, and treatment options now in the Well app.

Recognizing asthma – what happens at the doctor’s or pharmacy?

If you feel short of breath or have a persistent cough, don’t delay a medical check-up. To diagnose asthma, specific professional tests are needed:

• Allergy tests: to find out if certain triggers like pollen, dust mites, or animal dander are involved – these can often be done at the pharmacy
• Lung function tests: to measure how well your lungs are working
• Provocation tests: to check how sensitive your airways are to certain stimuli

And if it really is asthma?

No worries – asthma is very treatable. The goal of therapy is to control the symptoms so that you can live your daily life as freely as possible.

Asthma treatment includes:

• Medications that open the airways and reduce inflammation
• Non-medication-based measures like breathing training, targeted physical activity, or relaxation techniques

👉 Bonus tip: The aha! Swiss Allergy Centre offers a free online asthma control test. In just five minutes, you can find out how well you’re currently managing your asthma – and whether action is needed.

Find information about asthma and other respiratory diseases in the Well app.

Conclusion

A warm herbal tea can be soothing, sure – but home remedies don’t replace medical treatment. At best, they can complement it, but they don’t cure. Asthma needs to be handled by qualified professionals. The earlier it’s recognized and treated, the better the condition can be managed.