HomeAnswersPulmonology (Asthma Doctors)asthma

Should I use inhaler daily for asthma at 35?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am 35 and was diagnosed with asthma last year, and I use an inhaler occasionally when I get breathing difficulty. Recently, I noticed that I get short of breath even with mild activity, and sometimes at night as well. I am not sure if my asthma is getting worse or if the inhaler dose needs to be changed. Please tell me,

  1. Should I be using an inhaler daily instead of only when needed?

  2. Can uncontrolled asthma cause permanent lung problems over time?

Kindly help.
Answered by Dr. Amandeep Singh Arneja

Education:

MD RESPIRATORY MEDICINE

Professional Bio:

I am Dr. Amandeep Singh Arneja, a dedicated Chest Physician and Senior Resident in Pulmonary Medicine at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Wardha, with extensive training in the management of complex respiratory and critical care conditions. I completed my M.B.B.S. from Universal College of Medical Sciences, Tribhuvan University (2016) and M.D. in Respiratory Medicine from Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhilai (2025), where I gained hands-on expertise in managing ICU patients, performing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and conducting research in pulmonary diseases. My areas of expertise include: Management of asthma, COPD, tuberculosis, and interstitial lung disease Critical care management (ICU care, mechanical ventilation) Pulmonary function testing (spirometry, DLCO) Interventional procedures (thoracentesis, ICD insertion, bronchoscopy) Sleep medicine and polysomnography Research, academic writing, and clinical presentations I hold certifications in Good Clinical Practice and Biomedical Research. I am a proud member of the National College of Chest Physicians (NCCP). Alongside my pulmonary expertise, I have also completed a CPCDM Fellowship in Diabetes from RSSDI, enabling me to provide holistic care for patients with respiratory diseases complicated by diabetes. Currently, I am also pursuing a Fellowship in Critical Care Medicine, which further enhances my ability to manage critically ill patients with respiratory and systemic illnesses. With multiple research publications, conference presentations (NAPCON, SSIMSCON), and a strong academic background, I strive to combine evidence-based medicine with compassionate patient care. My mission is to provide comprehensive, high-quality care to patients suffering from respiratory and lifestyle-related diseases.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

From what you are describing, it does seem that your asthma is not fully under control at the moment. Getting breathless with mild activity and having symptoms at night are usually signs that things need a bit of adjustment.

Using an inhaler only when you feel breathless gives temporary relief, but it does not control the underlying problem. Asthma is more about ongoing airway irritation, and when symptoms start coming more often, we usually need to add a regular inhaler to keep things settled. Many of my patients notice a clear difference once they start using a controller inhaler daily instead of waiting for symptoms.

The exact inhaler and dose depend on your current condition, so it would be best to get this reviewed rather than continuing the same treatment. Sometimes even small adjustments make a big difference.

About your concern regarding long-term effects, if asthma remains uncontrolled for a long time, it can slowly affect the airways and reduce lung function. This does not happen suddenly, but we try to prevent it by keeping asthma well controlled.

At this stage, the important thing is to step up your treatment appropriately so that your day-to-day and night-time symptoms settle down.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At April 8, 2026
Reviewed At April 9, 2026

Education:

MD RESPIRATORY MEDICINE

Professional Bio:

I am Dr. Amandeep Singh Arneja, a dedicated Chest Physician and Senior Resident in Pulmonary Medicine at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Wardha, with extensive training in the management of complex respiratory and critical care conditions. I completed my M.B.B.S. from Universal College of Medical Sciences, Tribhuvan University (2016) and M.D. in Respiratory Medicine from Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhilai (2025), where I gained hands-on expertise in managing ICU patients, performing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and conducting research in pulmonary diseases. My areas of expertise include: Management of asthma, COPD, tuberculosis, and interstitial lung disease Critical care management (ICU care, mechanical ventilation) Pulmonary function testing (spirometry, DLCO) Interventional procedures (thoracentesis, ICD insertion, bronchoscopy) Sleep medicine and polysomnography Research, academic writing, and clinical presentations I hold certifications in Good Clinical Practice and Biomedical Research. I am a proud member of the National College of Chest Physicians (NCCP). Alongside my pulmonary expertise, I have also completed a CPCDM Fellowship in Diabetes from RSSDI, enabling me to provide holistic care for patients with respiratory diseases complicated by diabetes. Currently, I am also pursuing a Fellowship in Critical Care Medicine, which further enhances my ability to manage critically ill patients with respiratory and systemic illnesses. With multiple research publications, conference presentations (NAPCON, SSIMSCON), and a strong academic background, I strive to combine evidence-based medicine with compassionate patient care. My mission is to provide comprehensive, high-quality care to patients suffering from respiratory and lifestyle-related diseases.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

2,145Checks completed today
4.7/5User rating
~2 minAverage completion time
GINA alignedGuideline aligned
Symptom Awareness Builder
Asthma Inhaler Use Awareness Builder

Is your asthma well-controlled?

Five quick questions help you understand if your asthma is typically managed, needs a doctor's mention, or warrants a call today.

Private and judgment-free. For guidance only, not a diagnosis.
Dr. Amandeep Singh Arneja
Dr. Amandeep Singh Arneja

Pulmonology (Asthma Doctors)

Education:

MD RESPIRATORY MEDICINE

Professional Bio:

I am Dr. Amandeep Singh Arneja, a dedicated Chest Physician and Senior Resident in Pulmonary Medicine at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Wardha, with extensive training in the management of complex respiratory and critical care conditions. I completed my M.B.B.S. from Universal College of Medical Sciences, Tribhuvan University (2016) and M.D. in Respiratory Medicine from Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhilai (2025), where I gained hands-on expertise in managing ICU patients, performing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and conducting research in pulmonary diseases. My areas of expertise include: Management of asthma, COPD, tuberculosis, and interstitial lung disease Critical care management (ICU care, mechanical ventilation) Pulmonary function testing (spirometry, DLCO) Interventional procedures (thoracentesis, ICD insertion, bronchoscopy) Sleep medicine and polysomnography Research, academic writing, and clinical presentations I hold certifications in Good Clinical Practice and Biomedical Research. I am a proud member of the National College of Chest Physicians (NCCP). Alongside my pulmonary expertise, I have also completed a CPCDM Fellowship in Diabetes from RSSDI, enabling me to provide holistic care for patients with respiratory diseases complicated by diabetes. Currently, I am also pursuing a Fellowship in Critical Care Medicine, which further enhances my ability to manage critically ill patients with respiratory and systemic illnesses. With multiple research publications, conference presentations (NAPCON, SSIMSCON), and a strong academic background, I strive to combine evidence-based medicine with compassionate patient care. My mission is to provide comprehensive, high-quality care to patients suffering from respiratory and lifestyle-related diseases.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
Listen to related tracks in our music library
Comprehensive Second Opinion

Read answers about:

asthmainhalerbreathing problems

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Pulmonology (Asthma Doctors)

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.