What are the symptoms of asthma?
Asthma is a chronic lung condition that inflames and narrows the airways, making breathing difficult. It causes periods of wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. Asthma symptoms can range from mild to severe, and some cases require urgent care. Knowing the common signs of asthma and what to do when they worsen is key to managing this disease.
Asthma Triggers
Asthma flare-ups are usually triggered by:
- Respiratory infections
2. Allergens — pollen, dust mites, mold, pets
3. Irritants — cigarette smoke, air pollution, chemicals
4. Weather — cold air, changes in temperature, high humidity
5. Exercise
6. Strong emotions and stress
7. Acid reflux disease (GERD)
8. Certain medications like aspirin and NSAIDs
When exposed to their specific triggers, people with asthma experience inflammation and bronchoconstriction (narrowing of airways). Their airways become restricted, swollen, and clogged with mucus.
Common Asthma Symptoms
Typical symptoms of asthma include:
- Wheezing — high-pitched whistling sound when breathing out
2. Shortness of breath or rapid, shallow breathing
3. Chest tightness or discomfort
4. Persistent dry cough, often worse at night
5. Fatigue due to poor sleep caused by symptoms
In children, additional signs include:
1. Frequent bronchitis or pneumonia
2. Rubbing or hunching the chest
3. Dark circles under the eyes
4. Irritability or confusion from lack of oxygen
5. Trouble feeding, sucking, or speaking
Emergency Asthma Symptoms
Signs that require urgent emergency care include:
- No improvement even after using a rescue inhaler
2. Trouble walking or talking without pausing for breath
3. Lips or fingernails turning blue or gray
4. Rapid pulse
5. Hunched over posture while breathing
6. Skin sucking in around neck and ribs while breathing
Go immediately to the emergency room near you when these emergency symptoms appear. Severe asthma attacks can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Asthma Variations
Not all asthma flares are the same. Some people have long-term persistent asthma with daily symptoms. Others have intermittent, seasonal, or occupational asthma triggered by specific allergens or irritants. Nighttime, exercise-induced, and cough-variant asthma are other forms. Asthma can change over time, with new triggers developing or old ones resolving. Tracking symptoms and possible triggers helps you and your doctor determine the best treatment options for your asthma.
Getting Diagnosed
See your doctor if recurrent coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath impacts your quality of life. Spirometry breathing tests and other exams help confirm an asthma diagnosis. Allergy testing often identifies environmental triggers that can then be reduced or avoided. Make sure you have an emergency action plan and medications available to treat worsening asthma attacks early. Though asthma has no cure, the right treatment can effectively control symptoms most of the time. Stay alert for any signs your asthma is not well-controlled, and get medical care promptly when needed.
