Asthma Answers

As an asthma suffered myself, I knew many of the symptoms like wheezing, difficulty breathing and couching fits, however as I’ve done research I’ve learned about many more symptoms. Some, I recognized but never associated with asthma. Others I’ve never experienced but can be associated with asthma.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Symptoms of asthma vary from person to person. Some people have just mild symptoms which can go away after a short period of time by itself or with medicine, while others may show severe signs that could require emergency care from a doctor. If you’re experiencing any symptoms of asthma, it’s best to see a doctor as soon as possible and to get a proper diagnosis.

Four Main Symptoms Of Asthma:

The two most noticeable symptoms of asthma is wheezing and a shortness of breath, which cause severe distress to an individual. Some people describe it as trying to breath through a straw.

Another frequent symptom is uncontrollable coughing late at night or early in the morning.

A fourth and sometimes less noticeable sign is a tightening in the chest or pain or pressure in the chest area.

Early Symptoms Of Asthma

Signs of an oncoming asthma attack are more difficult to notice, but there are definitely signs that a person can look for. They include frequent coughing especially at night. An asthma sufferer may unexpectedly lose their breath more easily than normal. When working out or exercising, they may feel unusually tired or weak during or immediately after exercising. Even trouble sleeping can be a sign of early asthma.

With a Peak Flow Meter you can measure a decrease or change in the ability of the lungs functions.

Then symptoms that can be associated with many other aliments like colds or allergies can also be a sign of asthma when combined with the other symptoms.

With children, the symptoms can be different. Not all children with asthma will show signs of wheezing. For them, it could chronic coughing.

Asthma Attack Symptoms

The most severe part of asthma is the actual asthma attack where a person feels acute symptoms. This includes severe wheezing as a person tries to breath in and out. There’s often a constant cough. The person could have heavy or labored breathing. They may experience chest pain and pressure. They could feel tightened muscles in their neck and chest. They may have a difficulty talking, where they can speak only a phrase or just a word at a time. There can be feelings of anxiety or panic. Visual symptoms include a pale, sweaty face or blue lips or fingers.

Less Common Symptoms

There’s many other symptoms that not everyone will experience or even associate with asthma. These include rapid breathing, unusual sighing, fatigue, unable to exercise, difficulty sleeping, difficulty concentrating, or a chronic cough without wheezing.

Thirty percent of asthma sufferers will experience mild to intermediate asthma episodes twice a week or less. Another thirty percent will experience mild to intermediate episodes two or more times a week. The remaining forty percent will have a daily or constant struggle with moderate to server effects.