10 Asthma Symptoms
Article Sources
- 1. 'Asthma.' Mayo Clinic, 11 August 2020, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20369653
- 2. 'Asthma.' Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, September 2015, aafa.org/asthma-symptoms/
- 3. Morjaria, Jaymin and Jack A. Kastelik. 'Unusual Asthma Syndromes and Their Management.' Therapeutic Advances in Chronic Disease, vol. 2, no. 4, July 2011, doi: 10.1177/2040622311407542
- 4. 'Asthma Symptoms.' American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 17 April 2018, acaai.org/asthma/asthma-symptoms
Asthma is a chronic condition that impacts the respiratory system. It is characterized by the swelling and narrowing of the airways. Some people impacted by this condition find it difficult to breathe at times, while others may have coughing fits or trouble sleeping.1‘Asthma.’ Mayo Clinic, 11 August 2020, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20369653 The rapid onset of symptoms is generally referred to as an asthma attack.
The condition's severity may vary, as some individuals' symptoms are minor, while others face life-threatening symptoms.1‘Asthma.’ Mayo Clinic, 11 August 2020, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20369653 Asthma attacks may last mere minutes to hours or even days.2‘Asthma.’ Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, September 2015, aafa.org/asthma-symptoms/ There is no cure for asthma, and care instead focuses on symptom control.1‘Asthma.’ Mayo Clinic, 11 August 2020, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20369653
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, is one of the most common symptoms of asthma.3Morjaria, Jaymin and Jack A. Kastelik. ‘Unusual Asthma Syndromes and Their Management.’ Therapeutic Advances in Chronic Disease, vol. 2, no. 4, July 2011, doi: 10.1177/2040622311407542 When a person breathes normally, the airway to their lungs allows air to flow freely to the lungs. People with asthma, however, have airways that are more reactive to various forms of stimuli.2‘Asthma.’ Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, September 2015, aafa.org/asthma-symptoms/
When the airway is triggered, it becomes swollen and inflamed. The body responds by generating mucus, which narrows the airway. 2‘Asthma.’ Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, September 2015, aafa.org/asthma-symptoms/ This causes the muscles in the airways to tighten, and it becomes more difficult for the person to move air in and out of their lungs freely.2‘Asthma.’ Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, September 2015, aafa.org/asthma-symptoms/
Wheezing
Wheezing is another common asthma symptom. It may sound like a coarse whistling sound every time the person takes a breath. It may also sound like a squeaky sound that occurs with each exhale.2‘Asthma.’ Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, September 2015, aafa.org/asthma-symptoms/
Wheezing with each exhale is an especially common symptom in children and in those with respiratory infections.1‘Asthma.’ Mayo Clinic, 11 August 2020, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20369653 The sound may be faint or loud and pronounced, depending on the extent to which the condition has progressed.
Frequent Respiratory Infections
Frequent respiratory infections, such as colds or bronchitis, may be a symptom of underlying asthma. This symptom is especially prominent in children who may have asthma.3Morjaria, Jaymin and Jack A. Kastelik. ‘Unusual Asthma Syndromes and Their Management.’ Therapeutic Advances in Chronic Disease, vol. 2, no. 4, July 2011, doi: 10.1177/2040622311407542
This is also the case when wheezing or coughing are made worse by the presence of a respiratory condition.1‘Asthma.’ Mayo Clinic, 11 August 2020, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20369653 Check with a medical professional for individuals who are sick often to rule out asthma, especially if asthma symptoms accompany the illness in question.
Rapid Breathing
Because of the extent to which the airway tightens, rapid breathing can be another sign of asthma. This symptom may worsen with an asthma attack and could become life-threatening in especially severe attacks.2‘Asthma.’ Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, September 2015, aafa.org/asthma-symptoms/
Rapid breathing that involves the chest retracting during an asthma attack signals the need for emergency medical services.2‘Asthma.’ Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, September 2015, aafa.org/asthma-symptoms/ This is especially important if the individual does not have access to a quick relief medication, such as an inhaler.
Chest Tightness
Chest tightness is a common asthma symptom because the airway becomes swollen and inflamed during an asthma attack. Breathing becomes more stressful as the person struggles to move air to the lungs.2‘Asthma.’ Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, September 2015, aafa.org/asthma-symptoms/
This symptom may also manifest as chest pain, depending on the severity of the attack.1‘Asthma.’ Mayo Clinic, 11 August 2020, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20369653 The worse the attack gets, the more pain the person may experience, and the more life-threatening the attack may become.2‘Asthma.’ Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, September 2015, aafa.org/asthma-symptoms/
Trouble Sleeping
Trouble sleeping, another common asthma symptom, is due to chronic coughing or wheezing while the individual is asleep.1‘Asthma.’ Mayo Clinic, 11 August 2020, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20369653 Asthma symptoms also tend to be worse at night.2‘Asthma.’ Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, September 2015, aafa.org/asthma-symptoms/
This symptom may further compromise quality of life, as fatigue may create more obstacles to participating in activities of daily life. Those with asthma may also struggle with quality of life issues if their condition is severe enough to affect simple physical activities.4‘Asthma Symptoms.’ American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 17 April 2018, acaai.org/asthma/asthma-symptoms
Chronic Coughing
A chronic cough with few or no other common asthma symptoms present is one of the less common signs of the condition. This is known as cough variant asthma.3Morjaria, Jaymin and Jack A. Kastelik. ‘Unusual Asthma Syndromes and Their Management.’ Therapeutic Advances in Chronic Disease, vol. 2, no. 4, July 2011, doi: 10.1177/2040622311407542
Individuals with this form of asthma may not have the wheezing or obstructed airway typical in other cases. They may not have shortness of breath, either.3Morjaria, Jaymin and Jack A. Kastelik. ‘Unusual Asthma Syndromes and Their Management.’ Therapeutic Advances in Chronic Disease, vol. 2, no. 4, July 2011, doi: 10.1177/2040622311407542 The lack of other symptoms may make it more challenging to correctly diagnose and treat this form of asthma.
Worsening Symptoms
Asthma may sometimes worsen, even with a viable treatment plan in place. Signs that this is happening include asthma symptoms that become more frequent and severe.1‘Asthma.’ Mayo Clinic, 11 August 2020, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20369653
More frequent use of a quick-acting inhaler is also a sign that the condition may be worsening, as is increased difficulty breathing. A peak flow meter, which is a device that checks lung capacity, can confirm whether the condition is worsening. If this is the case, a treatment plan adjustment may be necessary.1‘Asthma.’ Mayo Clinic, 11 August 2020, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20369653
Asthma Triggers
Asthma symptoms may be triggered by allergies, environmental conditions, occupational hazards or exercise. Exercise-induced asthma is generally made worse by cold, dry air.1‘Asthma.’ Mayo Clinic, 11 August 2020, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20369653 Physical movements that impact normal breathing, such as crying or laughing, can also be triggers.4‘Asthma Symptoms.’ American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 17 April 2018, acaai.org/asthma/asthma-symptoms
Occupational hazards include regular exposure to chemicals, dust or gas fumes. Allergies or environmental conditions, such exposure to pollen, mold or other impurities, can also trigger symptoms, as can pet dander.1‘Asthma.’ Mayo Clinic, 11 August 2020, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20369653
Asthma Treatment
As there is no cure for asthma, medical professionals typically try to control it with medication.2‘Asthma.’ Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, September 2015, aafa.org/asthma-symptoms/ Those with asthma are also cautioned to avoid triggers, where possible. Staying current with vaccinations can prevent flu and pneumonia from triggering asthma flare-ups.
Long-term asthma treatment options include daily intake of inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers and combination inhalers. Medications are also available as quick relief options to stop an asthma attack from getting worse. These medications include short-acting beta agonists, oral corticosteroids and anticholinergic medications.1‘Asthma.’ Mayo Clinic, 11 August 2020, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20369653
