Signs and Symptoms of Asthma

Common signs and symptoms of asthma include:

  • Coughing - Coughing from asthma a lot worse at night or early in the morning, making it hard to sleep
  • Wheezing - Wheezing is a whistling or squeaky sound that happens when you breathe
  •  Chest tightness - This may feel like something is squeezing or sitting on your chest
  • Shortness of breath - Certain people who have asthma say they can’t catch their breath or they feel out of breath. You may feel like you can’t get the air out of your lungs

These are some of the common signs and symptoms of asthma.Not all people who have asthma have these symptoms. Similarly, having these symptoms doesn’t at all times mean that you have asthma. The best method doctors have to diagnose asthma is to use a lung function test, inquire about medical history and do a physical exam.

The asthma symptoms type you have, how frequently they happen, and how severe they are may differ over time. Occasionally your symptoms may just irritate you.

Severe symptoms can be lethal. Hence, treating symptoms when you first notice them is significant, so they don’t become severe.

With appropriate treatment, most people who have asthma can assume to have few, if any, symptoms either during the day or at night.

What Causes Asthma Symptoms to take place?

Several things can trigger or aggravate asthma symptoms. Your doctor will help you find out which things (called triggers) may cause your asthma to flare up if you come in contact with them.

Triggers can include:

  • Allergens from dust, animal fur, cockroaches, mold, and pollen from trees, grasses, and flowers.
  • Irritants such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, chemicals or dust in the workplace, and sprays.
  • Medicines such as aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and nonselective beta-blockers.
  • Viral upper respiratory infections, such as colds.
  • Physical activity, including exercise.