Asthma Symptoms

Asthma symptoms may vary somewhat between individuals; however, there are some symptoms that are very common in almost all asthma patients. It is important to recognize the symptoms in order to get treatment as needed, as well as to be aware when you may be vulnerable to an impending asthma attack.

When the bronchial passages start to tighten, fill with mucus, and / or become inflamed and sensitive, an individual with asthma will start to experience a variety of symptoms. These symptoms can vary in degree of severity, and will intensify if they have a full-blown attack.

The first common symptom of asthma is coughing. For many people, this is the first asthma symptom that they experience. They have a frequent non-productive cough, or irritating tickle in their throat. For the majority of asthma patients, this cough is worse at night and can be very disturbing.

Another common asthma symptom is tightness or pressure in the chest. About seventy-five percent of people with asthma experience chest pain. If chest tightness is present with no other symptoms, this can be a signal that you are about to have a serious asthma attack. However, if pain is present, the degree of pain is not necessarily an indicator of how severe the attack will be. In other words, if the chest pain is minor, it doesn't necessarily mean the attack will be mild.

Wheezing is a typical asthma symptom. An asthma attack often starts with wheezing. When someone is having an asthma attack, wheezing is typically present, and occurs while exhaling. When someone is wheezing there is usually a whistling sound in their breathing.

Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, is a common symptom of asthma and can become very pronounced during an attack. Shortness of breath can be very distressing and at times a bit frightening, as it feels like you just can't get enough air.

It should be noted that some people can have significant lung impairment and not even realize they have shortness of breath. Older females who have a long history of asthma are most likely to be prone to this lack of symptom awareness. It can make them especially at risk of having a severe attack.

People with asthma also often experience rapid breathing. Often this occurs to compensate for the shortness of breath. The individual starts breathing faster to get more air in and out of the lungs.

There are several other asthma symptoms that are often present. They include difficulties sleeping, fatigue, and a decline in lung function as measured by using an instrument called a peak flow meter, coughing following exercise, losing one's breath easily, and coughing a lot at night.

Consult with your doctor if you experience asthma symptoms. Your doctor can prescribe the best course of treatment based on the type, frequency and severity of your symptoms.