Signs and Symptoms of Asthma
Asthma is a medical condition that affects the lungs and makes it difficult to breathe. It is caused by inflammation and swollen bronchi causing the airways to narrow and produce extra mucus. One in 12 people or 25 million people in the United States had asthma in 2009.
There are many situations that can influence when you notice your specific asthma symptoms. They can appear during certain times, or you may have symptoms all the time. Asthma symptoms develop and are different from person to person.
Symptoms of Asthma
There are a number of asthma symptoms, but they vary for every person depending on their situation and family history. Someone may experience all, some, or one of the symptoms.
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing or whistling while breathing
- Chest tightness
- Trouble sleeping
Coughing can be sporadic or reoccurring and is often the worse at night or in the morning. It is the symptom that affects most people with asthma. Shortness of breath can make you feel breathless and makes it hard to catch your breath.
Shortness of breath feels like you can only complete short breaths, and you can’t get enough oxygen that you normally can through deeper breaths. Wheezing is when you hear a wheezing or whistling sound while breathing in or out. It originates in the chest and can often be felt as well as heard.
Chest tightness can be associated with shortness of breath, but if feels like there is something heavy sitting on or squeezing your chest. It makes it difficult to breathe properly and take full, deep breaths. The reason behind trouble sleeping can originate from any of the above symptoms. Many of them get worse at night, which can make it difficult to sleep.
Diagnosis is key so that a treatment plan is developed allowing for an increase in your quality of life. Even after diagnosis and treatment, your asthma can still get worse. When your symptoms become more frequent and bothersome, when breathing becomes more difficult, and when your quick-relief inhaler is used more often than it should be, make sure to see your doctor to reevaluate your asthma situation.
Symptoms of Other Types of Asthma
Situational Asthma
While some people experience the symptoms of asthma at all times, there are some that only notice symptoms during certain times or experiences.
Exercise-Induced Asthma
Also known as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, this type of asthma occurs when asthma symptoms occur during or because of exercise. They usually don’t appear initially, but often during or a few minutes after stopping exercise. Cold, dry air can increase the likelihood of experiencing EIB symptoms. As you exercise and need more oxygen, you often start breathing more through your mouth compared to your nose. Air coming in through your mouth is often colder and drier than when in comes through your nose increasing the chance of symptoms during exercise.
Occupational Asthma
This type of asthma is triggered by irritants in the workplace such as fumes, gasses, dust, and other potentially harmful materials. With occupational asthma, it may appear even though you have always been healthy, or you may have not had symptoms since you were a child. When inhaling substances on the job, your asthma might appear right away, after a few weeks, or longer – it all depends on your specific situation.
Allergy-Induced Asthma
This is when the same things that can trigger your allergies trigger your asthma. The same immune system response to allergies can also lead to asthma. With your body trying to protect you from harmless substances, runny nose, itchy eyes, and more are common reactions and they can also affect the lungs leading to your allergy-induced asthma.
No matter what type of asthma you may have, it is important to visit and stay up with your treatment. Controlling your asthma is necessary so you are able to live a comfortable life.
