Asthma Symptoms

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary disease characterized by reduced lung function due to inflamed bronchial tubes and constriction of the smooth bronchial muscles. Both conditions result in decreased size of the lung’s airways which can make breathing extremely difficult. Asthma signs and symptoms may vary from person to person (including severity and frequency of occurance) but will usually include coughing, wheezing, a tight feeling in the chest, and shortness of breath.

Coughing

One of the early symptoms of asthma or an asthma episode is a dry cough. In addition to the “tickle” in the chest that sometimes initiates this coughing, there is very often a sensation that there is something in the lungs that needs to be coughed out. However, repeated (and violent) coughing is often not enough to remove this sensation. Asthmatic coughing is often worse at night making sleep difficult. In children this may be the most prevalent symptom evident.

Wheezing

Wheezing is a whistling or squeaky sound characteristic of asthmatic breathing. It is noticeable during both inhalation and exhalation but is particularly loud as air is being exhaled. The sound is normally whistle like during inhalation but becomes more pronounced during exhalation and often develops into more of a bubbling or rumbling sound within the lungs.

There are many triggers for an asthma episode (and each person has different triggers) but wheezing is often present in asthmatics as a result of prolonged laughter or crying or even when stress is present. In addition, an asthmatic will usually experience wheezing when exposed to an allergen or when suffering from cold or flu like illnesses. 

A tight feeling in the chest 

This feels like something wrapped very tightly around your chest making it difficult to breath. Lying down is impossible which means a full night of sitting up in bed. The most comfortable position to alleviate this tightness (if there is one) is sitting up and leaning slightly forward.

Shortness of Breath 

Asthma sufferers feel as if they can't catch their breath and just moving air is a struggle. The capacity of the lungs is greatly reduced and it feels impossible to get enough air either in or out. Breathing becomes labored and very short –panting is a better descriptor than breathing. This is because the lungs can’t expand or contract. Severe asthma symptoms will always be characterized by this inability to breathe.

Not all people have these symptoms, and they can vary from one asthma attack to another. Some asthmatics go long periods of time without any events while others have to deal with asthma symptoms continuously. Nights are particularly difficult and lung function is normally lower in the morning than later in the day. Exposure to allergens will often bring symptoms on but in more severe cases, simple stimuli such as cold air or extreme emotion may trigger an event.

Again, each asthmatic has varying degrees of symptoms, but they should never be ignored. In severe cases, an attack can quickly become an emergency and if medical care is not provided immediately asthma can and does kill.

Symptoms can be reversed

However, asthma is also characterized by significant reversibility of these symptoms when treated. With proper treatment and management, most people with asthma can expect immediate relief and can lead active, normal lives.

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