Asthma Symptoms

There are many disorders that affect the respiratory system, one of them being asthma. Since the initial sign to be observed is the inability to breathe, an asthma attack should not be ignored, lest it turns fatal...
Asthma is a chronic disease of the lungs that blocks the air passages. This disease causes the inflammation of the airways. This inflammation can cause the disturbance or obstruction of the bronchial air passage, leading to the production of extra mucous resulting in asthma. There are many factors, that may trigger mild asthma, like pollen grains, animal dander, dust etc. These allergens can also cause asthma symptoms in teenagers. Most people find the signs of asthma annoying since the symptoms are mild in nature but for others it can be a cause of concern as it may result in a severe form of asthma.

Symptoms of Asthma in Adults

One can notice the onset of asthma with a bout of breathlessness. Though these symptoms develop rarely, they can be triggered when exposed to asthma triggers or allergens. Asthma may attack anytime during the say or night;
  • One of the most common and noticeable symptoms of asthma is wheezing. This condition is mostly present when an asthma attack occurs. There is also a sound produced while breathing out. The muscles that are involved in breathing become hyperactive causing severe wheezing and rapid breathing.
  • Three fourth of the patients who suffer from asthma complain of chest pain while breathing. This chest pain can range from mild to severe but the severity of the pain is not related to the severity of the asthma attack.
  • Some individuals experience profuse sweating before the onset of an asthma attack. Some people may also experience tightness in the chest region while breathing. An initial feeling of chest tightness can be an indication of a severe attack of asthma.
  • Dyspnea or shortness of breath can be a common symptom of asthma. Some individuals may be ignorant of the fact that they are experiencing dyspnea, which can be a life-threatening condition as they are at a risk of a severe attack of asthma.
  • Some patients experience a dry cough which can be painful and distressing. This cough can occur at any time in the day and can be the most disturbing when it occurs at night causing sleep disturbances.
  • The neck muscles may tighten causing difficulty while talking.
  • The individual may also experience an increase in the heart rate with the heart beating with short palpitations during an attack of asthma.
Childhood Asthma Symptoms

Infants and toddlers are also affected by asthma. The symptoms as observed in children are almost similar to the asthma symptoms as seen in the adults.
  • Wheezing is a common symptom that is seen in infants and children. When the child has wheezing, a high pitched or shrill whistling sound is produced when the air flows into the lungs. This wheezing is also seen as one of the signs of asthma in toddlers. Wheezing in children can sometimes lead to bronchial asthma.
  • Children who are suffering from asthma may also experience general body weakness leading to fatigue.
  • Another common symptom of asthma in children is a feeling of breathlessness. In a severe attack of asthma, the child may also fall unconscious. Asthma can also lead to other respiratory diseases like pneumonia and bronchitis.
  • Some other symptoms are tightness in the chest and persistent coughing.
Though there is no cure as yet for asthma, there are various methods to control asthma symptoms. If you are a victim of asthma, then consult your doctor who may provide certain medication to avoid and control asthma triggers and also an inhaler for quick relief from the symptoms of asthma.
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Published: 6/11/2010
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