Asthma Symptoms and Signs

Asthma symptoms range in severity from one sufferer to another. Depending on the extremity of the person’s condition and the asthma triggers that they may have, the individual can experience flare-ups that are mild to very severe. Most asthma sufferers feel normal and have no difficulty with their breathing in between their asthma attacks. Asthma symptoms tend to be more prevalent during nighttime hours, while exercising and when exposes to the specific asthma triggers that the person may have. While it is less common, some asthmatic sufferers have symptoms that are constant.

Common signs and symptoms that a person may experience when an asthma attack occurs includes:

• Tightness or pain in their chest
• Breathing difficulties and shortness of breath
• Inability to sleep caused by coughing, wheezing and breathing difficulties
• Audible wheezing sound that may resemble a whistle when exhaling.
• This is a common sign that parents of small children should look for.
• Coughing or wheezing fits that tend to get worse when a person has a respiratory virus such as a common cold or the flu

Signs that a person’s asthma condition may be getting worse

It is possible for a person’s asthma condition to worsen over time. Here are some signs that an asthma sufferer should be alert to should they experience them.

• Frequency of asthma attacks increase
• Asthma flare-ups last longer when they do occur
• The severity of the asthma attack worsens and becomes more bothersome
• Breathing becomes more difficult. This can be measured using a peak flow meter that the person is given by their medical care provider and used to check the condition of the lungs.
• Increase in the frequency for using an inhaler for breathing relief

When To Seek Medical Care For Asthma Symptoms

If you have asthma or you are experiencing the symptoms of asthma, it is important to seek the care of a medical professional. Some people are not sure what symptoms or signs point to the direct need for medical care for this serious medical ailment.

Here are some tips for helping you make the determination on what signs and symptoms require the services of a medical professional.

No Medical Diagnosis

If you have never been diagnosed with asthma but are experiencing symptoms such as a frequent cough that lasts for more that just a few days or you are having difficulties with your breathing, you should make an appointment to see your medical care provider. If these symptoms are severe, you should seek emergency care immediately. Having your asthma diagnosed early on in its development can reduce the severity of the damage that is done to your lungs.

Monitoring Your Asthma After Being Diagnosed

When you have been diagnosed as having asthma it is important to work with your doctor to monitor your condition. Understanding the triggers and frequency of your asthma attacks can help to prevent a life-threatening situation.

Symptoms That Increase or Become More Severe

If you have a noticeable difference in the frequency or severity of the symptoms and signs of your asthma condition, contact your physician right away. If you were prescribed a bronchial inhaler that does not alleviate these symptoms of your asthma flare-ups, your doctor may be able to prescribe another medication for you. Overusing medication that does not help can only increase the severity of your asthma condition.