What are asthma signs and symptoms?

Recognzie asthma and get the proper treatment

Asthma signs and symptoms include wheezing and tightness in the chest. Find out how to recognize asthma signs and symptoms and learn when to seek treatment.

Asthma is a chronic illness that affects the respiratory system. During an asthmatic episode, or attack, the air passageways narrow. Because the airway is smaller, it is more difficult to get air into the lungs. In severe attacks, asthma can be life threatening.

There are roughly 16 million adults and 7 million children living with asthma in the United States, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Though stricken with a condition that is both incurable and occasionally deadly, many asthma patients live their lives free from symptoms, suffering only occasional, minor asthma attacks. The key to living with asthma is learning about the disease and procuring the right treatment.

Asthma Signs and Symptoms

Typical signs and symptoms of asthma include:
  • An audible wheezing sound while breathing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Rapid breathing
  • Coughing
  • Tightness in the chest

There are four levels of asthma severity, as follows:
 Level Description Frequency of Daytime Symptoms
 Frequency of Nighttime Symptoms
 Between Episodes
 1 Mild Intermittent
 0-2 per week
 0-2 per month
 No symptoms
 2 Mild Persistent
 3-7 per week
 2+ per month
 Attacks that may affect activity
 3 Moderate Persistent
 Daily 1+ per week
 Attacks that may affect activity
 4 Sever Persistent
 Throughout the Day
 Often Physical activity is limited
People with asthma often have allergies as well, which can exacerbate the condition and even bring on an attack.

Asthma Treatment

Asthma treatment includes long-term medication to prevent the onset of attacks as well as short-term medication to control an attack once it has begun. A short-acting inhaled beta-agonist (in the form of an inhaler) should be carried by anyone with asthma to stop an attack from progressing.

The most effective long-term treatment of mild, moderate or severe persistent asthma is an inhaled corticosteroid. Other treatments include cromolyn and nedocromil for mild persistent asthma and inhaled long-acting beta-agonists, leukotriene modifiers and theophylline combined with inhaled corticosteroids for moderate or severe asthma.

An important aspect of controlling one’s asthma is to become familiar with particular “triggers,” or substances and behaviors that can provoke an attack. Common triggers include:
  • Pollen
  • Mold
  • Exercise
  • Environmental irritants like strong odors and tobacco smoke
  • Stress
  • Respiratory infections
  • Viral and sinus infections
  • Weather changes

Asthma Diagnosis

Asthma is diagnosed through a careful process, including an assessment of the patient’s medical history and controlled exposure to common asthma. The physician will also listen to breathing and examine nasal passages for secretions and polyps. A non-invasive spirometry test, which measures lung function, also may be conducted. The doctor uses these measurements to assess whether breathing falls within normal limits for the patient’s age and general health.

To find a directory of allergists and immunologists that is searchable by location, go to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology Web site.

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