Asthma affects your ability to breathe easily. This condition causes your airways to swell and narrow. It may also cause your airways to produce extra mucus. This illness can interfere with your regular activities and may even threaten your life, according to the MayoClinic.com. Certain symptoms can indicate the presence of this condition. Once your doctor diagnoses you with asthma, you may need to take medications to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. Avoiding possible asthma triggers may also help to reduce your symptoms.
Difficulty Breathing
A common symptom of asthma, difficulty breathing can range from a vague breathlessness to the inability to draw in air. You may experience difficulty taking a deep breath or feel as though you can’t fill your lungs during a mild flare-up. You may notice this symptom more during periods of physical exertion, especially if your asthma is exercise induced.
Noisy Breathing
During a flare-up, you may notice that you make a wheezing or whistling sound when you breathe. The tightening of your airways causes this sound during exhalations. Others may also be able to hear this audible symptom, which often serves as one of the first indications that a child may have asthma.
Coughing
Frequent coughing or bouts of wheezing may signal the presence of asthma. You may notice the frequent urge to cough, even though you don’t have a cold. Viral and bacterial infections may cause an increase in your coughing.
Chest Pain
Asthma can cause a feeling of pain or tightness in your chest. You may notice this in conjunction with difficulty breathing. This symptom may also accompany other serious conditions, such as a disorder with your heart or lungs. Notify your doctor if you experience chest pain. Tests can help diagnose whether your chest pain is due to asthma or a different condition.
Frequency of Attacks
Asthma can cause flare-ups that correlate with certain occurrences. In addition to experiencing breathing difficulties during strenuous exercise, you may experience breathlessness during certain seasons or when you spend time around animals. If you have allergies to pet dander or pollen, you may find it more difficult to breathe when you are around these substances. Knowing what triggers an allergy attack can help you determine which type of objects and situations you should try to avoid.
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