Overview of Asthma Symptoms
Asthma is a condition wherein the person has difficulty in breathing due to chronic inflammation of the breathing passages of lungs. Asthma is also referred to as an obstructive lung disease.
When airways are inflamed making it difficult to move in and out of lungs, it triggers wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Bronchospasm (airways), when combined with inflammation and mucus production, contribute to the cause of asthma.
Symptoms of asthma
Asthma mostly occurs in people with family history, this means its mostly genetic. Sudden tightening of muscles near the airways can cause an asthma attack. An asthma attack may start suddenly due to blockage or may develop slowly over a period of time. Apart from wheezing and coughing, which are the most common asthma symptoms, following is an overview of asthma symptoms.
- Rapid breathing both ways—in and out
- Lips and fingernails turning blue
- Tightening of chest
- Anxiety or panic attack
- Face turning pale
- Sweat outbreaks on the face
- Retraction of chest and face muscles
Identifying early signs
Asthma condition does not develop overnight. Over time, exposure to various particles that irritate the breathing process like dust, pets, or pollen are the main cause of asthma. Most of the time, people suffering from asthma get an early sign or warning before the attack. So it is necessary to identify the asthma signs and symptoms before the attack worsens. These signs are-
- Frequent night coughs
- Sudden or unexpected mood swings or feeling lethargic
- While exercising, feeling breathless within a short time
- Signs of cold or runny nose or sore throat
Although these signs give a hint of attack, they make carrying out routine or day-to-day activities difficult.
Types of asthma
Sudden bouts of asthma attacks can hinder or come in way of your daily activities. Here are the types of asthma that are categorized as per their condition.
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Exercised-induced bronchoconstriction
When patient experiences shortness of breath while exercising or during any physical activity, this is exercise-induced asthma.
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Childhood asthma
Asthma can develop in the childhood, too. Not just adults, more than millions of children also suffer from asthma before the age of five years.
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Allergic asthma
People with family history of asthma or allergy of dust, mite, or pollen are more vulnerable to the condition called allergic asthma.
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Occupational asthma
Many people develop asthma while in the workplace. Inhaling hazardous fumes or toxic gases can take a toll on breathing and cause a condition called occupational asthma.
Taking an overview of asthma symptoms, one can categorize asthma into mild and severe asthma. Mild asthma attacks are more common than the severe ones. Mild asthma attacks last few minutes when blocked airways open up in just a matter of time.
Severe asthma attacks are not to be ignored and need medical assistance at the earliest.
Recognizing and analyzing the symptoms that trigger asthma, one can take preventive measures to control it. Asthma is not curable but can be prevented. Your healthcare provider may be able to suggest appropriate measures to combat or control it.
