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Symptoms of Asthma

Asthma symptoms may differ somewhat in adults and children. In addition, severity and duration of symptoms vary from mild to severe.
Common asthma symptoms include:
  • Wheezing
  • Tightness in the chest
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Cough
  • Limited exercise tolerance
There are warning signs that signal an impending asthma attack. By learning to recognize these early symptoms as warning signs, you can help prevent attacks or reduce their severity.
  • Increased shortness of breath and wheezing
  • Chest tightness or pain
  • Sweating
  • Anxiety
  • An increased need to use bronchodilators
  • A whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling
  • Frequent coughing or cough spasms
  • Waking up coughing in the night
  • Shortness of breath while stationery or exercising
  • Feelings of tightness in the chest
  • Restless sleep patterns
  • Sweating
  • Anxiety
Exposure to asthma triggers can cause airways to contract and become inflamed, narrowed, and clogged with mucus. Less room is available for air to flow in and out of the lungs. The duration of the asthma attack varies. Attacks range from mild to severe and last anywhere from a few minutes to several days. During attacks, bronchial muscles go into spasm, causing air to be trapped in tiny air breathing sacs in the lungs, called alveoli. Asthma attacks may be fatal if not identified and treated.
Airway Narrowed Due to Mucus Plugs
Breast self-exam, step 1
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References

Asthma symptoms. American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology website. Available at: http://www.acaai.org/allergist/asthma/symptoms/Pages/default.aspx. Accessed September 13, 2012.

Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. American Lung Association website. Available at: http://www.lung.org/lung-disease/asthma/learning-more-about-asthma/symptoms-diagnosis-and-treatment.html. Accessed September 13, 2012.

Asthma in adults and adolescents. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us. Updated September 7, 2012. Accessed September 13, 2012.

Asthma exacerbation in adults and adolescents. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us . Updated August 27, 2012. Accessed September 13, 2012.

Braunwald E. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine . 15th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2001.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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