Asthma Symptoms and Treatment
Understanding your asthma symptoms is critical for recognizing what is going on in your airways. To treat allergic asthma, an allergy doctor first evaluates the triggers that cause swelling and inflammation of the airways. With these insights, it is possible to reduce the impact of environmental allergens and other substances that worsen asthma symptoms. At the Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center, we provide specialized asthma diagnosis and treatment services for Atlanta area patients.
What are the Early Symptoms of Asthma?
The early symptoms of asthma aren’t bad enough to interfere with your day to day activates, but should still be taken seriously. Recognizing these signs can help prevent the possibility of a full on asthma attack. Early warning signs of asthma include:
- Frequent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling tired or weak when exercising
- Wheezing or coughing after physical activity
- Feeling tired, easily upset, grouchy, or moody
- Symptoms of a cold or allergies (sneezing, runny nose, cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, and headache)
- Trouble sleeping
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you should see asthma and allergy specialist to get you on the right medicine to help the symptoms and make sure that these symptoms don’t worsen into an asthma attack. Asthma attacks can lead to the emergency room visit or even staying in the hospital for observation or to calm your attacks if they are frequent.
What are the Early Symptoms of an Asthma Attack?
An asthma attack is a condition where the band of muscle in your airways is triggered to tighten. This tightening is called bronchospasm. During an asthma attack, your airway will become swollen or inflamed and your airway will produce thinker than normal mucus, closing your airway even more.
Each of these factors – bronchospasm, inflammation, and mucus production, cause difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath. Other symptoms of an asthma attack include the following:
- Severe wheezing when breathing
- Coughing that won’t stop
- Very rapid breathing
- Chest pain/ pressure
- Tightened neck and chest muscles
- Difficulty talking
- Feelings of anxiety/panic
- Pale, sweaty face
- Blue lips or fingernails
Asthma Symptoms in Children
As many as 10% – 12% of children in America are affected by asthma. Asthma symptoms can start at any age, but for most children, they will have their first sign of asthma by the age of 5. Possible signs of asthma in a child include:
- Frequent coughing spells
- A chronic cough
- Less energy/ tired
- Rapid breathing
- Complaint of their chest “hurting”
- Wheezing when breathing.
- See-saw motions in the chest from labored breathing.
- Shortness of breath/ loss of breath
- Tightened neck and chest muscles
- Feelings of weakness
- Louder or faster than normal breathing. Newborns typically take 30 to 60 breaths a minute. Toddlers typically take 20 to 40 breaths a minute.
Asthma Symptoms in Adults
An average of 1 in 12 adults is being treated for asthma symptoms. Getting asthma later in life is often called “late-onset asthma” or “adult onset asthma”. Adults are often surprised when they find out that they have asthma later in life, however, it is not uncommon.
Due to asthma being life-threatening if untreated, it is important to see a doctor if you are experiencing any possible asthma signs.
What are the Complications of Asthma?
Some of the complications of asthma include the following:
- Symptoms that interfere with sleep, work or activities
- More than usual sick days from work or school during flare-ups
- Permanent narrowing of the bronchial tubes that affects breathing
- Emergency room visits and hospitalizations for severe asthma attacks
- Side effects of long-term use of medications.
When Should I See a Doctor if I Think I have Symptoms of Asthma?
If you start to notice that you have frequent coughing or wheezing that lasts more than a few days. Or even any other signs see a doctor right away. If you go untreated your symptoms can worsen and cause long-term lung damage.
How Can I Prevent Asthma Attacks?
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent asthma, but by working with your doctor and staying on track with the treatment plan that the doctor has given you, you can control your asthma attacks.
- Follow your asthma action plan – with your doctor, plan a detailed plan with your medications and managing an oncoming asthma attack.
- Get vaccinated for influenza and pneumonia – staying current with all your vaccinations that prevent you from getting the flu or pneumonia, will help with triggering asthma flare-ups.
- Identify and avoid asthma triggers – Find out what causes or worsens your asthma, and take the necessary steps to avoid your triggers.
- Monitor your breathing – learn to recognize warning signs of wheezing, slight cough or shortness of breath.
- Identify and treat attacks early – once you start to feel an attack, act fast in treating it, this way you will be less likely to have a severe attack.
- Take your medication as prescribed – just because you feel your improving, never miss your medications without talking to your doctor first.
- Pay attention to increasing “quick-relief” inhaler use – if you find that your relying on your inhaler more than usual then your asthma isn’t under control. Talk to your doctor about adjusting your treatment plan.
The Impact of Asthma Symptoms
Asthma leads to various physical, social and economic issues in the United States. CDC data shows there were 5.8 million annual physician office visits for asthma. In addition, as many as 13 million school days were missed due to asthma symptoms. However, analysis shows that effective asthma management can reduce asthma-related absenteeism.
Common Questions About Asthma Symptoms
How do I know if I have asthma?
Asthma is characterized by shortness of breath, wheezing and other issues with the airways. To understand if these symptoms are related to asthma or another condition, your doctor will perform several tests to make a diagnosis.
Can you suddenly develop asthma?
Asthma can develop at any age and without warning. Environmental allergy triggers or irritants found in the workplace might cause an asthma attack that swells and inflames the airways.
What are some early warning signs of asthma?
Some of the earliest asthma symptoms include changes to your breathing, itching in your throat and increased mucus production. Speak to your doctor if you are concerned about any potential asthma symptoms.
At the First Symptoms of Asthma, Get the Correct Diagnosis From Dr. Thomas Chacko
Many people simply deal with the early symptoms of asthma, but it’s important to get the correct diagnosis as early as possible. Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center specializes in treating adult-onset asthma and asthma in children. Call us at (678) 668-4688 with questions or to request an appointment today.
