4 Signs of Asthma You Might Not Realize You Have

Asthma is a condition that causes the airways to narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, making it harder to breathe. This can lead to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. For some, it’s a mild inconvenience, while for others, it can be serious and even life-threatening. Let’s learn from the article.

CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED AS A SUBSTITUTE OF MEDICAL ADVICE. SEEK GUIDANCE OF YOUR DOCTOR REGARDING YOUR HEALTH AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS.

Symptoms

Asthma symptoms can be different for everyone. Some people have occasional flare-ups, while others experience symptoms only in certain situations, like during exercise, or deal with them all the time.

Common signs of asthma include shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, and wheezing—especially when exhaling, which is common in children. It can also cause trouble sleeping due to coughing or wheezing, and symptoms may get worse with colds or the flu.

Asthma may be getting worse if symptoms become more frequent and bothersome, breathing becomes more difficult (as shown by a peak flow meter), or there’s an increased need for a quick-relief inhaler.

Trouble sleeping

Breathing problems during sleep are very common and can have serious health effects. They can lead to poor sleep quality, daytime fatigue, and trouble thinking clearly. Research also links sleep-related breathing issues to conditions like high blood pressure, heart problems, and insulin resistance.

People with asthma are more likely to have sleep disturbances, such as trouble falling asleep, frequent awakenings, and feeling tired during the day. The way asthma worsens in the morning can help doctors assess its severity and choose the right treatment. Managing asthma properly can improve sleep quality and reduce the impact of breathing issues during sleep.

Tight chest

A tight chest can be a sign of asthma and may feel like a band squeezing around your chest, a dull ache, or even a sharp pain. In children, this sensation is sometimes described as a tummy ache. Chest tightness can come and go or be triggered by things like exercise, allergies, or cold air.

If it happens often, gets worse, or is accompanied by trouble breathing, wheezing, or coughing, it’s important to see a doctor. Proper asthma management can help relieve these symptoms and prevent more serious complications.

Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath can be a sign of asthma, but it usually comes with other symptoms like coughing or wheezing. You might also experience chest tightness, fast breathing, fatigue during exercise, or trouble sleeping at night. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s best to check with your doctor.

They can run tests to see if asthma is the cause or if another health condition is behind it, ensuring you get the right treatment.

Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)

Wheezing when exhaling is one of the most common signs of asthma, especially in children. It may sound like a high-pitched whistling noise and can become more noticeable after physical activity or exposure to triggers like allergens or cold air.

Coughing or wheezing attacks can also get worse when you have a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu. These infections can make asthma symptoms more severe and harder to control.

If you or your child experience frequent wheezing, coughing that worsens with illness, or trouble breathing, it’s important to see a doctor. They can assess the symptoms, provide a proper diagnosis, and recommend the best treatment to help manage asthma effectively.

When to See a Doctor:

• If you think you have asthma — If you’re experiencing frequent coughing, wheezing, or other asthma symptoms that last more than a few days, see your doctor. Early treatment can help prevent long-term lung damage and keep symptoms from getting worse.
• For ongoing asthma management — If you’ve already been diagnosed, regular check-ups with your doctor can help keep your asthma under control and reduce the risk of serious attacks.
• If your symptoms worsen — If your medication isn’t working as well, or you need to use your quick-relief inhaler more often, contact your doctor right away.
• To adjust your treatment — Asthma can change over time, so it’s important to review your symptoms with your doctor regularly and update your treatment plan as needed.
• Never take more medication than prescribed without talking to your doctor first, as overuse can lead to side effects and may worsen your asthma.

Although asthma can’t be cured, its symptoms can be managed with the right treatment. Since the condition can change over time, regular check-ins with a doctor are important to keep it under control and adjust treatment as needed.