Asthma - Symptoms

Some of the common asthma symptoms include:

• Coughing, especially at night
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness, pain or pressure

However, not every person with asthma has the same symptoms. Your asthma symptoms may also vary from one asthma attack to the next, being mild during one and severe during another.

In some cases, people suffering from asthma may go for extended periods without having any symptoms, interrupted by periodic worsening of their symptoms called asthma attacks. Others might have asthma symptoms every day. In addition, some people may only have asthma while exercising.

Mild asthma attacks are generally more common. Usually, the airways open up within a few minutes to a few hours. Severe attacks are less common, but last longer and require immediate medical help. It is important to recognise and treat even mild asthma symptoms to help you prevent severe episodes and keep asthma under better control.

Know the early symptoms of asthma

Early warning signs are changes that happen just before or at the very beginning of an asthma attack. Though not severe or dangerous, by recognising these signs, you can stop an asthma attack or prevent one from getting worse. Early warning signs of asthma include:

• Frequent cough, especially at night
• Losing your breath easily or shortness of breath
• Feeling very tired or weak when exercising
• Wheezing or coughing after exercise
• Feeling tired, easily upset, grouchy, or moody
• Decreases or changes in lung function as measured on a peak flow meter
• Signs of a cold or allergies (sneezing, runny nose, cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, and headache)
• Trouble sleeping