Symptoms of Asthma

Written by Lee Wyatt (last updated August 23, 2013)

If you, or someone that you know, is having difficulty breathing in certain situations then it may just be possible that they have asthma. To know whether or not you should visit a doctor, you need to first understand what the symptoms of asthma are. All you need to do is take a look at this list, and compare what you are experiencing with what you see. If they match up, go and see a doctor for final confirmation and so that you can receive proper treatment.

Beyond the general symptoms of asthma, you will also find some other interesting information as well. This other information is about the various types of asthma, and the symptoms that go along with it. All of this information can be a huge help in figuring out what is going on with you, your family members, or even the people that you know.

General symptoms:

  • Coughing. Coughing by itself is not a symptom of asthma, that is unless it is a certain type of cough. Frequent persistent coughing that is generally at experienced at night, can be a symptom of asthma.
  • Wheezing. Experiencing wheezing, particularly in conjunction with coughing, after some type of strenuous activity can potentially be a sign of asthma.
  • Shortness of breath. Similar in nature to wheezing, shortness of breath can often be a sign of decreased lung capacity and function. Typically this type of symptom will show up, not only have some strenuous activity, but sometimes simply from walking around.
  • Chest tightness, pain, or pressure. This particular symptom usually appears in conjunction with the other symptoms listed here. Keep in mind that this particular symptom (or symptoms) isn't a mild one. It will often be a severe tightness, pain, or pressure, that can be described as "steel bands being placed around the chest" or in similar wording. If you notice this symptom, particularly in conjunction with the others listed above, then you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Types of asthma:

  • Allergy induced. This type of asthma is typically found in those that experience chronic or severe allergies. If you experience the symptoms listed above, and also the symptoms of hay fever, or allergies, then you could potentially have this kind of asthma.
  • Exercise induced. Exercise induced asthma is exactly what the name suggests, asthma that comes about from strenuous exercise or physical exertion. In this kind of asthma, the symptoms listed above usually only present themselves during periods of exercise or physical exertion.
  • Coughing asthma. This particular type of asthma is usually only seen in those that show coughing as the most severe symptom. If you think that you have this type of asthma, then you really need to see a doctor, since some of the more common triggers for this type of asthma are things like respiratory infections and exercise.
  • Work related. Work place asthma usually gets its name from the triggers that are present in the work place environment. This type of asthma will only show the symptoms on the days when you are at work. Examples of careers or jobs where this type of asthma is prevalent are woodworkers, nurses, painters, farmers, animal breeders, and others.
  • Nighttime asthma. Also known by the name of nocturnal asthma, this is perhaps one of the most common types of asthma. It gets its name due the increased appearance of the symptoms during the night, usually when a person is sleeping. Since it is usually seen during the night when someone is sleeping, you will very rarely see the symptoms yourself, but have to be told about them by someone else.

Author Bio

Lee Wyatt

Contributor of numerous Tips.Net articles, Lee Wyatt is quickly becoming a regular "Jack of all trades." He is currently an independent contractor specializing in writing and editing. Contact him today for all of your writing and editing needs! Click here to contact. ...

MORE FROM LEE

Yard Management

Everyone knows that first impressions are important, and nothing makes as much of a first impression as your yard. If you ...

Discover More

Controlling High Blood Sugar

Whether you are currently diabetic, or simply afraid you may become diabetic, learning methods of controlling high blood ...

Discover More

How to Read Your Water Meter

Have you ever wondered how to read your water meter? Well, it's not all that difficult, and you can even track your own ...

Discover More
More Health Tips

Treatment for Asthma

Asthma keeping you down? Don't let it put a crimp in your lifestyle. There are quite a few treatments for your condition.

Discover More

Asthma Medication

Asthma is a rather problematic respiratory illness that can require specialized medication to deal with. If you, or ...

Discover More

Asthma Remedies

It can safely be said that asthma is not something anyone really enjoys. While there is the medicine in place to help ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 2 + 8?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)