Let’s Talk Symptoms: 5 Common Asthma Symptoms To Watch For
I have written many times about how asthma is not a “one-size-fits-all” disease. There is a wide variety of symptoms. No two people experience asthma the same way. This uniqueness ranges from what triggers an attack to the symptoms themselves.
Asthma is a tricky condition to treat because of its wide range of signs. Below, I will describe some common asthma symptoms.
What are the most common asthma symptoms?
Wheezing
I teach all new respiratory therapists and medical students that “not all asthmatics wheeze, and not all wheezing is asthma.” However, wheezing is a very frequent asthma symptom. When our lungs become irritated, inflammation narrows the airways. This narrowing creates the wheezing sound. It often sounds like a symphony of cats.1
Coughing
A cough is another very common asthma symptom. For some people, this is their only sign of the disease. This type is called cough-variant asthma.2 When asthma flares up, the airways swell and produce excess mucus. They also tighten up. This is known as the SET mnemonic. For many patients, the cough is often worse at night or when awakening in the morning.3 The cough may bring up mucus or be dry.
Chest tightness
During an asthma flare, the airways become swollen and inflamed. This causes the familiar chest tightness. It may feel like an elephant is sitting on your chest or like you’re wearing a tight corset.4
Anxiety
It is common to feel anxious when asthma flares. When you experience breathing difficulties, it naturally causes a great deal of anxiety. On the flip side, feeling increased anxiety can cause more difficulty breathing. It is a double-edged sword.5
Itchy chin
Many people with asthma also have allergies, but not everyone does. An Itchy chin is common among people with allergies. However, it can also happen to non-allergic asthmatics. It feels like an internal itch under the skin that scratching doesn't help. It often happens right before an asthma attack.6
Are asthma symptoms similar in children?
Asthma symptoms are generally the same regardless of age. However, they can look different in young children and babies. You might see the skin pulling in between the ribs and around the collarbones. You might also see the nose flaring.
These are common signs in little ones who can’t yet tell us how they feel.7 Sometimes kids become withdrawn and quiet. Others may start acting extra active or hyper.8
How can we better manage our asthma symptoms?
Today, a cough is no longer seen as “just a cough.” A sore throat makes us wonder if we have a simple cold or a more serious virus. It is extra hard for those of us with asthma. We often get strange looks or gasps when we cough in public.
It is more important than ever to be in tune with our bodies. Pay really close attention to how you are feeling. Also, keep an open line of communication with your medical team regarding your breathing difficulties.
What are your most common asthma symptoms? Drop them in the comments below!
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