Asthma affects 1 in 3 people all over the world. As per WHO records, 235 million people suffer from asthma, with it being the most common chronic disease amongst children. Asthma is characterized as a condition in which your bronchial tubes become inflamed thus narrowing the airways and limiting airflow into the body.
While it is normal to feel a little breathless sometimes after some physical exertion, people diagnosed with asthma experience breathlessness even without any exercise or doing something physical.
Most common symptoms of asthma include feeling unusual breathlessness, tightness in the chest, wheezing, and persistent cough. They can interfere with daily chores and activities. People with asthma are also at the risk of life-threatening asthma attacks. Asthma might also develop due to certain triggers like cigarette smoke or being around animals. Asthma attacks are more common during winter months.
Because asthma can be different for everyone, it is important to recognize your symptoms; whether you are at an early stage, have mild or severe asthma.
Early Warning Signs
If things don’t feel quite right after a small workout, walking or exertion of some kind, you might detect that as early signals of asthma. These signs are not severe enough for you to rule it out as something serious. However, by being conscious of them you can stop your risk of developing asthma or an asthma episode. Early symptoms of asthma include:
- Cough, especially during the night.
- Shortness of breath
- Easily wheezing or heaving during or after exercise
- Feeling weak or tired when involved in any physical activity
- Trouble sleeping
- Signs of cold or allergies like sneezing, congestion, runny nose etc.
Symptoms of Worsening Asthma
if you do have asthma, not treating the condition right or not taking it seriously can progress and make the situation worse. With worsening symptoms, asthma can cause trouble performing daily activities, physical exercise and sleeping. Worsening signs of asthma include:
- Tightness in the chest
- Persistent cough (day and night)
- Shortness of breath
- Poor response to medications
- Wheezing
In some cases, asthma can also have signs which are not so obvious or usual. People who may have asthma can experience symptoms that may not give off the impression to be related to asthma. Such “unusual” symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Sighing
- Rapid breathing
- Dry cough with wheezing
- Fatigue
Regardless of what signs of asthma you are experiencing, ensure to evaluate your symptoms to prevent any more damage and other respiratory tract infections.
