Recognizing Symptoms of Asthma Can Lead to Quick Care
Symptoms of asthma can often be confused with those occurring with completely different conditions. The symptoms of asthma are quite subtle at times and need to be carefully recognized so an immediate response can be put into place. Gaining specific knowledge about the indicators for an impending asthmatic attack is important, especially if the person suffering from this condition is a child who depends upon you for their well being. Here are the four major identified areas of symptoms for asthma.
Shortness of Breath
Unexpected or overtly suddenly occurring shortness of breath is a major indication of a possible onslaught to an asthma attack, especially when the person suffering experiences short spurts of physical exertion. Asthma sufferers may also suffer shortness of breath at night.
Wheezing Sounds When Breathing
Another sure and dramatically apparent sign that is a symptom of asthma is when a person suffering this condition makes wheezing and whistling sounds when trying to exhale.
Coughing Excessively
Another physical sign or symptom of asthma is when coughing becomes increasingly frequent, worsening at night or early in the morning. This indicates an impending chronic experience.
Chest Tightening
Frequently a person suffering from asthma will have accompanying chest tightening along with these other symptoms,
Asthma attacks
There are different levels of asthma occurrences based on the frequency and severity of symptoms occurring. Some are classified as “mild.” Others are termed “persistent.”
- Mild attacks affect 30 percent of asthma victims who suffer from symptoms of asthma in less than two episodes per week
- An additional 30 percent suffer persistent symptoms of asthma in more than two episodes per week
- Moderate to severe occurrences of manifesting symptoms of asthma – daily bouts – are suffered by 40 percent of people inflicted with the condition
Typical response to the physical manifestation of symptoms of asthma is with a bronchodilator, a medication that provides short-term “relief” from these experienced symptoms. When a person suffering from the symptoms of asthma does not respond to a bronchodilator, immediate emergency care must be sought.
When Symptoms Become Dramatic
People who manifest persistent symptoms of asthma will tend to continuously cough and be unable to speak a full sentence without gasping for air. Additionally, persistent asthma will be revealed where a sufferer cannot walk without exhibiting a dramatic shortness of breath. Other symptoms of asthma occurring in severe types include:
- Sufferer complains of extreme chest tightening or closing causes more than discomfort and actually experiencing acute pain
- This person may also exhibit a bluish colored tint in the lips
- Exhibit an inability to concentrate appearing confused and agitated
- Have to stand – or sit – to fins a position where breathing is easier
These extreme situations indicate a possibly impending complete respiratory failure where the inhalation of a bronchodilator will not work. A mechanical ventilator will more than likely be needed in response to exhibiting the severe symptoms of asthma.
It is important that at the first experience of these symptoms of asthma that you immediately consult a licensed physician. Breathing and lung testing will lead to a prescribed treatment plan that you will implement whenever the symptoms of asthma are manifested.
