Asthma is a condition that causes the airways to narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, making it harder to breathe. This can lead to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. For some, it’s a mild inconvenience, while for others, it can be serious and even life-threatening. Let’s learn from the article.
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Symptoms
Asthma symptoms can be different for everyone. Some people have occasional flare-ups, while others experience symptoms only in certain situations, like during exercise, or deal with them all the time.
Common signs of asthma include shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, and wheezing—especially when exhaling, which is common in children. It can also cause trouble sleeping due to coughing or wheezing, and symptoms may get worse with colds or the flu.
Asthma may be getting worse if symptoms become more frequent and bothersome, breathing becomes more difficult (as shown by a peak flow meter), or there’s an increased need for a quick-relief inhaler.
Trouble sleeping
Breathing problems during sleep are very common and can have serious health effects. They can lead to poor sleep quality, daytime fatigue, and trouble thinking clearly. Research also links sleep-related breathing issues to conditions like high blood pressure, heart problems, and insulin resistance.
People with asthma are more likely to have sleep disturbances, such as trouble falling asleep, frequent awakenings, and feeling tired during the day. The way asthma worsens in the morning can help doctors assess its severity and choose the right treatment. Managing asthma properly can improve sleep quality and reduce the impact of breathing issues during sleep.
Tight chest
A tight chest can be a sign of asthma and may feel like a band squeezing around your chest, a dull ache, or even a sharp pain. In children, this sensation is sometimes described as a tummy ache. Chest tightness can come and go or be triggered by things like exercise, allergies, or cold air.
If it happens often, gets worse, or is accompanied by trouble breathing, wheezing, or coughing, it’s important to see a doctor. Proper asthma management can help relieve these symptoms and prevent more serious complications.
Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath can be a sign of asthma, but it usually comes with other symptoms like coughing or wheezing. You might also experience chest tightness, fast breathing, fatigue during exercise, or trouble sleeping at night. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s best to check with your doctor.
They can run tests to see if asthma is the cause or if another health condition is behind it, ensuring you get the right treatment.
Read More: https://brightside.me/articles/4-signs-of-asthma-you-might-not-realize-you-have-824667/