| Learn about asthma and its symptoms |
|
|
 |
 |
We cannot see the effects of exposure to a trigger that occur when the airways become irritated, inflamed or infected. The physical symptoms of asthma may occur quickly or slowly – even several days after the initial exposure.
An asthma attack is characterized by wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, difficulty in breathing, and even difficulty in speaking, with wheezing being the most frequent symptom. All these are uncomfortable, and if they occur at night, they may cause broken sleep and, consequently, tiredness.
Wheezing differs from the “snuffling” characteristic of the common cold. Wheezing is breathing that is squeaky, hissing or whistling, usually during exhalation, although it can occur on the inward breath as well. If you hear your child wheezing, do not automatically assume that she/he has asthma, as wheezing can be caused by other things (e.g. exercising when you have a cold). Furthermore, some asthmatics do not have the characteristic wheeze.
The symptoms of an asthma attack can be mild moderate or severe, and they can occur every so often or persistently. Those with mild attacks may be affected only once or twice a week, or even less often than this, with most of the attacks not affecting everyday living (although some will). Those who have moderate asthma need to take daily treatment for their condition and experience asthma attacks daily. Severe asthma needs to be monitored closely and may require limits on everyday activities, as attacks occur every day and nearly every night, often severely.
You may not stay with your degree of asthma all your life. While this may provide hope for those with severe asthma, it is also a warning to those with mild and intermittent asthma. Do not become blasé about your condition, as even if you have only ever had mild symptoms, you could still suffer a severe attack.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
