Reactions
Asthma occurs when the airways in the lungs become inflamed or constricted. It can start with anything from wheezing to sudden asthma attacks that can be life threatening. Asthma cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be controlled through medication and avoiding triggers that cause symptoms. Asthma may start with shortness of breath or chest tightness and pain. There may be trouble sleeping because of shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing. The bouts of coughing and wheezing can get worse through a cold or flu. Adults react differently to factors that may trigger asthma including respiratory infections and colds, cigarette smoke, exposure to cold air or sudden temperature change, excitement or stress, and exercise. Allergic reactions may stem from pollen, mold, animal dander, feathers, dust, food and cockroaches. Asthma may also be triggered by secondhand smoke, living in areas where there is a lot of pollution and exposure to chemicals used in farming, hair salons and manufacturing.
Children
Asthma in children may start with a cough (especially at night), an anxious or scared look, fast breathing, restlessness during sleep, fatigue, and breathlessness, according to the American Lung Association. There may also be an unusual paleness or sweating, flared nostrils as the child tries to get air, and vomiting. The child may not want to stand or sit straight and is unable to relax. You may also notice the child is coughing when there is no cold. The child may be clearing the throat a lot, have irregular breathing or wheezes. If you suspect asthma, you should help the child relax and remove anything in the area that may have triggered asthmatic episodes. Take the child to a doctor as soon as possible. Medications can help reduce inflammation in the airways and relieve symptoms.
Changes
When asthma first starts, the changes are not usually severe enough to stop you from going about your daily activities. But the early signs, such as losing your breath, frequent coughing, feeling very tired when exercising and having trouble sleeping, should be enough to visit your doctor for tests. The first symptoms vary among people, according to the Cleveland Clinic. You might not have all the symptoms, or you might have different symptoms during each asthma attack in the early stages. Some people might only have exercise-induced asthma episodes, and others might react only to allergens or respiratory infections. Although serious asthma attacks may begin a person's experience with the disorder, mild asthma episodes are more common. The discomfort may clear up in a few minutes to a few hours after the airways open up.
