1. Recognize Basic Symptom Triggers
Asthma symptoms usually appear in groups, not in one isolated incident here and there. Triggers like allergies, mold, smoke, pollen and cold air can spur asthma on. You may wheeze on a smoggy day or after eating spicy foods or are exposure exposed to cold air. Coughing occurs with or without phlegm, but be aware that wheezing episodes are often caused by excessive mucus that blocks the airways and makes breathing difficult.
2. Out of the Ordinary Asthma
While some asthma symptoms come and go without causing major discomfort, some asthma sufferers experience advanced symptoms that require the use of an inhaler or prescription drugs like Ventolin. Some of these symptoms, like a tight feeling in the chest or breathing that stops temporarily can be confused with heart problems. These asthma symptoms, caused by allergies, dust mites and excess mucus are treated with a bronchodilator or nebulizer. If your nostrils flare or your stomach or ribs pull in every time you take a breath, consult a doctor immediately.
3. When Your Workout Hurts Before It's Even Started
If you experience asthma symptoms like shortness of breath and coughing after exercising, running or walking up a long flight of stairs, you may have exercise-induced asthma. The airways become tight and produce extra mucus, which causes breathing problems, wheezing and coughing. Asthma symptoms occur after five minutes of exercise in most people, although some sufferers experience shortness of breath after workouts.
4. My Job Is a Pain in the Lungs
Sometimes your job may hurt your lungs, and not just the lower portions of the anatomy. If your asthma attacks occur at the workplace, and not at home or on the weekends and if your job environment contains dust, mold or smoke, ask for a transfer to another department or get another job. Too much exposure to allergy and asthma causing elements can cause permanent lung damage.
5. Asthma Symptoms Mistaken for GERD
Asthma like symptoms can also be an outgrowth of GERD or acid reflux disease. Coughing, wheezing, excess mucus production and lung irritation can indicate GERD asthma or, in some cases, a combination of both. The two conditions differ in that acid reflux also causes stomach fluid to back up into the esophagus.
