Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways. It's typically caused by exposure to an allergy trigger, such as pet dander or mold. Estimates provided by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of American indicate that 20 million people within the United States struggle with asthma, and most of them are children. If you or your child develop any of the common signs of asthma, contact your doctor or pediatrician for further evaluation and care.
Coughing
One of the most common signs of asthma is persistent coughing. If an allergen enters the lungs, it can cause inflammation and irritation that can cause symptoms of a cough. Initially, you can experience a slight tickle in your throat, causing you to frequently clear your throat. As allergen-induced lung irritation persists, the uncomfortable sensation within your throat may induce symptoms of a cough. Asthma cough symptoms are typically worse at night or in the morning when you wake up, the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute says, and may cause you to wake up intermittently throughout the night. Symptoms of a cough are typically dry and can become progressively worse if asthma symptoms are uncontrolled by medication.
Wheezing
Irritation and inflammation caused by an airborne allergen can narrow your airway passages. If this occurs, it can make it difficult for oxygen to flow through your airways and into your lungs. As oxygen attempts to squeeze through your narrowed airways, you can notice a whistling sound when you breathe--a common sign of asthma called wheezing.
Chest Tightness
Airway and lung inflammation due to allergen exposure can cause patients with asthma to develop sensations of chest tightness. If you have asthma, you can find it difficult to inhale and exhale normally because of such symptoms. Certain patients can also experience mild pain within the chest while breathing as a result of asthma. This sign of asthma can worsen during exercise or exposure to cold temperatures and may cause you to feel as though something heavy is sitting on your chest.
Shortness of Breath
Mild physical activities, such as walking up a flight of stairs, can cause asthma patients to become out of breath. You can feel as though you can't catch your breath and can begin gasping for air. Breathing difficulties are common signs of asthma. These are often accompanied by coughing or chest tightness.
