Asthma Symptoms
Asthma signs and symptoms can be unique to each person, but many warnings are common among all asthmatics. The most common sign of asthma is a change in normal breathing patterns. A peak flow meter is an easy way to determine one’s breathing capacity. A peak flow meter is a hand-held device that measures the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), or how fast one can expel air out of the lungs. The peak flow rate will be less than fifty percent of normal preceding an asthma episode. Other familiar asthma signs and symptoms include:
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Sneezing
- Moodiness
- Headaches
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Chin or throat itchiness
- Extreme fatigue
- Dark under eye circles
- Sleeplessness
- Poor tolerance for exercise
Early recognition of the warning signs and symptoms can help to control asthma and possibly prevent an asthma attack in the future.
More severe signs and symptoms can indicate that an asthma attack is about to occur or is already in progress. The severe asthma attack signs and symptoms include:
- Difficulty talking
- Difficulty concentrating
- Hunched shoulders
- Nasal flaring
- Pursed lips
- Sweating
- Rapid pulse
- Need to sit upright
- Retractions in neck and chest area
- Cyanosis – gray or bluish tint around the mouth and fingernails
When severe asthma signs and symptoms occur, the patient should seek immediate emergency attention. Adrenaline is often administered to individuals undergoing a severe asthma attack. Asthmatics are encouraged to set a written emergency asthma plan with the aid of a familiar doctor. Family, friends, coworkers and teachers should be informed of this plan and know how to act in the event of a severe asthma attack. Keeping a daily symptom diary can also be very helpful for asthmatics. Seeing as asthma is an individualized disease, a symptom diary can reveal not only what signs and symptoms can be expected but also which treatments will prove to be most effective.