Recognizing Asthma Signs and Symptoms
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of asthma is an important part of
managing asthma . Knowing when early warning signs or mild symptoms are
occurring is helpful so that treatment and other interventions can begin early.
Early treatment is most effective. If severe symptoms are present, it is vital
to begin the appropriate treatment immediately. Accurate and timely assessment
of your symptoms or your child's symptoms can help you and your clinician decide
if treatment should begin in the home, at your clinician's office or in the
emergency room.
Early Warning Signs of Asthma
Early warning signs are experienced before the start of an asthma episode. By
recognizing these clues that occur before actual asthma symptoms, early
treatment can be started. These signs are unique to each person. Early warning
signs may be the same, similar or entirely different with each episode. Some
early warning signs may be noticed only by the individual, while other early
warning signs are more likely to be noticed by other persons. In addition, a
downward trend in peak flow numbers can be a reliable early warning sign. Some
examples of early warning signs are:
- Breathing changes
- Sneezing
- Moodiness
- Headache
- Runny/stuffy nose
- Coughing
- Chin or throat itches
- Feeling tired
- Dark circles under eyes
- Trouble sleeping
- Poor tolerance for exercise
- Downward trend in peak flow number
- Get a
complete checklist of early warning asthma signs
Asthma Symptoms
Asthma symptoms indicate that an asthma episode is occurring. Examples of
asthma symptoms include:
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Tightness in the chest
- Peak flow numbers may be in the caution or danger range (usually 50% to
80% of personal best)
Changes have taken place in the airways and airflow is obstructed.
Individuals with asthma experience some or all of these during an asthma
episode. Action should be taken to treat these symptoms before they become
worse. Talk with your healthcare provider about having a written asthma action
plan.
Severe Asthma Symptoms
Severe asthma symptoms are a life-threatening emergency. These symptoms
indicate respiratory distress. Examples of severe asthma symptoms include:
- Severe coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or tightness in the chest
- Difficulty talking or concentrating
- Walking causes shortness of breath
- Breathing may be shallow and fast or slower than usual
- Hunched shoulders (posturing)
- Nasal flaring (Nostril size increases with breathing)
- Neck area and between or below the ribs moves inward with breathing
(retractions)
- Gray or bluish tint to skin, beginning around the mouth (cyanosis)
- Peak flow numbers may be in the danger zone (usually below 50% of personal
best)
If any of these severe asthma symptoms occur, seek emergency medical
treatment right away. Have your
asthma action plan for getting emergency care quickly in the event of severe
asthma symptoms. Inform family members and those who are close to you or your
child of this emergency action plan.
Keeping a record of asthma symptoms in a symptom diary may be helpful in
determining an action plan. There are many types of diaries available or you can
use your own notebook. Some things to watch for and record are:
- Asthma symptoms and their severity
- Peak flow numbers and/or peak flow zones
- School/Work days missed because of asthma
- Number of nighttime awakenings due to asthma symptoms
- A change in the use of quick-relief medicine
- Visits to the doctor
- Emergency room visits and hospital stays, if any
It is very important to work with your doctor or other healthcare provider to
determine the best action plan for early warning signs and for asthma symptoms.
These are guidelines and the individual action plan should be determined by you
and your healthcare provider. |
