Symptoms Of Asthma - Learn Symptoms Of Asthma Before The Condition Becomes Critical

For people suffering from asthma, managing it becomes an integral part of their lives. It can be life-saving to know the mild symptoms or warning signs of asthma. The sufferer can get cautioned in time and take some preventive measures. Sometimes, there are long gaps of time between two attacks and mild symptoms often get unnoticed. Asthma has no permanent cure but a change in the lifestyle and the environment and proper medication often helps to control the disease. The patients can lead a nearly normal life. One needs to stay away from things affecting the respiratory organs and take medication as advised by the doctor.

Severe aggravation of the asthma symptoms is termed an asthma attack. The muscles along the bronchial tubes contracts during an asthma attack. The air passage gets constricted resulting in less air flow. This increases the inflammation further causing swelling in the air passage. The cells in the air passage start producing more mucus due to lack of air. This constricts the air passage further. All these lead to the various symptoms of an asthma attack. Stress, humidity, exercise, pollution, allergens and some medicines have been found to cause asthma.

Not everyone having asthma experience all the symptoms. Some can experience the severe ones while others can stay on for longer periods without any signs. The early signs of asthma include cough and shortness of breath, wheezing with or without any physical activity, tightness of the chest, increased coughing during night, a decrease in PEFR or peak expiratory flow rate, worsening allergy symptoms, restless sleep and tiredness. Not recognising the symptoms often delay immediate care and puts one at the risk of a life-threatening attack.

An inhaler or some medication can control the mild symptoms and prevent a severe attack. Steroids which are long acting and bronchodilators which are fast acting are the usual medicines given for asthma. These medicines can be used alone or in combination with other medicines depending upon individual patients and their needs.

Symptoms of a worsening attack include increased difficulty to perform daily activities, feeling short of breath, getting less or no relief from inhalers, severe wheezing, profuse sweating, changing of colour in fingertips and a feeling of panic. Severe attacks can be fatal if not treated immediately.

The feeling of heartburn among asthma patients has led many doctors to suspect acid reflux as the trigger for wheezing and breathlessness. Many doctors prescribe heartburn medicine to people with asthma even if they don't suffer from acid reflux. Recent studies, however, show heartburn medicines do not help to control the symptoms of asthma though it may help some patients.

The adage prevention is better than cure is most apt for asthma. It is best to avoid the elements that initiate asthma. Homes need to be kept clean to avoid pollens and dust mites. Smoke, pets and some sprays should also be kept away. Air conditioners on a hot, humid day help to avert danger. While going out, travel in a car with windows up. Do remember that an attack can occur anytime. So it's best to be always prepared.

• Juliana Breckinridge
• 02/05/2009, 12:59 PM
• 0 Comments