Asthma - Symptoms and Relief

The symptoms of asthma can be confused with other respiratory conditions as well as in conditions of the heart, and testing is very important in the determination of what kind of asthma you have. These indications also vary based on period of time and from each individual, so the onset of asthma for most people, although it can be categorized in a particular way, is a unique experience.

Symptoms are not always dramatic, and can most of the time be quite subtle, however, keeping a close eye on them will help you and your physician determine the type of asthma you have and how to treat it.

There are four symptoms that are considered major recognizable factors when determining if a person has asthma. Shortness of breath that occurs either at night or if the lungs are exerted; coughing which can be worse at night, chronic, and even occurs in the early morning. Coughing can also become worse when exposed to cold air or when doing a vigorous activity such as exercising.

Wheezing is the third recognizable factor which is a hissing sound that occurs when a person breathes out, and can even sound like whistling. Tightness in the chest is the last recognizable factor, which may occur with or without the other symptoms that are mentioned. Not everyone who suffers from this condition has all of these indications, and it is important to speak to your physician and get it properly diagnosed and treated.

The severity and frequency of attacks that an individual suffers from are the contributing factors that classify asthma as well as lung function test results. 40% of sufferers have either severe or moderate symptoms that persist either continuously or daily and also include abnormal breathing tests.

30% of patients have less than two episodes per week or have mild episodes and their breathing test results are normal. The final 30% have persistent episodes which occur at either two or more per week, and also have normal breathing tests. The results of a lung function test in combination with a thorough medical history as well as a physical exam provide a solid diagnoses and assist in the treatment plan necessary to control and reverse symptoms.

As you get older, the onset of symptoms will change over time. The frequency of these indications, their specific type, and their severity may vary. Your routine may or may not be altered on a daily basis due to difficulties.