Asthma - Warning Signs and Symptoms That Could Harm You If You Don't Take Precautions

It is very important for people to be able to know the signs and symptoms of asthma as early as possible so that intervention can be given before the situation worsens and becomes more complicated. It is said that the earliest treatment of asthma is the most effective.
Early Warning Symptoms Of Asthma

Before the start of an asthma attack or episode, there will usually be early warning signs. It is important to be aware of the early warning signs so that adequate intervention can be given to prevent the onset of actual asthma symptoms.

Each individual has different kinds of symptoms as well as different degrees and intensity of the symptoms. Usually, the early warning signs are noticed first by the one who is experiencing it. However, there are also warning signs that can be noticed first by others observing the individual. Another alarming sign that a person may have asthma is when there is a downward trend in the peak flow numbers.

Physical And Physiological Signs

Sudden and noticeable breathing changes can be considered as reliable warning signs that an individual may have asthma. People who don't have asthma do not necessarily experience breathing difficulties even if they are exposed to common allergens and are not really affected with sudden changes in temperature and weather. However, people who may have asthma are very sensitive to the changes in weather and this could result to breathing changes.

When exposed to common allergens such as pollen and dust mites, excessive sneezing may also occur. Changes in mood may also be triggered by asthma symptoms. That's understandable because no one would actually be in a good mood if they are constantly sneezing or having difficulty breathing. Itchy throat, runny or stuffy nose and excessive or constant dry coughing may lead to a headache. Overall fatigue can also be considered as an early warning sign of asthma. This is especially true if the fatigue is caused by excessive coughing and labored breathing.

Sleep Disturbances

The difference between the signs and symptoms of common cough and colds from the signs and symptoms of asthma is the duration of its effects on the person's sleeping pattern. Common coughs and colds may tend to disturb or disrupt the sleep of an individual for a few days or so (due to stuffy nose and coughing), but eventually, the symptoms will disappear a few hours or days later as the medicine takes effect. However, persons who are suspected to have asthma symptoms seem to be more disturbed and bothered while they are sleeping which results in dark circles under the eyes and a cranky mood in the morning.

Poor Tolerance For Physical Activities

People who experience signs and symptoms of asthma are usually not really excited about exercising and being involved in physical activities that require stamina and physical effort. Perhaps its because exerting too much effort requires the respiratory system to work harder and people who have asthma do not really have a healthy respiratory system. When a person has asthma, the airways (the tubes responsible for inhaling and exhaling) are pretty much affected and when this happens, breathing becomes difficult.

Full Blown Asthma Symptoms

The above-mentioned signs and symptoms are just "minor" symptoms of asthma. The definite and universal symptoms of full-blown asthma include wheezing (a whistling sound emitted by a person while he or she is breathing), coughing excessively, short/shallow breaths, tightening of the chest and diaphragm, and the peak flow numbers fall to a dangerous level.