Asthma Symptoms That Should Never Be Ignored

You have probably heard of asthma. It is a fairly common long-term condition that is usually picked up in childhood. Asthma is characterised primarily by symptoms such as wheeze, breathlessness, and chest tightness. These symptoms are caused by the state of inflammation and sensitivity of the airways. Despite how common it is, asthma still carries a high risk of escalating to a medical emergency. Being aware of the warning signs can help you or your close ones identify when to seek urgent medical attention. 

What Are the Common Symptoms of Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung condition where the primary problem lies in the hypersensitivity and inflammation of the airways. As a result of these changes, some common asthma symptoms include:

• wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe out through the narrowed airways)
• dry cough (especially at night or in response to allergens) 
• feeling out of breath easily
• needing to work harder to catch your breath
• chest tightness

Early Signs of Asthma

Before asthma is diagnosed or before a flare up occurs, there are often some respiratory warning signs. Being able to identify these symptoms can help you to seek help early and reduce the risk of more severe events. Some examples of early signs of asthma include:

• getting out of breath more easily 
• wheezing during physical activity
• symptoms worsened or triggered by cold air
• a dry cough usually worsened after exercise or at night
• reduced peak expiratory flow readings (if you have a peak flow device at home)

Asthma Symptoms in Adults

For some adults, their asthma may already be well controlled and cause them little to no problems; for others, symptoms of asthma can remain problematic. In fact, not everyone gets diagnosed with asthma as a child. Sometimes asthma symptoms in adults are what leads them to get diagnosed for the first time. These symptoms often follow patterns and become more noticeable in certain situations, for example:

• dry and cold air can worsen symptoms
• asthma symptoms are worse in the early morning and during the night
• symptoms are worse after cardiovascular or strenuous physical activity
• allergens such as dust or chemical vapours can trigger/ worsen symptoms

For more information on Asthma and COPD Medications, follow the link and read more.

Asthma Warning Signs That Need Attention

While there are currently several asthma treatments available, asthma remains a condition with a high risk of rapid decline in a severe asthma attack. Some warning signs that your asthma is no longer being controlled by your inhalers are:

• if you are needing your reliever inhaler more often than usual
• if symptoms are starting to affect your daily activities

These asthma warning signs may not seem significant but they may signal an increased risk of a serious asthma attack. It is advised that you consult your GP if there is a change in your asthma symptom control so they can review your condition.

Worsening Asthma Symptoms

There are several factors that can affect your asthma symptoms. For example, at different times of the year or with other changes in circumstances, you may get more exposure to asthma triggers e.g pollen or cold air than usual. It is important to stay on top of your asthma management and monitor any signs that symptoms are worsening. Early identification and treatment of this is very important to prevent a severe asthma attack. Examples of worsening asthma symptoms include:

• needing your reliever inhaler more frequently than before
• your daily activities are increasingly affected by asthma symptoms
• your peak flow readings are dropping compared to your baseline

Severe Asthma Symptoms

When respiratory function becomes compromised, asthma symptoms become severe. If you experience any of the severe asthma symptoms below, do not delay in seeking urgent medical attention. 

• your reliever inhaler is not helping to relieve your symptoms
• breathlessness that is a struggle to recover from
• you are needing to breathe very quickly 
• you are needing to use much more effort to breathe 

Asthma Attack Symptoms

So if someone has symptoms of asthma generally, why does it turn into an asthma attack? The nature of the condition means that the lungs of someone with asthma will already be more vulnerable and sensitive. An asthma attack is when something (e.g allergen, infection) triggers the muscles of the airways to spasm. Symptoms of an asthma attack include: 

• feeling like you cannot breathe properly
• chest tightness
• persistent coughing
• wheezing (a high pitched sound when you breathe out)

When Asthma Symptoms Become an Emergency

Being aware of the risk of deterioration in asthma can help you feel empowered on when to seek medical attention. As discussed, asthma requires tight control as it can become dangerous very quickly. This table splits the condition into three levels of symptoms: common/ mild. worsening, and severe. 

What Can Trigger Asthma Symptoms?

A key aspect of asthma is the hypersensitivity of the airways. This means that the lungs can be easily affected by an external agent or internal event. Some factors that can trigger asthma include:

• environmental allergens e.g pollen, dust mites, mould spores, cigarette smoke, air pollution
• infections (especially airway/ chest infections)
• hormonal changes (e.g during pregnancy)
• stress

How to Monitor Asthma Signs and Symptoms

So what can I do to help keep an eye on the control of my asthma? Some practical advice on how to monitor your asthma at home include:

• keep a symptom diary to track any trends/ patterns in your coughing, breathlessness, wheezing etc. make sure to note down specific times or triggers
• in your diary also keep track of how often you are using your reliever inhaler if you have one. Follow the link to read more information on types of inhalers available here at Meds for Less.
• take regular readings of your peak flow, be aware of your baseline and any changes in this
• discuss any concerns with your doctor/asthma nurse, especially if you feel your symptoms are worsening

When to Speak to a Doctor or Pharmacist

Early medical assessment or intervention is important to prevent a severe asthma attack. It is crucial that you consult a medical professional about your symptoms if:

• current, your asthma treatment plan isn’t able to control your symptoms
• you find that you are needing your rescue inhaler more often than usual
• you are taking longer to relieve symptoms like breathlessness
• you are not confident about whether your inhaler technique is correct
• if you have not been diagnosed with asthma but you are concerned you have asthmatic symptoms e.g dry cough worse at night, breathlessness, chest tightness

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