Understanding Asthma and Recognizing the Symptoms 

​​Breathing should be effortless, but it can feel like a struggle for people with asthma. This chronic inflammatory condition affects the ability to breathe and can cause respiratory symptoms such as coughing and wheezing.

Asthma affects people of all ages but is most likely to develop during childhood. In fact, it's one of the most common chronic conditions in children. Nearly 25 million people in the United States have asthma, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Uncontrolled asthma can result in school and work absences, emergency room visits and hospitalizations. The good news is that early diagnosis and proper treatment can help make symptoms manageable so those with asthma can lead more active lives.

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes inflammation and constriction, or narrowing, of the airways which makes breathing difficult.

This condition is typically triggered by a mix of hereditary and environmental factors. Hereditary factors include a family history of asthma or allergies. Environmental factors include exposure to allergens like pollen, dust mites and pet dander, respiratory infections, air pollution and secondhand smoke.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of asthma arise due to inflammation and constriction of the airways. Symptoms can vary from barely noticeable to severe or even life-threatening.

• Coughing. A persistent cough is a common asthma symptom. The cough may be dry or wet (containing mucus). It might worsen at night or after exercise.
• Wheezing. This whistling sound occurs when you exhale. Wheezing can also be a symptom of other medical conditions.  
• Difficulty breathing. This may be due to inflammation or mucus in the upper or lower airways as well as other causes.  
• Chest tightness. As the muscles surrounding your airways constrict, your chest may tighten. This can feel like someone is tightening a rope around your upper torso. 
• Fatigue. During an asthma attack, less oxygen gets into your blood and to your muscles, causing fatigue.

Asthma can be unpredictable — some people may go a long time without symptoms and then have them become severe. Symptoms can also occur daily, only at night or only during or after exercise. Many people go undiagnosed because their symptoms are mild.

If you or a loved one is experiencing asthma symptoms, schedule an appointment with your provider for an evaluation and treatment. Diagnosing asthma is the first step toward breathing easier and keeping this condition under control.  ​