Asthma can range in severity from a slight inconvenience at times to life threatening during severe asthma attacks. Regardless, it is important you are aware of the signs and symptoms of asthma and an asthma attack, so you can be prepared. Signs and Symptoms vary from person to person.5
Common Signs and Symptoms of Asthma
- Breathlessness
- Chest tightness or pain
- Persistent coughing
- Wheezing (common symptom in children)
- Lethargy
- Worsened symptoms due to a respiratory virus
Asthma Triggers
Various allergic and non-allergic triggers (or factors) can cause people to experience sudden asthma symptoms. Triggers can vary widely from person to person.
Allergic triggers initiate an allergic reaction. This reaction leads to inflammation and/or tightening of the respiratory muscles, limiting airflow and producing common asthma symptoms.5
Allergens often include:
- Food allergies
- Pollen
- Pet dander
- Mold spores
- Dust mites
Non-allergic triggers do not cause inflammation but do cause bronchial muscle spasms.5
Non-Allergic Triggers Include:
- Exercise and intense exertion
- Intense emotions
- Environmental irritants
- Cold or dry air
- Smoke
- Air pollution
- Chemical fumes
- Fragrances
- Respiratory infections