Asthma Symptoms

 Asthma symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath, a feeling of tightness in the chest,and wheezing. Severe symptoms will make it impossible to perform daily functions. At this point, the asthma is life-threatening.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

People with asthma have symptoms when the airways are narrowed (bronchospasm), swollen (inflamed), or filled with mucus. Common symptoms of asthma include:

  • Coughing, especially at night
  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest tightness, pain, or pressure

Not every person with asthma has the same symptoms in the same way. You might not have all of these symptoms, or you might have different symptoms at different times. The symptoms might also vary from one asthma episode to the next, being mild during one and severe during another.

 Some people with asthma might have extended symptom-free periods, interrupted by periodic asthma episodes, while others have some symptoms every day. In addition, some people with asthma might only have symptoms during exercise, or when they are exposed to allergens or viral respiratory tract infections.

 Mild asthma episodes are generally more common. Usually with treatment, the airways open up within a short time period. Severe episodes are less common, but last longer and require immediate medical help. It is important to recognize and treat even mild symptoms to help prevent severe episodes and keep asthma in better control.

What are the early warning signs of asthma?

Early warning signs are changes that happen just before or at the very beginning of an asthma episode. These changes start before the well-known symptoms of asthma and are the earliest signs that a person's asthma may be worsening.

 In general, these signs are not severe enough to stop a person from going about his or her daily activities. By recognizing these signs, you can stop an asthma episode or prevent one from getting worse. Early warning signs include:

  • Frequent cough, especially at night
  • Losing your breath easily or shortness of breath
  • Feeling very tired or weak when exercising
  • Wheezing or coughing during or after exercise
  • Decreases or changes in a peak expiratory flow
  • Signs of a cold, upper respiratory infection, or allergies (sneezing, runny nose, cough, congestion, sore throat, and headache)
  • Trouble sleeping

If you have early warning signs or symptoms, you should follow the steps listed in your Asthma Action Plan. If you do not have one, you should notify your provider.

What are the symptoms of worsening asthma?

If early warning signs and symptoms are not recognized and treated, the asthma episode can progress and symptoms might worsen. As symptoms worsen, you might have more difficulty performing daily activities and sleeping. Symptoms of worsening asthma include:

  • A cough that won't go away (day and night)
  • Wheezing
  • Tightness in the chest
  • Shortness of breath
  • Poor response to quick relief, inhaled medicines (bronchodilators)

What are the late, severe symptoms of asthma?

When asthma symptoms become severe, you will be unable to perform regular activities. If you have late, severe symptoms, follow the "Red Zone" or emergency instructions in the Asthma Action Plan immediately. These symptoms occur in life-threatening asthma episodes. You need medical help right away.

Late, severe symptoms include:

  • Severe wheezing (both when breathing in and out)
  • Coughing that won't stop
  • Very rapid breathing
  • Inability to catch your breath
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Difficulty talking
  • Inability to fully exhale
  • Feelings of anxiety or panic
  • Pale, sweaty face
  • Blue lips or fingernails

Severe symptoms will make it impossible to perform daily functions. At this point, the asthma is life-threatening. Asthma can't be cured, but its symptoms can be controlled. Because asthma often changes over time, it's important that you work with your doctor to track your signs and symptoms and adjust treatment as needed.

When to see a doctor

Seek emergency treatment

Severe asthma attacks can be life-threatening. Work with your doctor to determine what to do when your signs and symptoms worsen — and when you need emergency treatment. Signs of an asthma emergency include:

  • Rapid worsening of shortness of breath or wheezing
  • No improvement even after using a quick-relief inhaler, such as albuterol
  • Shortness of breath when you are doing minimal physical activity

For appointment or more information about medical services provided by the ENT Clinic, please contact:

  • Nurse Station: (8428) 6280 3333, ext. 8172
  • Reception Desk: (8428) 6280 3333, ext. 8137 or 8139

Or call City International Hospital

  • Operator: (8428) 6280 3333, ext.0 
  • Address: No. 3, 17A Street, Binh Tri Dong B Ward, Binh Tan Dist. (Next to AEON Mall Binh Tan), Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Website: https://cih.com.vn/en/
  • Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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