Typical symptoms and signs of asthma

asthma symptoms

The symptoms of asthma vary from person to person and in any individual from time to time. It is important to remember that many of these symptoms can be subtle and similar to those seen in other conditions. All of the symptoms mentioned below can be present in other respiratory, and sometimes, in heart conditions. This potential confusion makes identifying the settings in which the symptoms occur and diagnostic testing very important in recognizing this disorder.

The Four Major Recognized Symptoms:

• Shortness of breath - especially with exertion or at night
• Wheezing - a whistling or hissing sound when breathing out
• Coughing - may be chronic; usually worse at night and early morning; and may occur after exercise or when exposed to cold, dry air
• Chest tightness - may occur with or without the above symptoms