Asthma Symptoms Specialist

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Asthma symptoms occur when airways are inflamed and narrowed due to a combination of swelling, increased mucus, and tightened muscles. The symptoms of asthma include:   

• Coughing: A frequent, dry cough is a sign of asthma. In some people with asthma, an ongoing cough is the only symptom they experience. Coughing triggered by asthma may be worse at night or early in the morning.
• Wheezing: This high-pitched, whistling sound may first occur when breathing out, then as asthma worsens, you’ll wheeze while breathing in, too.
• Chest tightness: You may feel like something is squeezing your chest, or as if something heavy is sitting on your chest.
• Shortness of breath: Asthma makes it difficult to get air in and out of your lungs, so it feels like you can’t catch your breath.  

What triggers asthma symptoms?

A variety of triggers cause asthma symptoms to develop. Each person has their own triggers, so the doctors at North Texas Allergy & Asthma Associates will work with you to figure out which ones affect you. Some of the most common triggers include:

• Allergens: Dust, pet dander, mold, cockroaches, and pollens from trees, grasses, and flowers
• Irritants: Air pollution, cigarette smoke, chemicals, perfumes, household cleaning products, and sprays like air fresheners
• Medication: Pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, as well as beta blockers and ACE inhibitors. Don’t stop taking beta blockers or ACE inhibitors without talking with your doctor.
• Upper respiratory infections: Colds, flu, sinus infections
• Exercise: Proper medication can help you stay active

How are asthma symptoms treated?

It’s important to get an early diagnosis for asthma because symptoms can become severe, and you should be prepared with medication to prevent or relieve a serious asthma attack. You’ll also protect the long-term health of your lungs by getting early treatment.

After your symptoms are determined to be asthma rather than another health condition or an allergy, treatment includes learning to avoid triggers, using medicated inhalers for long-term prevention and short-term relief of an asthma attack, and possibly other oral medications to treat inflammation and lung constriction.

If you develop asthma symptoms, or if you’ve been diagnosed with asthma and your symptoms occur more frequently or your inhaler doesn’t give you enough relief, please don’t hesitate to contact North Texas Allergy & Asthma Associates. We’re here to help keep you healthy and actively engaged in your daily life.