Asthma Overview
Appointments
Asthma Symptoms and Triggers
Most people with asthma have warning signs before symptoms appear. The warning signs are not the same for everyone. Your own warning signs may even be different from time to time. By learning what your warning signs are, you can start treatment sooner. This may keep you from having a serious asthma attack. The following are some of the warning signs of asthma or signs of an asthma attack:
- Breathing faster than normal
- Breathing trouble, which may be worse at night or in the early morning
- Cough, which may be worse at night or in the early morning
- Fast heartbeat
- Head chronically "stopped up"
- Itchy, scratchy or sore throat
- Shortness of breath
- Tight feeling in the chest
- Chronic exhaustion
- Wheezing
The possible causes of asthma symptoms or an asthma attack may be grouped into several categories:
- Allergens, including pollen, molds, animal dander, dust, dust mites and food additives
- Environmental conditions such as strong odors, cigarette smoke or fumes, air pollution and changes in air temperature
- Indoor pollutants such as perfumes, cleaning agents and other chemicals
- Stress, exercise or strong emotions
- Infections in the lungs or airways
Your doctor will help you determine which of the many causes are most likely to bring on your symptoms, so that you can avoid them whenever possible.
