Asthma is a condition characterized by narrow airways that swell or tighten or inflame and are filled with mucus. This results in many respiratory problems, and the symptoms may vary in every individual. The symptoms may change with time, and knowing the signs is an important part of managing the illness and getting appropriate treatment. Keeping tabs on your symptoms to help guide your doctor is imperative. Read on to get some insight on early warning signs of asthma.

Some may experience symptoms and asthma attacks only while physical exertion and some could have persisting symptoms. The common early sign of asthma include:

• Shortness of breath
• Coughing at night
• Wheezing
• Nasal congestion
• Sore or itchy throat
• Headache
• Feel nervous or sad
• Fatigue
• Easily tired while working out
• Tightness in chest
• Runny nose and watery eyes
• Dark circles
• Clammy skin
• Grumpy, restless
• Sleeping troubles
• Pain or pressure in the chest

While these are the common symptoms, every individual may experience either of these or a combination of these at varied times. Similarly, the symptoms of an asthma attack vary with every episode. An asthma attack occurs when you have bronchospasm (tightened airways) due to inflammation and get swollen. It also produces thicker mucus, making it difficult for the patient to breathe or even talk.

Asthma attack symptoms include:

• Rapid breathing
• Anxiety and panic
• Difficulty talking
• Hunched shoulders
• Flaring nostrils
• Retraction of neck and chest
• Severe wheezing
• Tightening of neck and chest
• Cough that doesn’t stop
• Pale skin
• Sweating
• Gray or blue tint on the skin around the mouth
• Low peak flows

When these symptoms aren’t addressed, the condition worsens where the patient may have a silent chest – the chest tightens, and there isn’t enough room for air to pass. This condition is fatal and needs attention from emergency medical treatment.

If you keep a record of your symptoms, these are the pointers to make a note of:

• Peak flow trend
• Number of workdays/school missed due to asthma
• Mood swings
• Nights disrupted due to asthma
• If you catch a cold or any infection linked with the respiratory system
• How long a cold or flu stays
• Any changes in the symptoms
• Doctor visits, if any
• Emergency room and hospital visits, if any

Risk factors of asthma

There are many factors that contribute to this condition, some you may be able to control, and some may be out of your control. However, understanding the risk factors of an illness is the best way to prevent the disease.

• Among kids, boys are more prone to asthma, and among older adults, women are more likely to develop adult asthma.
• Family history
• Indoor allergens like dust mites, cockroaches, fungi, mold
• Atopy
• Exposure to pollution, smog, smoke, nitrogen and sulfur dioxide
• Cigarette smoking
• Obesity