Asthma affects the lungs and airways, and it is a long-term condition that causes swelling in the breathing tubes. When these tubes narrow, air struggles to move in and out of the lungs effectively. While people live with this condition daily, they might not immediately realize the severity of their symptoms. Here is more information on the signs of asthma in children and adults:
Difficult Breathing
Shortness of breath is typically very uncomfortable for anyone experiencing it. You might feel as though you cannot get enough air into your lungs, no matter how hard you try. This sensation can strike suddenly, or it may build up slowly over several hours or days. When your lungs cannot expand fully, simple tasks like walking up stairs become exhausting.
Breathing difficulties can manifest physically in the body’s posture and appearance. A person might hunch over to help their chest expand, or their nostrils might flare with every intake of breath. As the body struggles to pull in oxygen, the skin around the ribs or neck may suck inward. These visual cues signal that the respiratory system is working much harder than it should be.
Persistent Wheezing
Wheezing is typical with asthma attacks or flare-ups, and you might hear a high-pitched whistling noise when you breathe out. This sound occurs because the airways tighten, forcing air to move through a smaller opening. While some people only wheeze during exercise, others experience it while resting quietly.
Children often demonstrate this symptom differently from adults. A child might cough while playing, or they may complain that their chest feels funny or tight. Parents must listen closely to their child’s breathing patterns, especially after physical activity or during the night. If the whistling sound persists despite rest, it indicates that the airways remain constricted and inflamed.
Wheezing does not always mean a person is having a full-blown attack. Mild inflammation produces a faint whistle that is only audible with a stethoscope. You might not notice it yourself, but a doctor will hear it clearly during an exam. Before the issues escalate, pay attention to subtle changes in breathing sounds.
Occasional Gasping
Gasping for air is a severe sign that requires immediate attention. It happens when the airways are so blocked that normal breathing becomes nearly impossible. You might see someone stop speaking in full sentences because they constantly need to catch their breath. As this symptom indicates a significant reduction in oxygen flow, it rapidly affects the entire body.
Poor Sleeping
Sleep disruption is an indicator of uncontrolled asthma. You might wake up multiple times during the night, and this may be due to coughing fits or chest tightness. Because the body’s cortisol levels drop at night, inflammation in the airways often worsens while you sleep.
The impact of poor sleep extends into your daily life and activities. Fatigue makes it harder to concentrate at work or school, and it lowers your overall immune system function. Adults often dismiss this fatigue as stress, but persistent nighttime awakening warrants a medical discussion. You may have these nighttime symptoms:
- Waking with a dry cough
- Feeling breathless upon waking
- Having fatigue during the day
Get Treated for Asthma
Managing asthma starts with an accurate diagnosis from a healthcare professional. If you ignore symptoms, it may allow the inflammation in your airways to cause lasting damage. Early treatment prevents severe attacks and helps you maintain healthy lung function. Schedule an appointment with an asthma specialist today.
