People with asthma have symptoms when the airways are narrowed (bronchospasm),
swollen (inflamed), or filled with mucus. Common symptoms of asthma include:
- Coughing, especially at night
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness, pain, or pressure
Not every person with asthma has the same symptoms in the same way. You might
not have all of these symptoms, or you might have different symptoms at different
times. The symptoms might also vary from one asthma episode to the next, being
mild during one asthma episode and severe during another.
Some people with asthma might have extended symptom-free periods, interrupted
by periodic asthma episodes, while others have some symptoms every day. In
addition, some people with asthma might only have symptoms during exercise, or when
they are exposed to allergens or viral respiratory tract infections.
Mild asthma episodes are generally more common. Usually, the airways open up
within a few minutes to a few hours. Severe episodes are less common, but last
longer and require immediate medical help. It is important to recognize and
treat even mild symptoms to help you prevent severe episodes and keep asthma in
better control.
Early warning signs
Early warning signs are changes that happen just before or at the very
beginning of an asthma episode. These changes start before the well-known
symptoms of asthma and are the earliest signs that a person’s asthma is
worsening.
In general, these signs are not severe enough to stop a person from going
about his or her daily activities. By recognizing these signs, you can stop an
asthma episode or prevent one from getting worse. Early warning signs include:
- Frequent cough, especially at night
- Losing your breath easily or shortness of breath
- Feeling very tired or weak when exercising
- Wheezing or coughing after exercise
- Feeling tired, easily upset, grouchy, or moody
- Decreases or changes in a peak expiratory flow
- Signs of a cold, upper respiratory infection, or
allergies (sneezing, runny nose, cough, congestion, sore throat,
and headache)
- Trouble sleeping
If you have early warning signs or symptoms, you should take more asthma
medicine for flare-up or poor control as described in your Asthma Action Plan.
Symptoms of worsening asthma
If early warning signs and symptoms are not recognized and treated, the
asthma episode can progress and symptoms might worsen. As symptoms worsen, you
might have more difficulty performing daily activities and sleeping. Symptoms of
worsening asthma include:
- A cough that won’t go away (day and night)
- Wheezing
- Tightness in the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Poor response to medicines (bronchodilators)
Late, severe symptoms
When asthma symptoms become severe, you will be unable to perform regular
activities. If you have late, severe symptoms, follow the "Red Zone"
or emergency instructions in the Asthma Action Plan immediately. These symptoms
occur in life-threatening asthma episodes. You need medical help right away.
Late, severe symptoms include:
- Severe wheezing (both when breathing in and out)
- Coughing that won’t stop
- Very rapid breathing
- Inability to catch your breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Tightened neck and chest muscles (retractions)
- Difficulty talking
- Inability to fully exhale
- Feelings of anxiety or panic
- Pale, sweaty face
- Blue lips or fingernails
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 8/1/2008…#8953
