Asthma Symptoms and Signs vary from one person to the other. You may have infrequent asthma attacks, have symptoms only at certain times — such as when exercising — or have symptoms all the time.
Asthma signs and symptoms include:
Coughing
One of the very first Asthma symptoms in adults to note is frequent coughing, especially at night. Inflammation and constriction of the breathing tubes in the lungs. Your only symptom may be a dry, nonproductive cough; you may also experience difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, a tight feeling in the chest, or wheezing.
Other Signs and Symptoms of Asthma in adults may include
- Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, or wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing when exhaling, which is a common sign of asthma in children
- Chest tightness or pain
Signs that your asthma is probably worsening include:
- Asthma signs and symptoms that are more frequent and bothersome
- Increasing difficulty breathing, as measured with a device used to check how well your lungs are working (peak flow meter)
- The need to use a quick-relief inhaler more often
For some people, asthma signs and symptoms increase in certain situations:
- Allergy-induced asthma, triggered by airborne substances, such as pollen, mold spores, cockroach waste, or particles of skin and dried saliva shed by pets (pet dander)
- Exercise-induced asthma, which may be worse when the air is cold and dry
- Occupational asthma, triggered by workplace irritants such as chemical fumes, gases or dust