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Symptoms of Asthma

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The symptoms of asthma vary from one person to another, both in frequency and in severity. Alternating periods in which the patient is asymptomatic with others in which severe asthmatic episodes appear. Due to this variation, it is important to distinguish the symptoms of diagnosis and those of exacerbation.

Wheezing or “whistles”. They are the sounds that the air makes on passing through the airways that are narrow and obstructed. They are usually heard in the exhalation period (when the air comes out).

Cough. It can be dry or accompanied by mucus. It can take the form of a coughing fit and, usually, it is mainly nocturnal, which can affect sleep and the night-time rest of the patient.

Dyspnoea or shortness of breath. It appears on doing exercise. In the event of an exacerbation of the asthma, the dyspnoea can appear at rest and, even can make speech laboured.

Chest oppression. It is a generalised feeling of tightness in the chest.

Nasal symptoms. Such as irritation, sneezing, and blockage.

When to go to emergency services?

One must go to emergency services when there is an uncontrolled reaction of the asthma, and there are the following symptoms:

Shortness of breath, even at rest.

Bluish colour in the lips or face (cyanosis).

Rapid pulse.

Change in mental lucidity.

Anxiety.

Sweating.

Chest pain.

Substantiated information by:

Alejandra Lopez Giraldo Pneumologist Pneumology and Allergy Department

Antonio Valero Santiago Allergist Pneumology and Allergy Department

Irina Bobolea Allergist Pneumology and Allergy Department

Rosa Cortés Aguilar Nurse Pneumology and Allergy Department

Published: 20 February 2018
Updated: 20 February 2018

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