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What are the symptoms of asthma?

Asthma symptoms vary from person to person over time. Asthma attacks can range from mild to severe and can change their severity at any given time.

Symptoms vary, depending on the severity of the airway obstruction. Airway obstruction prevents sufficient oxygen from reaching the alveoli, which means that less oxygen can be transferred to the blood. Sufferers don’t get enough air, which forces them to breathe harder and faster.

Asthmatics often experience a whistling (wheezing) sound as they breathe out – as the air is forced past the obstruction. They may also try coughing to dislodge the blockage, but this won’t help, as the bronchi themselves are constricted or their lining is thickened. There may also be thick mucus plugs that can’t be dislodged, no matter how hard you cough.

Asthma symptoms are often worse at night and in the early morning.

If you’re concerned about developing this condition, keep an eye out for the following symptoms:

Adults:
• Coughing which often occurs more frequently at night or with activity. It can be dry or wet and is persistent.
• An asthma wheeze.
• Shortness of breath or rapid, panting breath.
• Chest tightness.
• Tiring quickly during exercise.

Children:
• Fatigue and lack of stamina causing the child to slow down or stop playing.
• Coughing that often occurs more frequently at night or with activity. It can be dry or wet and is persistent.
• Complaints of chest pain.
• Avoidance and a refusal to participate in active sports and games.
• Asthma wheeze.

Infants:
• Rapid breathing.
• Grunting during feeding.
• Difficulty feeding.
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