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There are usually telltale signs before a full-blown attack but these vary from person to person. Some experience an itchy chin or throat and a dry mouth. Still others may feel tired and irritable. Common warning signs include light wheezing, pain when coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath or restlessness. As an asthmatic you need to take note of these warning signals so that you can takes steps to help ward off a severe attack.

The different types of asthma include:

• Severe Persistent: Breathing is almost always a problem and you experience continual symptoms and frequent attacks interfere with normal activities. Peak flow decreases to less than 60%. Physical activity is limited. Attacks during the night are also frequent and medication doesn’t completely relieve the symptoms. Multiple long-term control medications are required, including high-dose inhaled corticosteroids and, where necessary, oral corticosteroids.
• Moderate Persistent: Symptoms occur every day or 5 or more nights a month. Attacks last up to seven days and limit activity. During attacks, peak flow decreases to between 60 – 80%. Inhaled corticosteroids with or without additional long-term control medications are used.
• Mild Persistent: Symptoms occur 3 to 6 times a week, or 3 to 4 nights a month. Peak flow doesn’t fall below 80% during attacks. Daily long-term medication is necessary.
• Mild intermittent: Symptoms occur at most twice a week. Attacks are brief and don’t limit activity. During attacks, peak flow doesn’t fall below 80% of the person’s best. No daily medication is needed. However, the use of a short-acting beta2-agonist more than twice per week may indicate the need to start long-term control therapy.

Did you know?
After an asthma attack, you can sometimes experience a “second wave” or another attack which is often more serious than the first. In the second wave, changes may take place in the air tubes which causes them to continue to swell, making it hard for you to breathe. This may happen without the usual tell-tale signs of an impending attack and can last for days or even weeks after the first attack. During this time your lungs may become more sensitive to other irritants which can trigger more attacks. Consult your doctor if your medication does not bring you any relief.

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