5 Unusual Asthma Symptoms You Might Not Recognize

Asthma is a condition where the airways become narrowed, inflamed, and produce excess mucus, making it difficult to breathe. This can cause symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. For some individuals, asthma is a minor issue, while for others, it can be severe and potentially life-threatening. Let's explore the article for more insights.

CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED AS A SUBSTITUTE OF MEDICAL ADVICE. SEEK GUIDANCE OF YOUR DOCTOR REGARDING YOUR HEALTH AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS.

Symptoms

Asthma symptoms can vary from person to person. Some individuals experience occasional flare-ups, while others may only have symptoms during specific situations, like exercise, or may deal with them consistently. Common signs of asthma include shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, and wheezing — particularly when exhaling, which is common in children. Asthma can also disrupt sleep due to coughing or wheezing, and symptoms may worsen with colds or the flu.

Asthma may be worsening if symptoms become more frequent and troublesome, if breathing becomes more difficult (as indicated by a peak flow meter), or if there is an increased reliance on a quick-relief inhaler.

Tight chest

A tight chest can be a sign of asthma and may feel like a band squeezing around your chest, a dull ache, or even a sharp pain. In children, this sensation is sometimes described as a tummy ache. Chest tightness can come and go or be triggered by things like exercise, allergies, or cold air.

If it happens often, gets worse, or is accompanied by trouble breathing, wheezing, or coughing, it’s important to see a doctor. Proper asthma management can help relieve these symptoms and prevent more serious complications.

Trouble sleeping

Breathing problems during sleep are very common and can have serious health effects. They can lead to poor sleep quality, daytime fatigue, and trouble thinking clearly. Research also links sleep-related breathing issues to conditions like high blood pressure, heart problems, and insulin resistance.

People with asthma are more likely to have sleep disturbances, such as trouble falling asleep, frequent awakenings, and feeling tired during the day. The way asthma worsens in the morning can help doctors assess its severity and choose the right treatment. Managing asthma properly can improve sleep quality and reduce the impact of breathing issues during sleep.

Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath can be a sign of asthma, but it usually comes with other symptoms like coughing or wheezing. You might also experience chest tightness, fast breathing, fatigue during exercise, or trouble sleeping at night. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s best to check with your doctor.

They can run tests to see if asthma is the cause or if another health condition is behind it, ensuring you get the right treatment.

Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)

Wheezing when exhaling is one of the most common signs of asthma, especially in children. It may sound like a high-pitched whistling noise and can become more noticeable after physical activity or exposure to triggers like allergens or cold air.

Coughing or wheezing attacks can also get worse when you have a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu. These infections can make asthma symptoms more severe and harder to control.

If you or your child experience frequent wheezing, coughing that worsens with illness, or trouble breathing, it's important to see a doctor. They can assess the symptoms, provide a proper diagnosis, and recommend the best treatment to help manage asthma effectively.

Throat clearing

Throat clearing, much like a sore throat, can be linked to postnasal drip. Although it may seem unrelated to asthma, it can worsen your symptoms. Additionally, a small survey suggested that frequent throat clearing might be a sign of asthma in young children.

When to See a Doctor:

• If you think you have asthma – If you’re experiencing frequent coughing, wheezing, or other asthma symptoms that last more than a few days, see your doctor. Early treatment can help prevent long-term lung damage and keep symptoms from getting worse.
• To adjust your treatment – Asthma can change over time, so it’s important to review your symptoms with your doctor regularly and update your treatment plan as needed.
• For ongoing asthma management – If you’ve already been diagnosed, regular check-ups with your doctor can help keep your asthma under control and reduce the risk of serious attacks.
• If your symptoms worsen – If your medication isn’t working as well, or you need to use your quick-relief inhaler more often, contact your doctor right away.
• Never take more medication than prescribed without talking to your doctor first, as overuse can lead to side effects and may worsen your asthma.

Your feet do more than just help you get from one place to another — they can also provide valuable insights into your overall health. Be sure to check out our other article, where we highlight health clues your feet might be revealing about your body.