Asthma Signs and Symptoms

Most people with asthma have periodic attacks separated by symptom-free periods. Some asthmatics have chronic shortness of breath with episodes of increased shortness of breath. Asthma attacks can last minutes to days and can become dangerous if the airflow becomes severely restricted.

The primary symptoms of asthma include:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing -- usually begins suddenly; may be worse at night or early in the morning; aggravated by exposure to cold air, exercise, heartburn and relieved with the use of bronchodilators (drugs that open the airways; see Medications)
• Chest tightness
• Cough (dry or with sputum) -- sometimes this is the only symptom

Call for emergency assistance if you have or are with someone having any of these serious symptoms:

• Extreme difficulty breathing or cessation of breathing
• Bluish color to the lips and face (called cyanosis)
• Severe anxiety
• Rapid pulse
• Profuse sweating
• Decreased level of consciousness (such as drowsiness or confusion)

Additional symptoms that may be associated with an asthma attack include:

• Flared nostrils
• Abnormal breathing pattern, in which exhalation takes more than twice as long as inhalation
• Use of the muscles between the ribs (called intercostals) to help with the increased work of breathing
• Coughing up blood (called hemoptysis)