Asthma is a chronic lung disease in which the lining of the airways become inflamed and swollen and muscle spasms restrict the flow of air to the lungs. It is a relatively common condition and the incidence of the disease has grown in recent years.
If you experience difficulty breathing, a tight feeling in the chest, coughing, and wheezing, you may suffer from asthma. Sometimes a chronic cough is the only symptom, and many of these cases go undiagnosed. The symptoms of asthma are most frequently noted at night and in the morning, but an asthma episode can happen at any time. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening attacks that require immediate emergency treatment.
Some signs & symptoms of asthma may include:
- Recurrent wheezing
- Coughing
- Trouble breathing
- Chest tightness
- Particular symptoms occur or worsen at night
- Particular symptoms that are triggered by cold air, exercise or exposure to allergens
