The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that asthma affects approximately 25 million Americans. Asthma symptoms occur when the muscles around the airways tighten and the airway lining swells. Mucus blocking the airways exacerbates the restricted airflow.
### What are the symptoms of asthma?
Asthma symptoms, although varying from person to person, commonly include:
- Difficulty breathing: Struggles in breathing, even during sleep, or while talking due to breathlessness.
- Persistent cough:
- Chest tightness: Tight or congested chest due to constricted airways.
- Wheezing:
- Fatigue: Physical exhaustion due to breathing difficulties.
A cough that occurs at specific times or after physical exertion.
Breathing with a whistling sound.
Asthma impacts both children and adults alike by causing swelling and narrowing of the airways due to muscle contractions or mucus blockages. Additionally, both can contract asthma from viruses, colds, the flu, or infections. Although there are similarities, symptoms can differ from individual to individual.
### Asthma Symptoms in Children
Pediatric asthma, or childhood asthma, is the most common chronic disease in children, affecting 8.4% of them. Children with asthma face greater challenges than adults, making asthma the leading cause of emergency hospitalizations in kids.
Common symptoms of pediatric asthma include:
- Frequent coughing
- Wheezing or whistling sound
- Shortness of breath
- Chest congestion
Additional problems asthma can cause in children:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Coughing worsened by viral infections
- Delayed recovery from illnesses
- Irregular breathing patterns post-physical activity
- Fatigue
### Asthma Symptoms in Adults
Asthma that first appears after the age of 20 is known as adult-onset asthma. Unlike children who might only need medication during asthma attacks, adults may require daily medication. Adult-onset asthma is often influenced by factors not present in childhood asthma.
Common symptoms of adult-onset asthma include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Dry cough
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Colds that progress to the chest
To treat asthma symptoms and prevent flare-ups, adults with asthma can use inhalers or oral medications that open the airways and reduce inflammation.
### Symptoms of Allergic Asthma
Both adults and children can experience allergic asthma, a respiratory condition where the airways tighten due to inhaled allergens like pollen, dander, and mold spores.
Symptoms of allergic asthma mirror those of general asthma and include:
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
Allergic asthma can also include symptoms resembling allergic reactions:
- Stuffy nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Rashes
- Hives
- Sneezing
Common allergens that can trigger allergic asthma include:
- Dander
- Pollen
- Mold
- Dust mites
- Cockroaches
- Smoke