Common Symptoms of Asthma

Common symptoms of asthma may include wheezing, coughing, a tightness in the chest and excessive mucus in the lungs. To fully understand and diagnose the common symptoms of asthma, it is important to take a look at the definition of asthma itself and some of the factors that may contribute to the development of asthma in an individual.

Features

Asthma is a complex illness and can be defined in many ways. There are three overall contributing factors leading to the development of asthma. First, there is an airway obstruction in which the the airways of the lungs or bronchial tubes are narrowed. Airway obstruction is a common symptom of asthma that may be caused by environmental factors, allergies or stress. Because air can no longer flow smoothly in these passageways, obstruction occurs. However, because these tubes which allow air to pass through can dilate, and open, this type of obstruction is considered reversible. In this way, asthma can be distinguished from other types of bronchial illnesses like bronchitis and emphysema, in which the obstruction is irreversible. Often the bronchial tubes or lungs will narrow in such a way as to resemble a muscle cramp in that there is a tightening of the muscle, constricting air flow.

Theories/Speculation

Secondly, inflammation is considered an important leading cause and common symptom of asthma. Bronchial tubes in an asthma patient typically are red and swollen. A bronchoscope is a device a physician inserts into the bronchial tubes to obtain samples of the lining and mucous secretions. Looking at these samples of cells under a microscope will help the physician to determine if there are asthma mediator cells which have been released during episodes of high inflammation or an actual asthma attack. Often there is also a "remodeling" of the bronchial tissue itself where it becomes thicker and more swollen.

Identification

According to Francis V. Adams, MD, in "The Asthma Sourcebook," a third defining feature of asthma is hyperirritability. This is an action of the bronchial tubes where they tend to "overreact" and narrow to stimuli. Often patients who are susceptible to this feature have rapid and severe asthma attacks in reaction to animal dander, dust, and fumes. This is considered a hyperactive reaction of the lungs and bronchial tubes to external factors and may need further testing in a doctor's office to rule out other factors.

Types

There are two basic types of asthma: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic asthma is commonly developed in childhood, with many of its patients experiencing attacks triggered by exposure to allergens such as pollens, dust, animal dander, foods and molds. Often with the extrinsic type, there is a family history of relatives with allergies or asthma. Allergy shots are often recommended for these patients as a way of desensitizing them from the allergens. About 75 percent of these patients remain asthmatic for life. However, they also tend to experience longer symptom-free periods.

Identification

On the other hand, intrinsic asthma patients often develop the disease later in life as adults. The trigger for these attacks is usually an infection that involves the lower respiratory tract such as bronchitis or pneumonia. The intrinsic group patients do not always have a history of allergies and they often produce negative allergy test results. After the diagnosis is made, further attacks are often induced by less severe infections. This group has fewer symptom-free days and often will require medication for life.

Effects

The most common symptoms of asthma are coughing and wheezing, which is evidence that there is an airway obstruction. Coughing is a prominent symptom, and the doctor will inquire as to what type of phlegm is being produced. Nasal symptoms, sinus pain and frequent sinus infections are all signs that there may be asthmatic problems. In addition, asthmatic symptoms can present themselves with skin rashes, or hives. Another common symptom of asthma is a diminished sense of smell or taste. A relationship between asthma and hormonal changes should also be explored. Women often note an increase in their asthma symptoms of wheezing and coughing shortly before their period. Stress is often seen as a contributing factor to making asthma symptoms worse by further constricting the airways and inducing symptoms of coughing, a tightening chest and wheezing. Emotional stress is also taken into consideration when discussing possible causes of asthma symptoms.

Prevention/Solution

Provide your physician with a thorough family history, discuss what your occupation is and if you are exposed to irritating chemicals, dust or fumes. Let your physician know how you react to changes in temperature, humidity, cigarette smoke, fumes or odors. Also bear in mind, that food allergies and drug allergies like penicillin or aspirin may be contributing to your asthma symptoms. Your doctor will review all of these things with you to determine the best course of action for your asthma symptoms.